Chapter 25: Beach Birds (part 2) – Katniss POV
"I love feeling you… in my arms." Pollux whispered in my ear as effortlessly carried me in the ocean.
We were almost shoulder deep, or rather he was, while I had my legs wrapped around his waist as he carried me and I rested my cheek on his shoulder. I had my nose practically tucked against his neck, so I took that moment to press a kiss against the light stubble of a beard there.
"And I love being in your arms, Pollux. Being with you just like this, i love it... and I love you." I told him and squeezed my arms and legs slightly tighter against him.
"I love you to... and I don't ever want … to let you go." He told me as he also tightened his hold on me.
"You never have to… I'd never let you go." I chuckled lightly and smiled when I felt him chuckle too.
I pulled my head off is shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Will you come back to Twelve with me, or would you want me to come with you to your district?" I asked him seriously, and genuinely eager for either reply.
"I was hoping to ask you traditionally, but Katniss Everdeen is hardly a traditional girl." He smirked and I clucked my tongue and his jape, but he continued.
"Katniss, it would make me the… luckiest and happiest man alive … to have the opportunity to go to bed… with you every night and … wake up with you in my arms every morning… to share our meals together… while we recount stories our of days. Now, I know … how soon this is, believe me … But, what do you say, would you consider… living together?" He asked me and all I could do was smile widely, before I shouted my reply ecstatically.
"Of course! I'd love to live with you!" I exclaimed and kissed him soundly!
After our enthusiastic kiss slowed, I realized something that made me giggle. "But Pollux, as traditional as your request was … I'm afraid you didn't really answer my question." I told him and saw a slight confusion on his features, before realization dawned on him.
"We can live anywhere you want. I only have a small… place, but you're more than… welcomed there if you want out of Twelve. We can even look… for a bigger place there if that's … what you want. I'd also be perfectly… content to move to Twelve. I'll leave that up to you." He told me and I had no doubts of his sincerity, so I thought about it for a few moments as he patiently waited for my answer.
"You've been to my house in Twelve, so you know what that's like. How about, I come with you to your home after this trip? If you want me to, that is. I can get to know your home then we can decide together. What do you think?" I asked him, suddenly apprehensive that he might not want me interloping in his home after all.
"Silly beautiful girl. Why do you look … so nervous all of a sudden? I think that's a great... idea, actually. I can't wait to … show you all of nothing … much of my small place." He said jovially, and eliminated any doubts that had begun growing within me.
"Not nervous exactly, just wondering if I hadn't overstepped by inviting myself to your place." I admitted, but smile when he rolled his eyes at me with a smile
"As I said, silly girl. Haven't you realized it yet…have I not told… you enough?" He asked and kissed me deeply and far too quickly than I'd prefer. When he pulled back, he continued. "I want you with me, always… wherever I am. And even if it's … not much… I want you to see… my home." He finished sincerely and his words touched my heart, because I knew he meant them.
"Good." I nodded, and kissed him again. "For the record, I want you with me always too." I told him as we resumed our peaceful floating together for a little while.
We didn't need to be talking to fill the silence between us, I've been learning. These quiet times between us are so peaceful. Just like being in his arms fill me with happiness and reassurance that everything really can be okay. I'll never be able to pinpoint just when it happened exactly, but I have well and truly fallen so in love with him. Just thinking the words, bring a sigh out of me and makes me tighten myself around him again. I'm sure he must understand my silent actions, because he does the same and I can feel his love for me in his actions too.
"Hey Love Birds, you don't mind sharing the ocean do you?" We heard Johanna call out from the shore.
When we turned our heads in that direction, I saw Effie and Cressida sitting in the shallow edge letting the small waves lap over their legs. I also saw Annie heading back towards the shore with Finn in her arms. But it was Johanna's position that got my attention. She was standing at the very edge of the water with Enobaria holding her hand. I don't think the water could actually reach her feet, but I knew her closeness was a feat all its own, and I let out a quiet gasp.
"What?" Pollux asked quietly beside me as I felt my heart thunder in my chest as I waved at them.
"It's Jo. It must be hard for her to be that close to the water. I'm so proud of her. She caught me off guard, that's all." I answered.
I saw him nod his head and he began walking us closer to them, almost as if he knew that's what I wanted to do. Even though I didn't want to make a scene out Jo's small accomplishment, but I wanted to be close enough to offer my support, in case she needed it. I noticed when she realized my intentions because she shot me a small discrete wink and I smiled at her.
None of us mentioned her proximity to the water's edge, as we chatted about nothing important and watched as Annie helped Finn try to rebuild his fallen castle on the sand. Yet, her bravery was definitely noticed by us all, and that must have included the guys that had remained by the towels. From the looks of it, they were setting up a grill of sorts, but Peeta left Gale and Haymitch behind, as he moved towards us. I had a feeling it had less to do with helping Finn and more to do with supporting Johanna as well. She noticed his approach and smiled at him before taking a step forward.
No one said anything at all, but we were probably all holding our breaths as the wave gently reached her toes. I noticed she shut her eyes and grip Enobaria's hand tighter. Suddenly, Finn's voice broke the tension.
"Jo, water fun!" He exclaimed happily and I saw Johanna's release her lips from the bite she'd held them in and break into a small smile.
"Yeah, Buddy, the water can be fun." She replied, mustering up a reply for him.
"Come splash!" He called out to her, and I saw her frown slightly, until a determined look crossed her features.
"I… I'm coming Little Man." She replied a bit shakily.
That's when she astonished us all. Rather than retreat to the sand to make her way to Finn, she walked in deeper into the water, more towards me. I found myself disentangling myself from Pollux to be ready for anything. I still remember how she'd panic and thrash about if water became too much for her. I was even more surprised when she released Enobaria's hand as she made it knee deep into the water. She was biting her lip again and I knew she was concentrating on good thoughts, I imagined. When a wave pushed up against her thighs I noticed her pause and I moved up next to her.
"Hey Jo, mind if I help you and Finn splash that castle?" I asked, trying to distract her, and she turned to me and I saw the gratitude in her smile before she answered affirmatively.
When Johanna finally reached Finn's side, he looked up at her with a wide expectant smile that could melt even the toughest of hearts, and I knew Jo was no different. Peeta stood up from his knees and put his hand on Johann's shoulder in what I interpreted to be a sign of support and affection. After all, they'd been the only support each other had back when… when they'd been… tortured together.
Damn, that's still so hard to think about – My mind reasoned, before I shook those negative thoughts from my mind.
I cleared my throat and well, and took in the scene before me. Johanna was seated beside Finn on the sand. A little further from the water than him, but still letting the waves reach her. She was solely focused on Finn and the falling sandcastle. Somewhere deep in my heart I felt that wherever Finnick was, he'd be just as proud of Jo as we all seemed to be. I felt my head tip up towards the sky and gave a silent thanks, hoping my message could somehow reach him.
"Hey guys, Gale and I finished at the grill. We have some sausages and some corncobs ready, in case you're hungry." Haymitch's voice alerted us to his approach.
When I looked up, I saw he only had eyes for Johanna and a soft proud smile on his lips. I wondered if she felt the weight of his stare, because she looked up at him and smiled right back at him. She looked as proud of herself as we did, and it filled me with joy.
"Finn, Haymitch made some yummy food. Are you hungry?" She asked Finn and when he nodded, she picked him up and just before she got too far, I'm sure I heard her mutter "He didn't win" as she made her way towards the grill that Gale was watching over.
"That. Was. Amazing." Annie commented, taking the words right out of our mouths.
"I knew she could so it." Enobaria added with a wide grin.
"It might be the hormones, but I feel like an emotional mess. I'm just glad I didn't make a spectacle of myself." Effie said with a chuckle as she wiped under her eye.
"Me too." Cressida joined in and I saw her blink her eyes rapidly.
"I am so damn proud. Not to be a downer, but you guys don't know… you just can't imagine." Peeta's thick voice grabbed my attention and I frowned when I saw the sad look upon his face, then suddenly it lip up and she chuckled before continuing. "She's come so far... I'm just so damn proud. He didn't permanently break us." He said simply and stood up, ready to follow after Johanna and Finn.
It wouldn't take a genius to guess whom Peeta was thinking about with that statement, and I was pretty sure that was who Jo was referring to as well. At Peeta's words though, I felt the truth of them pulsating through me. It turned into a mental chant, almost. I'd lost a lot, we all had … but we were on the mend; we are healing. Jo was right too of course, Snow didn't win.
"No, he didn't. We're living proof that he couldn't, and none of the lives we lost will ever be in vain. We'll continue to prove that with ever happy memory we make in what's left of our lives." I said to them and I saw them all nod at me.
"Well said, Mockingjay." Annie said as she wiped a tear from her cheek but her lips were smirking at me. "That's exactly what Finnick would have said to you." She told me with a snicker, making us all smile.
"Exactly right you are." Haymitch confirmed. "Then he'd say, 'now let's get some grub… these aren't the Hunger Games' with that dry humor of his." Haymitch mimicked Finnick's voice almost perfectly, making us all laugh as we followed after him.
As we walked, I put an arm around Annie's shoulders and she put one around my waist too. I wanted to check that she was okay with us bringing Finnick up in our conversations. She must have realized it, because she spoke up.
"I'm okay; it feels good to remember him outloud with friends, and without any guilt or pain." She told me.
By midday, after we'd eaten our fill of snacks, Finn seemed to become sleepy. I offered to take him back up the path that lead to the house, but Peeta said he could do it. Then Annie said Finn always prefers to let Peeta set him down for his nap, and I noticed a wistful look on her face as she watched Peeta tenderly holding Finn in his arms s he walked away.
I moved to sit by her, and arched an eyebrow at her. She looked at me closely, but then pretended to be interested in something Cressida was discussing with Effie nearby. I saw her subtly glance in my direction, but I had not changed my face towards her at all, and I saw her sigh in acceptance of being caught.
"That's right Missy. Don't try to ignore me. You know I saw that look. Care to explain?" I asked her, putting on my best 'I mean business' look.
"Ooh, explain what?" Cressida asked, pulling everyone else's attention to us, making Annie's cheeks blush.
"Nothing." Annie responded forcefully and trying to glare at me, but I wasn't having it.
"Nothing... I'm sure. Did anyone else happen to catch the wistful, almost loving look Annie sent towards Peeta a few moments ago?" I asked, ready to bring some of my prior observations to light.
"Shucks, I didn't … But I have seen the ones Peeta sends her when he thinks no one is looking." Cressida added, full of mischief in her voice.
"Really? Do elaborate." Effie asked, clearly adding to Cressida's tone.
"Boys, sounds like the Chatterbox Counsel is now in session. I think I'll go swim some laps and leave the ladies to it, what do you guys say?" Gale asked and the boys agreed, then headed for the water, except Haymitch. He said he needed to use the restroom and followed after Peeta.
"I believe I've caught some of Peeta's glances as well, Cressida. But it's not just that they're close… it's almost like they're very in tuned with what the other is doing or will need. He's even gotten that way with Finn. Annie, haven't you noticed?" I asked and saw the other girls nod along, agreeing with my assessment.
"I don't know what to say. Besides, anything you might be reading into, it's not like it will come to any sort of fruition anyway, so why dwell on it?" Annie replied and I could tell she was putting on a brave front for us. I just wasn't sure why.
"Why do you say that, Annie?" Cressida asked her gently, before I could ask the same thing.
"Isn't it obvious?" Annie asked, almost sounding desperate. "He could have any girl. Any girl would be thrilled to have him too." She said, as if that was any kind of explanation we'd understand.
"I'm sure he could. I just don't see what you mean by that, sweetie." Effie chimed in.
"What I mean is, he is war hero and Panem's most eligible bachelor." She said and we remained silent, waiting for her to make some sense as to what the big deal what. When none of us reacted to her words, she went on. "Why admit that I've fallen for him, when he wouldn't want a single mother, that's also a crazy widow?"
She's fallen for him but her words seemed to help us understand she didn't think she was good enough for him. Granted, Peeta is one of a very small group of men that consider the best there is, but Annie is definitely among the strongest women I know as well. In my eyes, they're already a perfect match, and it hurt that she felt this way about herself. I'm pretty sure Peeta wouldn't think that about her either. I was just about to voice my opinion, when Cressida spoke again.
"What if I told you that Peeta has also fallen for you?" Cressida asked with a smile.
"I'd say you're definitely misjudging our friendship." Annie said with a humorless chuckle, but Cressida wasn't deterred in the slightest.
"Without betraying the trust he placed in me when he confided in me, I will say that you're the one that's wrong by misinterpreting things between you." Cressida spoke way too confidently, for this to be a matter of opinion. She knew something, I realized.
"I don't think I am. He confided in you?" Annie said, and questioned what Cressida might know.
"Sure did. I fact, if you'd have let him talk first that morning after, he'd have laid his true feelings out for you. Unfortunately, when you told him what great of friends and roommates you are, he chickened out." Cressida said all in one breath, looking mighty proud of herself while Annie's eyes opened wide.
"What morning was this?" Effie asked curiously "After what?" she asked innocently.
Just as I was beginning to realize she meant, it was called out by the one and only Johanna. "Holy shit! You and Peeta finally slept together?"
"What?" Effie asked, sounding scandalized but Annie's eyes were comically wide and she looked between each of us.
"How was it?" Johanna asked, completely inappropriately but her voice full of wonder.
"Oh my. Um…" Annie sighed and closed her eyes, before finally spilling the beans. "Okay… It was about a week ago. It was wonderful and beautiful, actually. I thought… I thought I'd feel guilty because of Finnick, but it wasn't like that at all. Peeta made me feel… I don't know, treasured and I really needed that. As I said, it was beautiful." Annie told us, and I felt my heart swell for her and Peeta having shared something so nice.
"But then, what happened in the morning, Deary?" Effie asked.
"I don't even know, exactly. I know I woke up feeling great, not at all guilty or ashamed. Yet, in the light of day, my mind realized the differences between him and me. I guess, I just resigned myself to feeling grateful it happened at all. I didn't want him to feel like I was trying to trap him or anything. As I said, he deserves someone better. When he finds her, then I'll find the way to let him go." She finished and my heart broke a little for her.
"Annie, I don't want any other girl." Peeta's voice suddenly cut through us and I heard Annie gasp as we turned to find him coming out from behind one of the palm trees behind us.
"Peeta… what, how?" Annie asked barely above a whisper.
"I have Effie and Haymitch to thank for getting me back here. He said there was something I had to listen to, took Finn and handed me his phone. I heard everything." Peeta answered as he tossed Haymitch's phone on one of the towels and I saw Effie putting hers back inside her pocket with a satisfied grin.
I realized immediately that she'd done for Peeta and Annie, the same thing Pollux had done for her and Haymitch. Tricky-tricky, Effie, and very clever – I thought to myself with a smile as I watched Peeta approach Annie. She seemed to be frozen to her spot. When he reached her, he held out his hand and she slid her hand into his, allowing him to hoist her up. Once she was standing before him, he leaned in.
"I only want you, Annie. I love you and I truly hope you believe me when I tell you that I want to make a life with you and Finn. Maybe add a couple more... if you'll have me. I'd say this might be fast for some, but I don't believe it is for us, so i'm going for it. Will you marry me, Annie?" His words, made all our hearts melt at once and stare at them in suspense.
Her eyes fell closed and I saw a tear slide out of the corner of her eye before she answered, "Yes." Then they were kissing and we all clapped like loons.
xoxoxoxox
A/N: Even i didn't see that coming until it was pouring from my mind, and onto my fingertips while I typed! I hope you enjoyed it :D