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

25. Chapter 25 - Second Chances

Chapter 25 – Second Chances

AN: There are times I just don't feel inspired to write after editing someone's else work. There is nothing motivating after editing 8 hours a day and going home to write. Then, I get inspiration when I read my reviews. You guys are awesome. You know who you are as you take the time to leave a review. I do truly appreciate it. There are no words sometimes, and I'm a writer which makes me laugh at the irony. As always many thanks to Cassie Sharpie, pistonsfan75, MaidenAlice, Dinkydi, brandie2007, Anon, mar071, mspriss523, pumpkinking5, SnapSnapeSevRusSnape, LACR, 32sheshe, Darkharvest45, jroseley, J, Nai1987, DramionEverlarklover26, IcyPinkLemonade, Agua Rules and guests. This chapter has Gale, Prim and Katniss' POVs with the rating of R for strong language use and reference to sex. A fair warning that the rating will change from R to M in the near future. Please excuse any mistakes found. Hunger Games and all main characters belongs to Suzanne Collins. I just borrow them for entertainment purposes. This chapter is pretty long so buckle your seat belts, folks.

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Gale POV ––

I awakened to a cold gray room the size of storage closet. This was my new home; it was sparse with a small bed and couple of drawers for my belongings. There were no windows since I discovered that 13 was hidden deep within an underground cave system.

The first couple of days I felt stifled, claustrophobic and queasy. I missed the forest, the open air and sun pelting my skin. I missed my family––mom, my two brothers and sister. Surprisingly, I hadn't thought of Katniss since my arrival as my mind was too preoccupied by my new home and occupants. I am alone, friendless and homesick.

With a deep sigh, I sat up form my uncomfortable bed and reached into a storage drawer. Not that I had a lot to store but it was just enough to hold four uniforms, boots, socks, undershirts and underwear––District 13 daily garments. Since my arrival I have all but been ignored. I knew no one but the girl who found me. My introduction to 13 was not as glamorous as I had hoped.

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Flashback ––

"Stop, raise your hands in the air and turn around." I raised my hands high and turned. "Put your hands up and drop to your knees," a female voice ordered me. What greeted me was a tall female her red hair pulled back with sparkling green eyes as she aimed a rifle to my head. She was vision. I had never seen a girl with vibrant red hair before. I was awestruck by her beauty. A piece of cloth covered her mouth. "Are you deaf?" she asked me. "I said put your hands behind your head and close your eyes." I grunted as she fired a shot close to my knees. I closed my eyes. Sweat gathered on my forehead as the sun beat across my face. I heard her approached me. Then I felt cold steel on my wrists as I was cuffed.

"Who are you? And what are you doing in my woods?" she interrogated me. I opened my eyes. The next thing I knew she butted my stomach with her rifle.

"Did I tell you, you could open your eyes?" I flinched from the impact but remained upright as I was bent over to catch my breath.

"I…I…" I struggled to form words.

"Talk or I'll put a bullet in your head," she said as I felt the muzzle of her rifle on my temple.

A second later a voice joined hers. "Damnit Bailey," he spat. "You should have waited for me."

"I have things under control," she returned to her companion.

"I see," he said with a tinge of amusement in his tone. "Is he––?"

"I don't know. I was just about to ask." She pressed the rifle deeper into my temple. "Who are you?"

"My name is Gale Hawthorne," I answered her. My mind spun with confusion and fear. 'I didn't know who they were. Could I trust them? Are they from 13?' I had no recourse but to answer them.

"Prove it," she said. 'Prove it?' How does one prove it? It wasn't as if I had anyone to confirm my identity. "Where are you from? And who sent you?"

I had no choice, but believe they were from District 13. Why else would they be out in the woods? "My name is Gale Hawthorne," I repeated. "I am from District 12. I was sent by Haymitch Abernathy to find District 13."

"Who? The District 12 victor?" the male voice asked. "Why would ––"

"Be quiet, Douglas," she girl retorted. "There is no District 13." I swallowed a ball of saliva caught in my throat. My head ached. My knees were sore from kneeling on the hard ground.

"Well, not according to the MockingJay," I said. She gasped.

"You know the MockingJay?"

"He's the one who sent me with the help of Abernathy." This was the moment of truth.

"Do you believe him?" her male counterpart asked.

"I don't know."

"What should we do?" I sighed. "If he's our contact with 12, he's two days early."

"I know," she added. "We have to take him. We made contact and if we let him go, he might be a spy…he could go back to the Capitol, to Snow to verify––"

"I'm not a spy for Snow or the Capitol," I spat back. "What is it going to take for you to believe me?" I was tired, sore, hungry and pissed.

"Bailey, we don't have a choice," he said. "We have to take him with us."

"I agree." My relief was palpable as I felt my body relaxed. Finally.

"So can I get up now and get rid of the…" The next thing I knew the world turned black.

I woke up bound by my ankle to a metallic chair wearing my boxer shorts. The air was cold and arid. I winced as light hit my eyes as I opened them.

Four people stood in front of me their arms crossed in front of their chest. I recognized the girl I encountered in the woods.

"He's come to, ma'am," she announced to them. The room was well lit with not a stick of furniture but the chair I occupied. An older woman with silver white hair approached me.

"Where am I?" I said my voice raspy and breath harsh. "Who are you people?" I was filled with fear and anxiety. And like a trapped animal I reacted with anger. "Release me now."

"Hello Gale," the silver hair woman spoke her voice calm but firm.

"Who the hell are you? And where am I?" I said as I gritted my teeth.

"My name is Alma Coin. Welcome to District 13."

End of Flashback ––

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That was my introduction to my new home and world. I learned that red girl bonked me on the head and dragged me to the underground dwelling. It was embarrassing and humiliating as I discovered that my hands and feet were tied to a pole and brought in like a pig on a stick ready for roasting. It was an image that stuck to people's mind when they first saw me. Because of it my nickname was 'pig boy.' It was a title I have earned since then because on my first meal amongst them. I ate like a pig inhaling my food within seconds.

I looked at the clock that was set to ring at exactly 5:45 am. Everyone rose at that hour no matter what. The first meal was served at 6am. If you missed it you didn't eat until lunch. No exceptions. Breakfast consisted of a bowl of oatmeal and a biscuit with jam, coffee or tea. Not that I had complained since I ate daily which was rare. By lunchtime I'm starving and thirsty. Everything was rationed, meals, clothes and activity. I was bored to death, as I wasn't allowed outside to hunt or snare games. It wasn't necessary or safe.

A few days after residing my new home, I was introduced to a man named Boggs. He was huge guy that spoke little but commanded respect with his presence. Many looked up to him. I learned of him by reputation not my personal contact so when he appeared at my doorstep I was surprised by his presence.

"President Coin requires your presence in the command center," he said. "Follow me." Not a 'hello my name is Boggs' or some other polite introduction or conversation. I followed behind him as we entered an elevator, then through a long corridor that felt endless. I found myself standing in front of none other than the President and leader of District 13, Alma Coin––the woman who introduced herself as I sat in my boxers cuffed to a chair and freezing to death.

"Please have a seat Hawthorne," she said as I sat down across her. A wide metallic table separated us. I looked about the room. There were several monitors each designating the twelve districts plus the Capitol. On District Nine the monitor displayed a group of rebels attacking and stealing grain from tall silos that were stored for the Capitol. In District 11, they destroyed a distillery and in District 10 they confiscated frozen meat and products that were on route to the Capitol. My eyes grew wide as I focused on a figure present in each district. In every raid there a man dressed in black from top to bottom covering his head not revealing his identity. His main weapon was a bow and arrow which he used with great precision and skill.

"It's seem that your MockingJay has been very busy," she said her eyes on the datapad in front of her.

"I guess," I said in a sheepish manner. I had little knowledge of his activities. "He's doing a lot more than you are." I snickered with an air of pride and defiance.

"I don't think you understand the nature of politics or warfare," she rebutted. "A good politician or even a commander knows when to strike and when to retreat. District 13 in the eyes of Snow doesn't know we exist."

"So you let MockingJay and the rest of the districts fight while you what…sit back and do the fighting for you?"

"You're MockingJay has a lot to learn about tactical warfare. You cannot just gather a group of men and attack your enemy. There is strategy, military unity and leadership to have a successful war. All the districts are functioning on their own striking at places without so much as a plan." She pointed to a screen. "For example, the rebels in District 7 stopped and attacked a train carrying materials to the Capitol hoping to hijack it back to an undisclosed abandon area. They were low in man power and were outgunned. Do you know what was the result of their…plan? The train was derailed, innocents lives were lost and the materials which they planned to confiscate were destroyed."

"It's not MockingJay's fault that their plan failed," I argued.

"No? You don't think that it's his fault that he didn't think things through," she said a cool manner. There was arrogance in her tone. "Then as your leader who is to blame, who is to take responsibility for the repercussions and consequences? A good leader accepts responsibility for the failure or consequences for those under his command. You don't point a finger and lay the blame on someone else. He is and should be blamed for any failure enacted during war."

I gritted my teeth. The MockingJay had done more for Panem then anyone. He was my hero. I would follow him to my death to fight beside him.

"President Coin," I voice piped into her intercom. "You have a transmission on your private line."

"Who is it from?"

"Ma'am, it's the MockingJay," he announced. Wow, I didn't know that he had direct communication with 13. This was a monumental moment for me. President Coin turned her eyes to me. "He's on the audio channel ma'am."

"Patch it through," she ordered. I took a deep breath.

"This is President Coin," she announced herself into a microphone.

"What the hell was that?" MockingJay said his voice hard and cold.

"Hello, Jay," she returned in a cool and officious manner.

"Don't fucking hello me, Alma," he seethed back. "I told you…you were not to use any footage without my permission."

"It seems then we had come into a misunderstanding." She tilted her head. "We accepted your assistance I believed we both agreed that I your image was to be used at my discretion."

"With the condition that anything remotely used with my image, voice or words were approved by me," he added. "You're last broadcast caused more damage to people I care about."

"I don't understand."

"Don't you fucking lie to my face and feign ignorance. You know what I'm talking about," he said. I could tell he was restraining his anger as his harsh breath filtered through the audio feed.

"Oh, if you mean by using the young Mellark boy in the last transmission," she reiterated. "I didn't realize that he was your sole property to use as you saw fit."

"Listen to me, I regrettably made the mistake of…using Mellark in my first broadcast. I'll never forgive myself for causing him harm."

"War has casualties, you know that Jay," she reminded him. "Whether they are innocent or not, many lives will be sacrificed for the good of Panem."

"Peeta Mellark was an miscalculated factor. I saw an opportunity but didn't think of the consequences of my actions. Now, I have to live with the fact because of my ambition I have made that boy a target. He's just a boy that didn't deserve the attention from Snow. I used him and I'll never forgive myself for that."

"You're getting soft, Jay," she stated. "We have rebellion in the midst and you're worried about one boy amongst thousands of children throughout Panem that are suffering."

"All lives are important to me whether it's one boy or 12 tributes," he retorted. Jay's comment reminded me that the reaping ceremony was in a couple of weeks. I was stuck in 13 doing nothing but sweep the floors after meals and do laundry for hundreds of people I didn't know. Jobs I considered not worthy of my time. I was better suited to tasks to help out for the rebellion. I wanted to train and fight.

I thought of my brother, Rory and Vick. What would happen to them if one of them were chosen? I berated myself for not thinking things through. My family needed me and I abandoned them for a chance to fight for the rebellion that might not happen if both Coin and MockingJay were at odds with each other. What have I done?

"Well, what's done is done," Coin voiced.

"You will not use my voice or my image without my permission again or…"

"Or what?" she repeated back.

"You will not have my cooperation or my help," he threatened. "I have the men and women that you need for this revolution."

"And I have the arms and supplies. You need me––"

"And you need me," he returned. "Face it, we need each other." There were in a stand off. Each leader had different tactics and ideas of how the rebellion should be handled. The room was quiet for a few awkward moments as both Coin and Jay refused to back down.

"Before you go there is somewhere I know you would like to speak to you," Coin mentioned. It was obvious she was dismissing Jay. "I believe you wanted to talk to him to validate his safe arrival at 13."

"Sir, it's me Gale Hawthorne," I said without waiting for Coin to finish her conversation with him.

"Hawthorne, I'm so glad you made it," he said. "I knew you would. If there was one person I knew who could complete the mission it was you."

"Thank you sir," I stated with a pleased and proud tone. "Thank you for your vote of confidence."

"I had some misgivings but you proved me wrong," he admitted. I winced as recalled my conversations with Haymitch and Mr. Everdeen. How they were disappointed in me in my choices and behavior towards Katniss and Peeta.

"Have you any news of my family?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, Gale but I have…no news to give you. I hoped that Abernathy could be in contact with you in 12 but… I was advised that communication must be limited."

"I understand sir," I said. After my talk with Jay, I was dismissed and returned to my bunk.

Back at my quarters time stood still as minutes turned to hours, hours to days. I felt more like a prisoner in District 13 since I wasn't allowed to leave. I didn't even know the location of the base as I was knocked out. I wasn't even allowed to participate in the training.

"Commander Boggs," I addressed him one morning during a training session. "May I speak with you, sir?"

"Sure Hawthorne?" he returned with civility.

"I was wondering if I could participate in the training?" I asked.

"You need permission from President Coin," he informed me then turned back to the group of men and women.

"I can't get anyone to help me. I've been trying for days to talk to her so I can get permission." I was getting angry since I was basically talking to the back of his head.

"There is nothing I can do about that. She's a very busy woman," he said his eyes never made any contact to mine.

"Well, that was…helpful," I muttered to myself. I didn't understand what I did to deserve the hostility I received from the people in 13. "Sir, Commander Boggs."

"What is it now, Hawthorne?" he spoke his eyes cold and hard as he turned his head.

"Since I've been here," I started. "I don't understand why everyone is treating me with such hostility."

"You don't understand why…?" He turned around to finally face me his arms crossed over his chest. "I think it may have to do with your attitude that we find appalling."

"My attitude?" I was puzzled.

"Since you've been here all I hear from everyone is how you complain about your duties. That sweeping and doing laundry is…beneath you." I was a hunter not someone's maid. I hated the assignments that were given to me. They even confiscated my bow and quiver. "Everyone here has a purpose, a job," he said. "Do you honestly think that you can just come in here and take your place with my men without earning your keep."

"I'm a hunter, not some maid service," I said.

The people around me snickered. "Listen Hawthorne, everyone starts at the bottom. You do the jobs assigned to you. You need to learn discipline, tolerance and patience. You're rash, easy to anger and impulsive. You will never be a soldier if continue with your attitude. I need fighting men who takes orders and will follow my lead––no questions asked, no second-guessing me. I'm not here to cater to your whims and fancy. You are a hothead with no regard for authority. We are at war. I need to able to trust my men. So far with the time I spent hearing about you and watching you, I know I can't trust you." His words reminded me of the conversation I had with Jay in the woods. It was as if he was born to fight and lead men to battle. Just like Jay.

"You don't know me. You haven't given me a chance," I spat back. My anger grew of his assumption of me. "I want to learn how to fight not do people's laundry."

"See, already have I seen your temper and impatience, your disregard for order and authority," he said as he pointed to my clenched hands. "Go do your assigned tasks and when you learn to be civil and take orders I may ask Coin to train you. Until then, get out of my sight."

I felt humiliated and ashamed. I knew I had issues with authority and a temper but it had served me well. It helped me survived. Anger helped me provide for my family. Anger helped me stopped feeling sorry for myself, as I became head of my family at a very young age. But Boggs and Jay were right about one thing. I needed to learn how to act civil and take orders from others. I wanted to be a soldier, to have some purpose in my life and to become a man that my father would be proud of.

I guess it's time for me to grow up.

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Prim POV ––

"Katniss," I greeted her. She came home a lot later than I expected as she was gone the whole day and missed dinner with us. A little before 8 I gasped in surprised as I spied Peeta and Katniss. He was walking her home. I didn't know if it was a good sign as there was a feet of distance between. He didn't look mad nor did she looked unhappy. Those two really confused me. But Peeta was walking her home so that had to mean something.

"Prim, stop spying on your sister," Dad scolded me.

"I wasn't spying," I defended myself. Dad arched a brown. "I wasn't. I…" My voice died as I heard Peeta and Katniss at the front door and bade each other good night.

She walked through the door, her face showed no emotion as her lips were in a straight line and eyes dull. 'Oh no, that was not a good sign.' "Katniss?"

"Hey, Prim," she returned in kind. I looked for any signs of distress or hurt. There was none on her face. Things just didn't add up.

"Katniss," Mom greeted her as Dad nodded at her direction. "You should at least called to let us you were having dinner with the Mellarks." Katniss blushed and looked guilty.

"Sorry, Mom." She didn't looked sorry.

"Jimmy was kind enough to call for you so…next time, call," she reprimanded her.

"Katniss, are you okay?" Dad asked her.

"Yea…yes I am," she responded. No longer patient I grabbed her hand and dragged her to our room.

"Prim?"

"What the hell, Katniss," I said with a tone of impatience and frustration. "Are you going to tell me what happened or do I have to tickle it out of you." I warned her as I curled my fingers to her direction ready to attack her. I followed her to our bed as she sat down on the mattress.

Katniss looked at me in amusement. "Prim, I…I'm okay."

"Well, I can guess that," I said underneath my breath. "Tell me what happened. The suspense is killing me. Did Peeta…what did he say when you talked to him? Was he pissed, angry and what? He walked you home so I assumed you're…what? Tell me now."

She dropped her head and looked down at her hands. "He…wasn't mad, Prim." My eyes narrowed as I waited for her to continue. "He was…sweet. He didn't forgive me for breaking up with him."

"Oh, Katniss. I'm sorry––"

"No, let me finish," she interrupted me. What was there to finish? Peeta didn't forgive her. I was stunned. I didn't think he had in him to be…unforgiving as I knew how he had been attracted to her for years. But then, I flinched thinking of the times she rejected and was mean to him. Running away was not a good move on her part, but that was Katniss. She ran when she felt scared. "I don't know where to begin."

"Well, start from the beginning," I said. "What did he say exactly?"

"He…was very quiet. I expected for him to yell at me, scream at my face and reject me."

"But didn't you just say that he didn't forgive you?" Now she confused me.

"If you'd stop interrupting me I'd tell you what happened?" She scowled. I raised my hands feigning fear. "As I was saying, he was in the back having a break. He was expecting me. At first, he was…"

She related her story from start to end. How Peeta had already given up, not wanting to reconcile but would continue the ruse to protect her. I thought how very kind of Peeta to want to protect her even though she had broken his heart. Then she continued telling me that she was persistent and didn't give up. She finally told him what he meant to her.

I gasped in surprise as she confessed the bread toss story that happened when she was eleven. "Why didn't you ever tell me about the bread he threw at you?" It was so sweet and…romantic. However, I'd never voiced that opinion knowing that Katniss wouldn't have appreciated the comment. She would have never seen it that way. And I was right as she told Peeta why it took her so long to thank him.

"Because I was ashamed, Prim," she confessed. "I…never thanked him all those years ago and that I…I knew that his mom beat him for throwing the bread at me."

"Poor Peeta," I said. "So now what?"

"He didn't reject me but then we didn't get back together either," she sighed.

"I don't understand––"

"Peeta…he said he needed time."

"Time? He needed time?" I shrieked in frustration.

"Keep your voice down, girls," Mom scolded me through the door. "It's getting late." I groaned frustration.

"How much time does he need? I mean, I know that Peeta lov…I mean, you're together or you're not so I just don't understand."

"Peeta said that he needed two days to think things over, Prim."

"Two days?"

"Listen, so much has happened to him and he's really confused about––"

"Confused? I'm confused," I snickered. If I was frustrated with the turn of events I couldn't imagine how Katniss was feeling.

"Prim, something happened to him in the Capitol."

"What? What do you mean?" I cried out in horror and fear.

"He's not sure but something happened and since he's drugged so many times."

"Oh my God, Katniss." I covered my mouth with a hand. "What do you mean he was drugged?"

"He's been drugged at least twice and at the Capitol something happened and he doesn't remember so…he needs to clear his head. And you know what? I rather that he tell me to wait two days. He didn't say no when I told him I wanted to date for real."

"But Katniss, he didn't say yes either," I reminded her.

"No, he didn't but I rather…I'm glad he's taking time to sort things out in his head, Prim." She sighed and looked out the window. The moon beamed directly in our bedroom. "You don't realize how scared and relieved I was that he…that Peeta didn't…that he wasn't mad at me for hurting him. I mean, I know he was mad at the time but…he just so sweet and forgiving."

"That's who is he, Katniss," I said. "But you have to realize that he also has his limits, Katniss. So in two days when he makes his decision which I know he'll say that he wants to start over. You really have to be sure that you want this as badly as he does because…if you, if you break his heart again. He'll never forgive you." I sighed. "And neither will I."

"Prim?" Katniss looked startled.

"I love you, you're my sister but sometimes, the things you do and say are just…" I stopped and held my tongue. She had enough to worry about but at the same time, I needed to voice my concern and fears. Peeta was perfect for her whether she believed it or not.

"I know, Prim. I know," she repeated and flinched.

"Do you? Because you ran when––"

"Please don't keep reminding me of the mistake I made with Peeta. I'm already beating myself for it. I know I hurt him. I know I run when things go bad and my first instinct is to hide."

"Katniss, I'm not saying these things to be hurtful, but you have to know that there are consequences for every action you make," I said. She was quiet for a few seconds. "Please don't be mad at me. I just…I want you to be happy and if you look…if you remember when things go bad. Remember that Peeta makes you happy. He's it for you." There I finally admitted it. The one thing I held back telling her.

"You think so?"

"No, I don't think so," I said between clenched teeth. "I'm telling you I know so. You're going to make the biggest mistake in your life, the biggest regret if you don't stand by him. If you don't admit to your self that…you're in love with him."

She smiled. I anticipated for her to argue with me. "I know." 'Huh?' I slapped her arm.

"What do you mean you know?" I accused her.

"I know I love Peeta," she confessed. "I'm in love him. I'm in love with Peeta Mellark." I gasped. Then seconds later, I threw my arms around her.

"Oh my God, Katniss," I cried out in joy. "I never thought you were ever going to admit that."

"I'm just stubborn, Prim," she laughed as she prevented us from flying backwards onto the bed from the impact.

"Stubborn my ass, Katniss," I retorted. "Sometimes I think I have to knock you over head with your bow when you don't listen to me." I meant to tease but there was truth behind my comment.

"Well, now. I just have to wait two days," she recalled. "Two days is going to kill me."

"And if Peeta says no, I don't want to be your boyfriend?" I tested her. Her eyes grew round then narrowed.

"I told Peeta, that I'd wait two days and…I'm not giving him any choice but to take me back," she promised as she looked determined. It was look that I knew she was serious. "His dad said to not back off if Peeta got stubborn." I snorted.

"Good. Stubborn will work to your advantage," I said. "Peeta won't know what hit him in two days." Katniss laughed. A real solid belly laugh I haven't heard in weeks.

"I…love him. I didn't think I would ever say that to any man," she confessed as her eyes glazed over––the look of love in her eyes.

"Not even Gale," I grimaced as her facial expression grew sour.

"Don't even…talk about him," she murmured underneath her breath. "I know he's dead and I regret that we parted in angry, but I never forgave him for what he tried to do to Peeta and me."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought him up," I said. "He was your best friend for years and I knew that he loved you but…"

"You knew?" she said with surprise in her tone. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Would you have believed me?" I spat back with no heat in my voice. "I mean, I've been telling you that Peeta was nice and sweet and look how you reacted." She flinched.

"Well, that's Peeta. Of course I wouldn't had believed. I mean I knew that Gale was fond of me but not…not like that. I never wanted that with anyone let alone Peeta."

"And now?" I challenged her.

"I want Peeta," she said so low and soft I thought I imagined it.

"What? I can't hear you," I teased her. Katniss smiled and scowled.

"You're taking too much pleasure in this," she pouted. "Okay, I admit that I was stupid when you spoke about Peeta. But with Gale, he was different. I wished you told me because I would have nipped that idea out of his head early. He practically expected me to automatically fall in his arms and declare my love for him like it was a foregone conclusion."

"I'm sorry, Katniss."

"No, it's really my fault. I knew…I had an idea that he had some expectations but it was his reaction that really surprised me."

"I know," I agreed. "He took it for granted that you had other ideas of love and marriage." Katniss nodded her head.

"I love him, despite…I loved him like I love you," she said. There was a wistful look on her face and also regret. "He was my best friend. We went through so much together. I just didn't want him the same way he wanted me. I didn't want him the way I want Peeta."

"He definitely isn't like Peeta," I said with a big smile on my face. "This is going to be the longest two days of your life." She dropped on the bed and placed an arm over her eyes.

"I know, I keep thinking, imagining how long he waited for me, Prim," she sighed. "When I think of the two days he's making me wait in comparison to the years he watched me…I just can't believe it."

"Pretty amazing, huh," I said as I lay next to her.

"It's going to be torture," she sighed. "Oh, I have good news, but I should really asked mom and dad first."

"What?" I asked. Katniss sat up and walked into the living room where both mom and dad sat in front of the chimney. It was a cool evening but it wasn't too cold for a fire. Mom was mending dad's sock for his fake leg while dad was dozing.

"Mom, dad I need to ask you something," she addressed them. Dad woke suddenly.

"What's going on?" he asked abruptly from his nap.

"Are you okay, Katniss?" Mom inquired. She knew that Peeta broke up with her.

"I will be in two days," she answered back.

"Two days, what does that mean?" Dad questioned as he became alert. He removed his fake leg and arm as it sat on a low coffee table. It took me years to adjust to his disability. When I first saw him after the accident I cried for days. I was inconsolable as he was still in a coma. He scared me. I had seen and met amputated people but he was my dad. Seeing him that way was different.

"I'll explain later," Katniss responded with impatience. "Before I left Jimmy, Mr. Mellark asked me if Prim wanted a job."

"What kind of job?" Mom asked. She dropped her threat and needle.

"At bakery?" Dad pondered. "Do they need that much help?"

"Not at the bakery. During the day Mrs. Edgewood or Mrs. Cartwright would watch Peeta's nephew, Tyler while his dad worked at the bakery. Mr. Mellark wanted to know since Prim was at bakery while I worked in the afternoon, if Prim would babysit Tyler."

"Yes," I quickly responded. I love babies and Tyler was the cutest little boy I have ever met. His hair was curly and soft like the Mellarks unlike my hair which was rough and coarse. I may have my mother's hair color but I had dad's texture. I envied mom's since hers was soft and lush.

"Um…what about your homework?" Mom reminded me. "You're only there because I didn't want Katniss to walk home alone with the deal that you did your homework."

"Mom, it's not like I can't do my homework here at home," I said in frustration. "Dad, I get to babysit and get paid." I wanted to contribute, to help out just like Katniss had been doing for years as Dad was disabled. I never had a paying job. I babysat Posy a few times but never got paid. "Mom, dad please let me babysit Tyler! I want to help out."

They looked at each other for a few seconds. "She's already there, Lily," Dad said as he rubbed his right shoulder. "If Jimmy can afford to pay her to watch over Tyler, why not?" Mom sighed.

"I want to know what happened to you and Peeta first," Mom demanded.

"We're working on it," Katniss answered. "I…don't want to talk about it."

"So it won't be awkward working there?" she added. "We don't need the details of what you spoke about. I just need to know that you're not tormenting that poor boy while you're working there. If you're not together anymore it's best that you quit working for the Mellarks."

"Mom!" Katniss cried out. "It's my decision what I do or don't do. I told you that we're working things out and that is all I'm telling you." She was frustrated and angry. But I couldn't blame Mom for being concern with their complicated relationship. I snorted. Complicated was an understatement.

Even though it was Sunday and the bakery was closed, Katniss had to work which also meant that I had to babysit Tyler. I was giddy with joy and anticipation. I had a job and was getting paid. On the way to the bakery, Katniss looked anxious.

"Katniss, are you okay?" I asked. All night she tossed and turned. Sleep was elusive. I shouldn't be surprised since Peeta was making her wait only compounded her lack of sleep and anxiety. I couldn't help but feel bad for her.

"Yeah, I'm good," she said with a forced smile on her face.

"Are you scared of seeing Peeta?"

"A little," she admitted. Then she took a deep breath. "After we talked, I stayed to help since Rye needed to make preparations for his wedding. So it was a good thing that I stopped by."

"So was it awkward working with Peeta yesterday?"

"For a while, but Delly came over and she was encouraging me to just act normally. And Peeta was…he was really nice and…sweet. He walked me home last night."

"I know. That's got to mean something right?" She nodded her head.

As we approached the bakery, we heard screaming through the windows. Scared, Katniss ran and barged through the front door. Inside, Mrs. Mellark was screaming at Peeta. Agatha tried to reason with his mom.

"Stop, Mrs. Mellark," she pleaded. "I told you Peeta and I came to an understanding. I'm…not going to marry Peeta. We don't––"

"I will not permit this," Mrs. Mellark screamed. She reached over and grabbed Peeta by the arm. He flinched in pain. "You will sign the contract."

"Mom, stop," he gasped. I didn't know what happened but the next thing I knew Katniss pushed Mrs. Mellark causing her to dislodge her grasp from Peeta.

"Let him go," she screamed. "I swear to God if you hurt if again, I'll come after you with bow and shoot you." Mrs. Mellark attempted to take a step towards Peeta but Katniss place herself between them. "Try me, please try me. You touch him again and I'll break your arm so you won't ever hurt him."

"How dare you speak to me like this," she whimpered back. Katniss was livid as she paid no attention to anyone. "How typical of you to hide behind your Seam slut."

"She is not a slut," Peeta said his voice loud and firm. He took a step forward placing Katniss behind him. "I can take whatever crap you've been saying to me all my life, mom but don't you ever call Katniss a slut."

"Why not?" she returned in a smug manner. "The truth hurts?"

"You want to know the truth?" he snickered back. "You're a poor excuse of a mother. What have I ever done to you? You hit me and abused me all my life. You call Katniss a slut and there's no grain of truth. I call you a monster and that is true. You're a monster that loves inflicting pain and misery to everyone around you. You're toxic. Katniss will always be a better person than you."

"How can you…how dare you talk to me like that. I'm your mother," she said. Underneath her anger was pain.

Peeta moved close and peered into her eyes. Steely blue clashed with another set that was filled with anger and disbelief.

"The truth hurts, doesn't it, Mother?"

"Peeta? What's going on here?" Mr. Mellark's voice startled me. No one spoke but the tension in the air was apparent. "Evelyn, what are you doing here?"

"I came here to confirm that Rye's wedding is set for tomorrow. I want to know why I wasn't told?"

"It's simple, Evelyn," Mr. Mellark remarked. "You weren't invited." Mrs. Mellark gasped. Then he turned to Delly. "Where is Rye?" I was so flustered that I didn't realize she was present.

"He had to go to the Justice Building to complete our resident application form," Delly informed him. She spoke as if she didn't acknowledge Mrs. Mellark's presence. "We were able to get that little green house. You remember the one that was our first pick, but didn't get because of––"

"How dare you not invite me after everything I've done for you?" Mrs. Mellark bellowed.

"Oh, I wasn't aware that there was a debt I owed," Delly stated.

"I let you date Rye…I approved of your union. I made sure that your union was accepted by both families," she listed. "If it wasn't for me you wouldn't have landed Rye because––"

"Excuse me? You? You 'let' me date Rye? I didn't realize that I needed your permission and approval," Delly shrieked her pitch was sharp and high. I winced. "I'm marrying Rye because I love him and not because of you."

"Evelyn, you need to leave," Mr. Mellark said. He was calm but stern. "You are not welcome here."

"This is public area. I could go where I damn well please," she sneered. Peeta's dad pointed to a sign.

"See that?" he pointed to a handwritten sign. The penmanship was fluid and beautiful. It was Peeta's. I recognized it anywhere. The sign read, 'We have the right to refuse business to anyone.' "That applies to you." She gasped in horror as she realized the sign that she probably made Peeta make was used against her.

"Leave now before I bodily throw you out," he said in a cold manner. I have never seen the look of determination on his face before. Suddenly, Tyler's cries permeated the air. "Prim, can you see to Tyler please?"

"You cannot be serious," Evelyn Mellark yelped. "You're letting that––"

"Watch what you say, Mother," Peeta stated in hard tone as he stepped towards her.

She sniffed the air. I ran upstairs as Tyler's cries worried me.

I didn't realize that she followed after me. "Go away, mother," Peeta ordered her. "You don't have any right to be here." She approached me just as I picked up Tyler. He whimpered in my arms as he recognized his grandmother. He didn't at all settle when he saw her.

"You're upsetting Tyler," Peeta observed. Mr. Mellark, Delly, Agatha and Katniss appeared right behind him. I bounced him in arms but to no avail he continued to cry reaching out to Peeta. He took him in his arms and kissed his forehead.

"Leave, you're scaring Tyler," he said in a soft tone. Tyler whimpered but calmed when he settled into his arms.

"That's another thing," she started. "I will not let…" She stopped as Peeta's eyes narrowed. "I will make sure that Tyler is far away from their influence. To be surrounded by filth. If you think I'm going to let you raise my only grandson––"

"He will and there is nothing you can do about it," Mr. Mellark said. He reached into his back pants pocket. "While Haymitch was in the Capitol, he did me a favor." He extended the document to Mrs. Mellark. "As of tomorrow, Peeta is and will be Tyler's legal guardian. You have no claim to him now. Our marriage, our life together is dissolved. You are no longer a member of this family. If you persist I will shout to the world what you did to my sons." She stared at the piece of paper then dropped it as if she was stung. He picked it off the ground. The words 'Dissolution of Marriage' printed on the document. There was a red stamp on top of it, it read 'Approved and Final.'

"How did you do this?" she asked her eyes filled with venom. "You had no legal recourse or claim to divorce me so quickly."

"You forget that Haymitch knows a few people in the Capitol. It's nice to have friends in high places." He winked at Peeta who had a stunned look on his face.

"That goddamn drunk, how dare he stick his nose into our business," she spat. "All of you have been conspiring against me."

"You didn't think that I would find out that you were attempting to take Tyler away from Peeta? You have no real friends here, Evelyn. Why don't you go to your sister in District 7? You have no family here." Outnumbered and not welcomed, she left the bakery with tears in here eyes. She slammed the door behind her causing the house to shake the windows.

Peeta looked out the window and watched his mother disappear from his life literally and figuratively. It would probably be the last time he would see her. He looked sad. Katniss reached out and placed hand on his shoulder for comfort.

I sighed as I observed them. He held Tyler like as if he was his lifeline while Katniss stood beside him. They depicted a lovely family portrait. The three of them looked so perfect together. Seeing them together it was as if I saw their future.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Mellark," Agatha apologized. "I never meant cause any trouble but when I told her that I was breaking the contract she got really mad and just ran over here."

"It's okay, Agatha," Mr. Mellark soothed her. Agatha wasn't a bad person just self-absorbed. It was a familiar trait amongst Merchants girls. She wasn't at all like Delly and Madge who were very nice and friendly to both Merchant and Seam. At first Delly wasn't at all nice not until she dated Rye.

"Thank you, thank you for seeing reason. That you didn't pursue keeping the contract."

"Oh, Mr. Mellark. You have Peeta to thank, not me. He convinced me to not pursue him. You know, if he wasn't in a relationship with Katniss, it would be different story," she stated. "I can see why she adores Peeta." She sighed. "Anyway, thanks again for being nice and understanding." She left the room. The tension in the air lifted.

---

Katniss POV ––

The room was quiet and still for a few minutes until Rye's voice shattered the silence. "Where the hell is everybody?" There was a tone of panic in his voice. "Delly, Dad, Peeta where are you guys?"

Delly ran down the stairs with Jimmy right after her. Despite the disturbance neither Peeta nor I reacted. I was too busy staring at him and Tyler as he was focused on his nephew. He rocked him in his arms.

"Hey Tyler," Peeta said in a low voice. "You're mine now. No one can take you away from me." He kissed his head as his lips brushed Tyler's soft skin. "I promise, I promise that no one is ever going to hurt you." A lump formed in my throat. Tyler stared back at his uncle his crystal eyes wide with wonder.

Jimmy returned from downstairs. "Thank you, dad," Peeta said to his father as his eyes never left Tyler. "Thank you, I was so scared that mom was going to take Tyler away from me."

"I would never let her…she caused enough damage," he admitted. "I would have done anything to make sure she didn't take him away from you." He watched Peeta and Tyler for a few seconds.

"Hey, so I'm assuming that because you're here," he directed towards Prim. "You're accepting my job offer for babysitting Tyler?" She nodded her head. I knew she was eager of the task. Poor Prim, ever since dad became disabled she felt guilty that I took over the job for providing for our family. As a healer there was only so much Mom could do to contribute while living in the Seam. Most Merchants opted to visit the medical clinic in town while the Seam looked to mom for healing. Prim was eager to help.

"Yes, Mr. Mellark," she returned.

"Well, it's time you earned your keep," he joked. "Peeta, you need to finish the cake if you want it to be done before tomorrow. Reluctantly he placed Tyler in Prim's arms but before he turned he gave his nephew one last kiss on his forehead.

"Be good for Prim, Ty," he said.

I followed him downstairs. At this point, I haven't greeted or said a word to him since I arrived at the bakery. It was a very odd morning. I gasped as I noticed a two layer cake in the middle of a prep table. The bakery was closed but Jimmy and Peeta needed help to prepare for Rye and Delly's wedding. .

"Katniss, I need you to do inventory today," Jimmy informed me. I was surprised at the request. He raised a hand to the back of his neck. "Mrs. Mellark usually took care of that but…"

"Oh, no problem," I said willing to do what I can since I wanted to stay and help. My real motivation was to be near Peeta.

"Rye and Delly are making last minute preparations for the wedding tomorrow so you being here is a great help." I smiled. He gave me a list of items I needed to inventory. All morning I worked but at the same time kept my eye on Peeta. I learned one thing. When Peeta worked on something like a cake he was focused not paying attention to anyone. I tried not to take offense since I knew he wasn't ignoring me on purpose. I also learned that he was so focused that he had a tendency to ignore his needs––eating or taking a break unless it was a biological one.

At lunch, Jimmy approached me. "Katniss, can you get Peeta to take a break? He's been at it since 4 this morning and I hardly got him to eat his breakfast." I noticed a cup of tea and barely touched biscuit that I assumed was Peeta's. "Get him to go outside for a few minutes and have lunch with you." I smiled at his request.

"What about you and Prim?" I asked. I wasn't about to neglect my sister just because my attention was focused on Peeta.

"Prim and I will be having lunch upstairs." He winked at me as he handed me a plate with two sandwiches, fruit and chocolate cupcakes.

"Peeta," I said his name and got no response. "Peeta?"

"Hm…" he returned as he meticulously created flowers made of some paste. I was tempted to brush away a lock of hair that hung on his forehead.

"Peeta, it's time for lunch," I said. Yet, he still didn't turn around. "Peeta, you need to eat."

"I have to finish these bunch of flowers," he said calm but firm as he gripped a pastry bag.

"Peeta, you barely ate your breakfast," I reminded him as I leaned over and whispered in his ear. "Please eat something with me. Just take a break for a few minutes." He stopped and turned around. His cheeks were red and his eyes downcast. "Your dad made this and I want you to eat with me." He nodded his head as he removed his apron and washed his hands.

Outside we sat on the steps enjoying the cool breeze and sunny day. It was beautiful outside. "Thank again for inviting me to the wedding."

"Well, I forgot to tell you that your mom, dad and Prim are invited as well," he said as he poured iced tea to two tall glasses. "Rye and Delly would like it very much if they can come."

"They didn't have to invite all of us." I was pleased and honored but felt uncomfortable with us invading such an intimate ceremony.

"No, they want to invite them. The more the merrier," he added. "I mean we are…friends. My dad and your parents are friends and since my mom wasn't invited we would love to have all of you attend. Rye and Delly didn't invite their classmates so if your concern about that––"

"No, I don't care about that. I mean, of course I expect them to invite whomever they want I just…don't want to make things uncomfortable or awkward because we're…"

"They don't care about that either, Katniss or else we wouldn't have invited all of you," he said his brows crinkled. "Besides, it's just the signing of the papers in the Justice Building then the toasting in their new home."

"Oh, the toasting. I forgot about that," I muttered.

"Dad told or rather reminded Rye that he's to bake the bread early tomorrow morning."

"Why wouldn't he?" I asked. "Shouldn't Rye bake his own toasting bread?"

"Rye's a Mellark and he can bake but when it comes to specialty bread especially for toasting bread, he's awful." I mean how can anyone mess up bread. The concept was very strange to me. The confusion must have shown on my face as Peeta elaborated.

"Katniss, toasting bread is different to plain bread. The ingredients we use for everyday bread is not the same and toasting bread is expensive. Toasting bread has to have a hardier exterior and firmness…" I lost my focus as I concentrated on his face. Words coming out of his mouth were blurred. I only saw his thick brown lashes, the freckles on the bridge of his nose, the slight dimple on his chin and his clear, crystal blue eyes. I was mesmerized. 'I hope you don't flattened your hair,' my mind whispered. I hated his hair in the interview. Whoever cut his hair took too much as his curls were gone.

"Dad told Rye that he better bake it himself because it's expected of him," he snickered. "If I made it, it would be really odd since he's also baker and he should be baking his toasting bread for his new wife." He chuckled. "I told Rye that if I helped him it would seem like I'm making toasting bread for Delly. I'm not the one marrying Delly." I narrowed my eyes at his remark. 'toasting bread for Delly.' That idea didn't sit too well with me. Not that the thought of marriage entered my mind. I love Peeta but marriage at this point was far from my mind.

"Thank you for giving me time," he said out of the blue. We sat in complete silence but it was not awkward or uncomfortable when he spoke. I only had to wait one more day but the wait felt like a lifetime.

"Thank you for not saying no," I returned.

"I couldn't even if I wanted to," he admitted as his cheeks turned pink. We smiled at each other. "So I was wondering…if you wanted to––"

"Yes," I said not waiting for him to finish.

He chuckled. "I haven't even said what I wanted to say."

"I don't care." I blushed but felt emboldened.

"I can finish all the flowers later this evening. So I thought...I need to do a couple of errands for the wedding. Can you…will you come with me?" Shopping with Peeta. Is that a boyfriend-girlfriend activity you do together? I nodded my head as an answer.

Our first stop was the train station as he picked up a large brown package and a shopping bag with three boxes inside. I was curious but kept my mouth shut as I noticed the delivery stamp with a Capitol insignia.

We ended up at the clothes maker's shop. I waited as Peeta pulled out three new shirts for the wedding, pants and new belts that was wrapped in the package. The two blue shirts he bought was the same color as his eyes––one was for him and his dad, I guessed. I couldn't wait to see him wearing the shirt for the wedding. The other was white which was for Rye.

"Mrs. Harris, are you sure you can make the adjustments in time for the wedding tomorrow evening?" he asked. She picked up the one shirt and gasped. "Oh, these are wonderful. Yes, I can. I don't have much to do this week so they will be done on time."

He turned to me his eyes filled with worry. "What's wrong?" I asked.

"Um…I did something," he started. "I bought something when I should have asked you first…"

"Oh?"

"I…um…I knew I was going to ask you to the wedding but…I didn't want to make it look like…it's not charity or pity. You don't me owe anything…" his voice trailed off. "I bought something for Prim too…please don't get mad." Now he looked scared like I'd scream at him. "I'll understand if you don't…if you don't like it."

"Peeta, I don't understand," I said. I wasn't used to him being lost for words as he rambled which was something he didn't do often. He extended a brown package towards me. Mrs. Harris the shop owner narrowed her eyes in disapproval and disgust.

"This is for you and Prim," he announced. His cheeks were red. I mean tomato red. "I don't know if I got the size right but when I saw it…I wanted…you to have it." I opened the package with care. I gasped in shock and surprise. Inside the package was a dark blue dress.

"Peeta?" I muttered underneath my breath.

"Please don't get mad. I want you…for the wedding…to wear, I mean. It's not charity or pity. I just wanted to give you something…for you and Prim." He flinched when I placed a hand on his forearm. I handed him the package to look at my dress. It was knee length with quarter sleeves. It was simple but beautiful. Then I realized that it complimented his dress shirt. I stared at it for a few seconds as I was speechless and in shock. "You don't like it." Peeta's voice permeated through my haze.

"What?"

"You've been staring at it. You don't like it." He looked sad. "Your mad––" I pushed forward and wrapped my arms around his waist. Peeta stiffened at first.

"Thank you, thank you," I gushed as I pressed the dress in front of me to check the length. It was perfect. "It's beautiful."

"But…? I know you, Katniss," he sighed.

"You didn't have to buy it for me," I tried not to sound offended. Had he given me the dress weeks before I would have screamed at him for assuming too much. The look on his face broke my heart. He expected me to turn it down and yell at him for giving the dress out of pity and charity. "I mean, I have money now."

Peeta sighed with a look of resignation and disappointment on his face. I placed a hand on his face palming his cheek. "Thank you, I love it. Of course, I'll wear for the wedding." His eyes grew wide. "What did you get for Prim?"

From the package he revealed Prim's dress to me. It was light pink, a white bow on the back of the waist with scoop neck and sleeves.

"Do you think she'll like it?" Peeta asked.

"Peeta, not only will she like…she'll love it," I announced. I tried not to think or calculate how expensive the dresses were. The material was soft, silky and sturdy. Not like the weak cotton blend that we wore in 12.

"I didn't know if I was going to get everything from the Capitol on time," he said. I gasped in shock.

"You got the clothes from the Capitol?" His admission confirmed my suspicion.

"Yes, the shirts were store bought but the dresses had to be made from scratch. I mean I'm not a designer or anything so they made a few suggestions. I just said simple, but elegant nothing fancy like feathers, sequins, rhinestones and whatnots."

I tried not to jump him…literally as in grab him tight and not let go. We were in the middle of a shop in front of Merchant who obviously disapproved of my relationship with Peeta. "Delly is going to be jealous when she finds out."

"Oh, when I told my stylist, Dominque that my brother was getting married, they offered to buy my future sister in law her dress so…I got her a dress as well. Anyway, most of the people I met in the Capitol were nice and all." Wow, I never realized how loved and adored Peeta was in the Capitol that they would fund Delly's wedding dress and assist the creation of our dresses. He had another package which I assumed was Delly's wedding dress.

"I don't know if it fits right but with Delly having a fitting this afternoon, Mrs. Harris' daughter Martha is going to make sure everyone's dress is fitted for the wedding tomorrow." I looked at the dress. I knew that mom would of have to make a few adjustments since it was a bit large.

"I can have my mom––"

"No, I didn't want to add more work for your mom. Please let Martha do it," he said as he leaned over and whispered in my ear. "They need the work, Katniss." He gestured to Mrs. Harris who was already working on the shirts.

I wanted to hug him, kiss him and wrap my arms around him. He was just so sweet thinking of others.

"Dominque even offered to come to 12 for the fitting but I told her it wasn't necessary," he added. "I didn't want to attract too much attention if she showed up. She's quite colorful." He laughed. His reaction made me wonder if his experienced in the Capitol wasn't all that bad. He obviously made a few friends there.

After lunch Prim and I were forced to accompany Delly for the fitting of her wedding dress. Mind you, the dress was simple but as I was reminded that a girl only married once if she was lucky. And the dress was important to the bride. Peeta had a good eye for design as it was perfect for her. Prim and I sat inside Mrs. Cartwright's living room while Delly was being fitted by Martha.

"Delly, hold still or I'll stick you with the pins," Martha Doley, formerly Harris said with two pins between her teeth.

"Sorry, Martha…it's just this dress is so––"

"Delly…oh my…the dress is just so beautiful," Mrs. Cartwright sobbed with joy. "It's…its…Rye is going to beside himself when he sees you. You're going to be a beautiful bride." Delly smiled, a big happy smile that caused her eyes to crinkle.

"Delly," Martha spoke. "Rye must be feeding you well. You gained an inch around your waist."

Delly blushed. "Well, it's no secret I don't cook well. Who do you think is doing to most of the cooking in our household? Rye is not only a baker. He loves to cook as well."

"You're going to be wife soon, dear," her mother scolded her. "You shouldn't let Rye do all the cooking."

"I know, Mom," she sighed. "Rye and I made a deal. I will do most of the housework as long as I stay away from the kitchen." I was astounded. I thought most Merchant girls knew how to cook since it was a requirement of most marriages. "Remember the last time I tried to surprise him with my cooking? It was a disaster." She giggled. "Besides, he said he doesn't mind. I mean, he's going to teach me how cook anyway now that we're living together."

I found it uncomfortable to be in the presence of Mrs. Cartwright who to me was another Merchant. I cringed and reminded myself of my bias. Peeta was Merchant and I loved him so I had to get used to the idea of being around Merchant folk which included not only the Cartwrights but the Edgewoods as well.

"I have Peeta to thank, mom," she reminded her. "I was just happy to get a new dress for my wedding but this…" She gestured to her dress. It was floor length with quarter sleeves made of 100% silk––a material that was rare in District 12. "He said it's his gift to me."

"Are you sure you're marrying the right Mellark, her mom teased. I scowled. Prim back handed my arm to my reaction as she held on to Tyler. She didn't want to leave him behind at the bakery since both Jimmy and Peeta were working. Mr. Mellark was helping Rye move furniture and clothes into his new home while Peeta continued to work on the cake. I wanted to stay behind with Peeta and help him but…

"Katniss, pay attention," Prim shattered my train of thought. "Delly asked you a question."

"Huh, what?" I said as I struggled to concentrate. Two days, that was all I thought about. When did this happen to me? When did I become the kind of girl who pined and worried over a guy––a Merchant boy no less? But I was thinking about Peeta––the kindest and sweetest boy I knew.

"Did Peeta tell you that your folks and Prim are invited tomorrow?" she said.

"Uh yeah," I returned.

"I'm invited and so is mom and dad?" Prim voiced. "Oh, that's very nice of you Delly but I don't think I should."

"Why not? You're my friend too, aren't you? I'm inviting a handful of people and I'd like to think that you're my friend too."

"Oh, okay. I'd love to come but…" her voice trailed off.

"But what?" Delly asked. Prim turned to me.

"I don't think I have anything…to wear," she said. "I mean, nothing that is appropriate for a wedding."

"And my toasting. Don't forget the toasting afterwards," Delly reminded her. I extended my arms and took Tyler from Prim.

"Look inside that bag," I ordered her. Martha was busy tucking and measuring Delly. "And before you say anything, it's a gift from Peeta." Prim reached inside the bag and pulled out her dress. She gasped in surprise as her eye grew wide.

"Is this for me?" her voice shook with awe. I nodded my head.

"Katniss!" she squealed loud and sharp that it rivaled Delly's. "It's so….so pretty. I love it." She twirled around with dress in her arms. I smiled. It was good to see her so happy. "Next time you see Peeta you have to thank him."

"Of course, Katniss," she giggled. "Did you get a dress too? He wouldn't have bought me one if he didn't get you one too."

It took a whole hour to get all three of us measured and fitted for our dresses. During that time I wished Peeta was around so I could thank him again for his thoughtful gesture. Unfortunately by the time the fitting was over, he was too busy working on Rye and Delly's wedding cake that both Prim and I couldn't see him for the rest of the day. "He'll be working for the better part of the day and night to finish the cake. I doubt he'll be paying attention to anyone," Jimmy said. He looked better as the dark circles under his eyes weren't prominent. He handed me a bag to take him. "I'll tell Peeta you stopped by."

Disappointed, I bit my lower lip. "Rye and Delly's appointment is set around 5 pm tomorrow. I hope that you and your family will join us for their toasting at 6 as well." Our fitting was right after school which made our time very limited. Everything about the whole wedding was fast. I wondered why they decided to marry during a school day. It was odd to schedule it at beginning of the week.

"Oh, I wondered about that myself," Prim said as she walked beside me. I must have voiced my thoughts out loud. "Both Rye and Delly didn't want to wait until after the reaping. I mean, this is Delly's last year and they're hoping for the best so…if the possibility that she might get picked. At least she would get her wedding and be married to Rye."

It didn't make any sense to me. "They were supposed to have been married weeks ago but with Peeta getting hurt and with Graham…" she stopped. "They felt bad about getting married before the lottery and just burying Graham and Sonja just a couple of weeks before, but Peeta convinced them to get married before the reaping ceremony. So…as soon as Peeta came home from the Capitol they didn't want to wait anymore. Besides…"

"What?"

"Nothing, I just…there are a lot of reason why they wanted to get married sooner than later," she shrugged her shoulders. Delly must have told her something––something that I was not privy to. Prim and I didn't keep secret from each other. Well, that wasn't true since I never told her about my attraction to Peeta. I just couldn't admit it as it would make my feelings and attraction true. I was resolved to never fall in love and yet here I was head over heels in love with Peeta Mellark––the only boy who has ever turned my world upside down.

That night I slept soundly that even Prim was surprised. "Are you looking forward to the wedding?" she asked during our first break at school. I was too busy looking for Peeta hoping that he would join us. I mean, I knew that weren't together anymore but after today, he would decide the nature of our relationship once and for all. So, we still had to keep up the pretense. "Katniss, what's the matter?" she asked me as my face could not conceal the anger I was projecting.

I should have known or guessed why he was not out yet. Right next to him was Sylvie Gathers, she was practically swooning all over him as he tried to get passed her. She leaned over and whispered into his ear. I saw nothing but red as she reached over and tried to slip her hand into his shirt. Peeta yanked his hand away from her with a look of surprise and disgust on his face. Furious, I dropped my books and ran towards them.

"Sylvie," Peeta said. "Have you forgotten who my girlfriend is? I don't think she'd appreciate what you said to me." He turned his head and looked at my direction as he realized I was headed towards them.

"My mom heard Agatha Berridge broke her contract with you," she gushed. "So that means you're free to be contracted with anyone. You know I had a crush on you since I was eleven."

I couldn't believe it. Just as Agatha dissolved her would-be union with Peeta another trollop assumed that he was free to be contracted.

"Don't you have better things to do than trying to flirt with my boyfriend?" I seethed between clenched teeth.

"Oh hi, Katniss," she said with a look of fear in her eyes. She had better be scared of me as I imagined and fantasized of things I would do to her if she continued to flirt or touch Peeta. "I was only telling Peeta––"

"I don't care what you were telling him. I saw you," I said. "You touch Peeta in any way, intentional or not I'll break you're scrawny arms in two." Sylvie gasped in horror her lips trembled in fear because when I threatened you, you knew I wasn't bluffing. I hated that Peeta caught the attention of many girls both Merchant and Seam. I couldn't blame them.

I grabbed Peeta's hand tight as I dragged him back to my spot.

"I'm sorry," I said as soon as we reached Madge and Prim under my tree. My anger simmered as I couldn't control my emotions. Peeta was free to do what he wanted but we both knew that he would continue to pretend we were together to protect me. I really didn't have the right to be possessive over him.

"Why are you apologizing?" he asked.

"Because I shouldn't have done that," I said as my anger abated. Madge looked confused as I realized that she didn't know the status of our relationship.

"Okay, I don't know what's going on," Madge uttered. "I thought…I thought you two are…you know, over." She leaned over and whispered. "I thought you guys broke up. And if you two tell me it's complicated, I'm going to smack the both of you on the head," Madge continued. "Well?"

Peeta looked at me for a few seconds. I didn't know what to say so I let him take the lead to our situation. He grabbed my hand as I inwardly sighed in relief. He was still playing the thoughtful boyfriend in public. "We're trying to work things out, Madge," he explained.

"What does that mean?"

"It means that…we're trying to work things out," Peeta repeated. "So many things are going on right now and…Katniss and I are taking a step back."

"Okay, you two are confusing," Madge blew a breath through her mouth. "Are you or are you not together?"

"We're not," I said.

"For now," Peeta added. "But…" He squeezed my hand. "I just need time to clear my head."

"Argh…you two are just so damn frustrating," she said through clenched teeth. "You're worse than those damn Capitol shows my mom watches. Geez, for crying out loud, why are you two making things so complicated––"

"Madge," I said.

"I mean, you're both crazy about each other––"

"Madge," I repeated. Peeta looked uncomfortable.

"Why do you two make falling in love look complicated, I swear––" Prim giggled. She actually giggled at Madge as she continued to rant berating us. "Why don't you two just go over to the slagheap and ––"

"Madge, stop," I cried out horrified and embarrassment. Peeta blushed his cheeks a deep red but accompanied with a twinkle in his eyes. Her suggestion wasn't something that didn't cross my mind. Since getting together with Peeta the idea of making out with him preoccupied my mind but going to the slagheap had a different connotation––sex. That was something new that I fantasized about. What did Peeta look like underneath his clothes? How big was he? I shook my head of that train of thought. First things first, I wanted my first kiss with Peeta. Actually, I needed Peeta to take me back was my first step.

"What?" she said. "You're both driving me crazy." She was being driven crazy? I scoffed. 'Try being in my shoes,' my mind said.

"Everything is going to be fine," Peeta stated.

"Whatever!" Madge answered back. "You know when you two get married years from now I'm going to remind of all the shit––"

"Madge, you really need to stop," I said amused and pleased at her vision of our future. That she saw Peeta and I together despite the turmoil we were enduring.

"What? Whatever, I'm done," she sighed. Then Prim chimed in to complete my embarrassment.

"I know Madge," she started. "I'm actually looking forward to them having babies. Can you imagine the cute babies they'll have? With his blue and her hair? I mean look at Tyler."

"Prim, you're not helping," I gasped, horrified but encouraged. Peeta chuckled.

"They have to have sex first in order––" Madge chortled. "I bet you they haven't even had their first kiss."

"Stop," I said. I couldn't believe the direction this whole conversation. To my relief, the school bell rang saving me from further embarrassment from Madge and my own sister––traitor.

I was surprised that Peeta continued to hold my hand as he walked me to my class. "I hope that you're not too mad or embarrassed," I said to him before I headed into my next class.

"They are right though of one thing," he said his eyes downcast. I was afraid of what was milling inside his head. Was he regretting his decision to thinks things over?

He leaned in and whispered in my ear. "Both Prim and Madge are right that we would have really cute babies together." His warm breath tickled my ear as I gasped in shock. A bubbled burst in stomach, my knees wobbled and a tingle shot up my spine. Peeta was really trying to kill me.

School was slow and mind numbing. I couldn't concentrate as I thought of Peeta's remark, 'we would make really cute babies together.' That comment meant one thing to me––we would have to be having sex in order to have said babies. And another thing, he said babies, not a baby but babies. Urgh…sex was something I never thought of. After the rumors and gossips of what went on in the slagheap the thought of sex was unimaginable to me. I never imagined having sex with anyone let alone let it happen in the slagheap. Gale's stories or conquests wer deplorable to me. How he could claim to love me and wanted to marry me after the gaggle of girls he took there just proved that he didn't respect me at all. If he loved me as he claimed, he would have waited just as Peeta waited even though his chances were slim to none. Yet, he didn't bid his time by taking girls to the heap as he 'waited' for me.

"Ouch," I winced as I felt a sting on my waist.

"Oh, sorry Katniss," Martha said. "I must have forgotten a pin." Prim and I were fitted one last time for the wedding this evening. Prim's dress fitted perfectly on her when she tried it on. As I looked at the girl in the mirror, she was someone I didn't recognize. Gone was the hollowed cheeks and gaunt face from lack of proper nutrition. My waist and breast filled my dress. Since working in the bakery everyone in my family benefited. Now not only was there food on the table, mom and dad regained their friendship with Mr. Mellark. Prim had a job and I…benefited most of all––I would get Peeta. I was certain of it as he wouldn't be teasing me about babies. He wasn't the type to lead a girl on if he wasn't interested in her. The thought almost brought tears to my eyes.

"There all done," Martha remarked as she buttoned my dress.

"Katniss, you look so pretty," Prim complimented. "Peeta is going to die when he see you." I blushed. "He's going to be speechless when he sees you." I hoped so. I wanted to be beautiful for him.

"Do you want me to iron the dresses before you leave?" Martha asked. I was first tentative and suspicious when she offered to hem our dresses. My experiences with Merchants were not positive. Since being with Peeta I realized that not all Merchants thought like Mrs. Mellark. I wouldn't go and say that I would be friends with them but they were civil and cordial not hostile like I believed all Merchants to be.

"Thank you Martha, but we'll just take it home and have my mom press it," I told her. "Thank you, you did a remarkable job." I was truly grateful for her work.

"It's a beautiful dress," she returned. "You're a very lucky girl." I nodded my head in agreement. Prim smiled one of those smiles that said, 'I told you so.'

At home I was restless as I did my homework and waited for the clock to move faster. Even Prim was excited for the prospect of attending a wedding––a Merchant toasting. My dress hung over my closet door. Mom was currently pressing Prim's in the kitchen. Dad was polishing his dress shoes the ones he wore on special occasions. I guess they merited the occasion as he also hummed a tune while he worked. Mom had tears in her eyes.

Dad barely sang or hummed since the day of the accident. It was one the things I missed growing up. There was always music or singing in the house. I never realized how much that part of my life I missed. It's one of the reasons why I never sang since then. We tried not to make a deal out of it but…with dad humming it was good omen for me…that everything was going to be okay.

As we passed through town we had gotten the strangest looks from everyone––Merchant and Seam folk alike. It was probably rare to see us in our best clothes as it was obvious we were headed towards the Justice Building. The best part was seeing Mrs. Mellark's face as she was exiting the Edgewood's Butcher Shop.

"Good afternoon, Evelyn," Dad said in a cheerful manner. "It's a nice night for a wedding don't you think?" Mrs. Mellark gasped as a pained look filled her face. I smothered a laugh that threatened to erupt.

"Dad," Prim said in a horrified manner. "That was…that was…" I could tell she was trying to find the words to express herself.

"I was only saying the truth," Dad said in a nonchalant tone. "It is a beautiful day for a wedding." Mom laughed despite the dig at Mrs. Mellark's expense. It was worth it to see the look on her face. To think she thought or deserved to attend her son's wedding when all his life she had abused him.

The building loomed before us. My emotions were a mixture of anxiety, dread and hope. I hated the building for what it stood for––oppression from the Capitol. Its' room held Peeta through hours of torture and abuse. I could never see it anyway but a place that almost killed him with its' occupants and rules. Yet, it was the place that recorded births, marriages and death. A marriage was only official if it was documented and legalized in the Justice Building. A clerk married you as long as you filled out the forms and pay the fees. The only advantage of marrying through the Justice Building was that it granted you housing to start your life with your spouse. The procedure was all too clinical to me. The real ceremony was the toasting––a ritual in which two people sat in front of fire and toasted bread to each other.

It was why both Jimmy and Peeta insisted that Rye bake his own toasting bread for Delly. He was a baker for crying out loud. In any other case, one would buy toasting bread from the bakery.

We walked through the hallways and found the clerk office. "We hope we're not intruding," dad said as we entered the room.

"Not at all," Jimmy said a big smile on his face. The proud father of the groom wore a dark gray suit while Rye wore black over his white crisp shirt. Delly looked radiant in her wedding gown. She was a portrait of a beautiful and happy bride to be.

Inside, Delly and Rye stood in front of the clerk. I didn't know who he was but he was Merchant. Jimmy was beside Rye as Delly's parents and little brother stood next to her. I smiled when I saw him––Peeta. He wore a dark blue suit, sorta like midnight blue. The first two buttons of his blue shirt were opened revealing his upper chest. Unfortunately he had slicked his hair back. I missed the curls at the tip of his hair. His eyes grew wide and round as blue connected with grey when he saw me. "We're really glad that you made it for the signing of the contract," Jimmy added.

"Lets us begin if everyone is here," the blond clerk announced. I lost focus and time as I tried not to stare at Peeta. He looked so handsome that the signing was a blur to me. The next thing I knew it was over. "Congratulations, I have no doubt that you will take care of my girl," Mr. Cartwright said to his new son in law.

"We'll take care of each other, sir," Rye returned.

"Come on, you still have the toasting to do," Mrs. Cartwright reminded us. Rye held Delly's hand as he led us to their new home. In her other hand, Delly clutched onto a bouquet of flowers. I walked between Prim and Peeta as we followed our parents through the main street.

"Congratulations, Rye and Delly," many Merchant folks congratulated them as they threw floral petals at the new couple. "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Rye Mellark." Prim giggled as a few petals landed onto us; they landed on our hair and clothes.

Half an hour later, we waited in the backyard of Rye and Delly's new home. The toasting ceremony was private as we left them in their house to finish the wedding rituals. "I hope that Rye doesn't toast the bread too long," Jimmy said with nervous tension.

"You should worry over the fact that he may forget to say his vows, Dad," Peeta teased him. Everyone around us laughed. "You should have heard him all this morning reciting it over and over."

The wedding party now consisted of the Cartwrights, Edgewoods, Undersees and a few Merchants I was unfamiliar with. Mom, Dad and Prim stood near the food table with Haymitch beside them. I was surprised that Abernathy missed the signing ceremony. I felt honored that Rye and Delly allowed us to attend the signing of the contract as well as the toasting.

Peeta and his dad waited near the back door to the house. Tyler who wore matching short pants and shirt like Peeta looked adorable as he held onto his uncle with his thumb in his mouth. His thick curly blond hair was askew. "Hey, Ty," Peeta spoke to Tyler his voice soft and low. "What did I tell you about eating your fingers." He pulled his thumb from his mouth. Tyler pouted and scrunched his pudgy face. A second later he smacked Peeta on the nose with his wet finger. "Ew, Ty. Why don't you just spit on my face while you're at it," he blurted as Tyler continue smack him playfully. Jimmy laughed beside him. "Grandpa thinks your very funny, Ty."

"Oh how cute," Madge said as she stood beside me. "Don't you Peeta and Tyler just look so adorable together?" I agreed. "They could be father and son." I sighed.

"So?" she started. "Has Peeta said anything to you yet?" I shook my head.

"He didn't really have the time, Madge with him preparing the cake and getting ready for the wedding. We didn't exactly have the chance to be alone, you know?"

"Sheesh, Katniss," Madge breathed through her mouth. "The anticipation is killing me."

"Killing you? What about me?" I was anxious, nervous, giddy and scared at the same time. "Look at him. He's calm and…handsome and…I don't know if I want to hit or…"

"Or?" she spewed back amusement on her face. Madge wore a light purple dress. She looked beautiful as always with her hair shining like the sun. Her baby blue eyes clear contrasting her red ruby lips. It was a wonder she was my friend as we were opposite of each other. She was the Mayor's daughter who befriended anyone whether you were Merchant or Seam. I was a poor Merchant with a handicapped father. We didn't make sense, but then again neither did Peeta and me.

"Kiss him," I admitted. "I'm going to go insane if he doesn't say anything soon. I swear he's trying to kill me. The past two days have been torturous and painful. I'm just glad that it's almost over."

"I just couldn't imagine how long he's been feeling like that," Madge said. The thought sobered me. "Not knowing whether he ever had a chance with you. To have these feelings for a long time and know that nothing could ever come from it." She was right. The wait for me didn't compare to Peeta who longed and loved me since he was five. Even when he had those feeling for me there no guarantee that we would have ever gotten together. Only by fate or divine intervention had led us to each to other. We were destined.

Peeta turned his head and looked into the crowd. His eyes wandered over the wedding party before they landed on me. I could have sworn his eyes twinkled. "Looks like you have nothing to be worried about," Madge said her words encouraged me.

"I need him to say it," I stated. "I can't assume anything, Madge. I fucked up." I cringed thinking back to that fateful night. The night I ruined things between us. "I need him to tell me that he wants me back."

"Here they come," Jimmy announced as Rye and Delly appeared by the doorway their cheeks flushed red and a look of love and joy on their faces. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to announce my son Rye and his bride Delly Mellark." A round of applause and shouts of joy circulated in the air as both Rye and Delly were congratulated by family and friends for their good fortune. It was a happy occasion for once.

The Cartwrights provided dinner as they purchased meat and poultry from the Edgewoods. Food was not abundant but plenty enough for the attendees. Jimmy was not excessive or a braggart as his wife who would have made the wedding an event to rival any well-to-do Merchant. I heard that Graham fought tooth and nail to keep his wedding small and simple. This party was intimate and modest. At the center of the wedding table was the most beautiful cake I have ever seen. It was a two-tier cake covered with white frosting. The edges were decorated with edible white pearls and pale yellow flowers. It was exquisite. On the first layer of the tier were handwritten words in elegant script, 'Rye and Delilah Mellark.' It was definitely Peeta's penmanship.

With Prim's assistance Peeta was able to have dinner as he cared for Tyler. "Go ahead and eat Peeta," she said. "I can watch over Tyler."

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I didn't invite you just so you can watch him. I mean he is my responsibility."

"It's your brother's wedding, Peeta," she returned. "You should at least enjoy it. Besides, I don't mind. Tyler is really cute and adorable, I really don't mind watching him for you." As a compromise they took turns eating. I was pleased that Peeta trusted Prim to take care of his nephew. He looked worried and anxious whenever Tyler left his sight even for one second. I looked around me. Mom and Dad sat with Haymitch as Peeta was situated between Prim and me. Madge managed to wrangle away from sitting with her parents and the Cartwrights and Jimmy and sat with us.

"He's such a good uncle," Madge commented. "I can see why Graham wanted him to have Tyler." I couldn't have agreed more. He would make a wonderful father.

Dinner was pleasant and comfortable even though all throughout the meal I was tempted to hold to Peeta's hand for any sign of reassurance. It wasn't exactly the right time for me ask him what he had decided.

Haymitch's gift to Rye and Delly was providing a professional photographer to take pictures of the bride, groom and their families. So for a few minutes, I watched as the Capitol photographer rounded up the bridal party for a formal family portrait. I sighed as I gazed at Peeta who held Tyler in his arms. As each hour passed my anxiety grew and patience waned.

"Don't worry, Katniss," Prim said. "You're worrying too much. I don't think that Peeta invited you to his brother's wedding just to let you down, right?" Madge agreed with her.

"She's right, Katniss. Look at him. Does he look like he will reject you?" Peeta's face was all smiles and laughter. He didn't appear morose. 'But looks can be deceiving,' my mind whispered. As time passed I was second-guessing myself. I knew Peeta had a gentle heart and soul, but I've hurt him so many times.

After dinner, Peeta stood up. "May I please have your attention," he said as his voice shook with nervous tension. "As you well know that I have the privilege of being Rye's best man. I wouldn't consider myself a best man since…my brother Graham would have loved to have been here to watch Rye and Delly get married. So I'll do my best to live up to my role."

He proceeded to tell little anecdotes of Rye and Delly's courtship. How they started out as playmates when they were little. That it was Delly who he shared his first kiss at nine years old and Rye who had reacted as a nine year old would––he reacted badly. "Girls are icky and cry a lot," he reminded Rye of what he said after his first kiss with Delly.

They were friends before realizing that there was an attraction. An attraction that solidified their friendship. That it was Delly who asked him out on a date when they were both fourteen. "I remember the night when Dad found them making out in his room. It was before Rye ever told anyone that they were seeing each other sneaking around when I knew better. I knew you were attracted to Delly no matter how much you denied it." He winked at Rye.

"Remember what Dad did after he made Delly go home, Rye?" Rye groaned at the memory. "He made Delly go home so he could lecture him on the importance of responsibility and giving 'the talk.' "

"Well, what good did it do me as I found out that Graham had already told about the birds and the bees. Rye just wanted to watch me squeal," Jimmy chuckled as Rye's laughter joined his.

"Their relationship developed pretty fast that by the time they both turned fifteen they knew that they wanted to spend their lives together."

He also related a story of how a nervous Rye proposed after Delly's sixteenth birthday. "I really didn't understand what the big deal was about since they both knew that marriage was the next step in their relationship. It wasn't as if she was going to say no to him." Everyone laughed.

"You'll find out when it's your turn, Peeta," Rye teased him. "Just like marriage, you only get to do it right once if your lucky."

"Anyway, I'm not going to on about my brother Rye and Delly's sweet courtship and romance. You don't really need me to tell how special and lucky they are that they found each other. You can see it when they're together or how they look and treat each other like they are each others best friends and partners." He sighed and turned to his brother and new sister-in-law.

"I really wish…Graham was here to see you and Delly finally tie the knot. He would be so happy and proud of you. He loved you both so much." He raised his hand to wipe his eyes. "On Graham's wedding day, I asked him how he knew that Sonja was the one for him. He said that he knew she was the one because she was his best friend, the one person in his life he knew he could turn to not only for the good days but especially the bad days. That Sonja…"

He turned to the Edgewoods. "…that she was the one person in his life he couldn't live without. Rye is very lucky to find the one for him. " He raised a glass in salute. "To my new sister-in-law Delly, thank you for loving my brother and making him happy. Rye, it goes without saying though we don't say it often. I love you. You are the best brother I could ask for. May you both have many blessings and good fortune for all the days of your life. To Rye and Delly."

"To Rye and Delly," we all chanted back to the happy couple. Rye in return thanked everyone who had attended his wedding and for the best wishes. Next, they cut the beautiful cake that Peeta baked and designed for them. The night was far from over as Mr. Mellark hired a couple of musicians for the evening. The first dance was with Rye and Delly. I was so nervous that I waited for Peeta. I wouldn't push him until he was ready to talk to me.

"Hey, Peeta why don't give me Tyler for a few minutes and dance with Katniss," Madge hinted. I scowled at her for putting Peeta on the spot. "What? I know you've been wanting him to dance with you." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"Madge––"

"If you don't mind, Madge," Peeta started. "I just didn't want to pawn Tyler to anyone because he's mine to take care of."

"Nonsense, he's so damn adorable…I just want to squeeze him," she gushed as he handed him to her. Peeta extended his hand to me. I grabbed it. Thank God the music was slow as he placed his hands on my waist and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I know I haven't said anything but…" he stopped and his cheeks turned bright pink. "You look…very beautiful."

"Thank you," I said. "I haven't thanked you for getting me the dress. For Prim and me."

"It was my pleasure," he returned as he turned to look at Prim. "She's like a little sister to me." I snickered. "I always wanted a sister." 'Yeah and so did your mother,' the snide commented filled my head. "my Mom…"

"I don't care what your mother wanted," I interrupted. "I'm glad you're not a girl."

"Me too," he said. "So…"

"So?" Heat rose to my face, my knees buckled and my breath ragged.

"I know we need to talk. You've been waiting patiently and I want to thank you for that."

"Two days, Peeta is nothing compared to how long you waited for me," I said. "I'm not patient like you. I can admit it's been…horrible and painful."

"But some things are worth the wait," he said in a calm manner. "Come on." He released me. I felt bereft and panicked for a few seconds. "There's someplace I want to take you." He asked Madge and Prim to watch over Tyler for a few minutes. "I don't mean to take advantage but––"

"No go ahead. Prim and I will keep eye on your nephew. I know you two need to talk," Madge countered. "Take all the time you need." She winked at me.

My throat felt dry. With his hand in mine, Peeta led us to a small field the opposite end of the Seam. We ended up at an open field not too far away from the cemetery. There was a bit of daylight left. Without a word Peeta plucked a few flowers from field. They weren't much but he was able to create a large bouquet. Next we headed towards the cemetery. As I waited for him I found myself watching Peeta as he arranged two small bouquets which he placed on top of Graham and Sonja's grave stones. "I try to come here as often as I can. It just doesn't seem fair that they're dead while I'm… alive. It's because of me that Graham and Sonja are dead."

"No Peeta," I said as I grabbed his hand. "It's Snow's fault. He did this to you…to our district." Late at night I heard my parents talk about the recent events––Ivan, Cray, the MockingJay and the dog attacks. For some reason District 12 was an area of activity that caught Snow's attention. "It's Snow's fault not yours." I repeated.

"Anyway, I didn't bring you here so you can hear me feeling sorry for myself," he stated.

"Why did you?"

"I loved Graham. He was my brother," he started. "And I love Rye and my dad too. Growing up we never said or displayed any kind of affection towards each other even when we knew we cared about each other." He raised his free hand and rubbed the back of his neck. "I wished I could go back in time to tell that I loved him. That I knew he did the best he could to protect me." I scoffed. His dad should have protected him from his mother right from the start, but I didn't voice that opinion. Who was I to judge Jimmy when my own mother emotionally and physically abandoned Prim and me?

"I think he knew how you felt about him, Peeta," I comforted him.

"Well, I think words are important," he said in absent like manner. "You should tell the people you love how you feel about them, never take the time you have with them for granted and tell them how much they mean to you. I never got the chance to tell Graham that I loved him." Words were important to Peeta, I saw that now.

"Anyway, I know this is an odd place to talk but, it feels right being here with you." He grabbed both my hands. The sun was setting behind him. A halo-like glow encompassed his blond hair making him look like angel. I held my breath and waited. "I have to confess that I've been busy with the wedding that I haven't thought of anything at all." This was a not a good beginning. "I just kept thinking of the last the time I made a cake for Graham for his wedding. How I wished he was here today to see Rye and Delly get married. It just didn't seem right without him here with us especially for Tyler. I look at him and wonder how is he supposed to grow up without his mom and dad, you now?"

"He has you, your dad and everyone to take of him. He's not alone."

"At least, he won't be around my…mom. I'll…Dad, Rye and Delly will be there to protect him." He looked sad. "He will never know hurt like that…that someone you're supposed to trust and love can hurt you."

"He's very lucky to have you in his life."

"I hope I will do right by him," he confessed. "You know that I've been hurt by mom so many times. She hurt me so many times, but she was my mom." I imagined the parallels he was trying to convey. He loved him mom even when she had abused him for years. "I just kept hoping that if I kept quiet and did what I was told, be good and stay patient she would realize that she didn't mean to hurt me because underneath her anger she loved me. I just wanted her to love me."

"Peeta, I would never hurt like that."

"But you have and you did. I said to myself why do I keep having people in my life that I love hurt me. I've never hurt you and yet you were mean and cruel when we first…"

"I'm sorry," I cried out. "I…was scared. I didn't fully understand why I was cruel and dismissive with you." He wasn't going to give me a chance; I could feel it. I turned around and wrapped my arms around my waist. I felt as though he stabbed me in the chest. "You…you haven't forgiven me. You don't want me..."

"Stop, Katniss," he berated me. "You're doing it again. You're second-guessing me without listening to what I want to say to you. Just turn around and listen to me." I was too angry with him and myself for ruining what we had or what we were building together. I was rooted to the ground but I was tempted to run again. 'I won't run this time,' a voice whispered in my head. If he broke up with me, it was no one's fault but my own.

"Katniss?" I turned around my head and eye downcast as I wiped tears from my face. He forcefully grabbed my hands from my waist. I didn't want him to touch me as he ripped my heart apart and yet if this was the last time I felt his touch, this was all I would have left from him. His grip was tight and firm. He wasn't giving me chance of running away from him. "What I was trying to tell you is that there is a difference between you and my mom." I tried to control the grief and sob that tore from my chest. "Look at me, please." I raised my head and stared into his blue eyes. The sun barely skimmed the horizon but there was still light left that I could still see his face. He had a sad smile on his face.

"My mom was an unhappy woman who inflicted pain and misery because she couldn't love without conditions. Had I been a girl my family would have had a good mom to the one person she wanted––a girl like her. My dad, Graham and Rye would have been a consolation prize to her dream. They would have still been miserable because she was selfish. A mother's love should not be conditional because of your sex; she should have loved Graham, Rye and me regardless of not having a girl. I was the object of her pain, misery and anger because I turned out to be a boy."

"She's stupid then and selfish like you said," I reiterated. I hated the woman with every fiber of my being.

"You are unlike her. You hurt me because you were scared of what you felt for me. Yes, your treatment of me was hurtful and intentional." I gasped and was about defend myself. "But your attitude was based on fear. And for some people when they get scared they get angry, mean and irrational." He pulled me closer. "Let me ask you, those times when you hurt me, were you sorry that you did treated me badly? That you didn't take great pleasure in hurting me because you were just being downright mean?"

I shook my head so hard that my body trembled. "No, Peeta. I regretted it. I regretted hurting you the first second I said anything hateful but I was too ashamed to admit it. That I reacted to you cruelly was because I had feelings for you which I was trying very hard to deny."

"And now, you won't deny your feeling for me anymore?" he asked with a note of uncertainty. "That you do have feelings for me that are beyond friendship?"

"Yes," I sighed in relief. "I...care for you a lot."

"For this to work you need to stop assuming and jumping to conclusion," he started. "We're going to fight and have arguments, Katniss. I need to know that I can count on you to not run and hide. That you won't close yourself off when things get bad."

"I'm not good at this, Peeta," I admitted. "I've never been in a relationship before."

"And you think I have?" he chuckled. "Katniss, you're the first and only girl that I have ever wanted. I have no experience in relationships either." He sent me shy smile that encouraged and gave me hope. I'm glad that he didn't have a girlfriend before me. "Being with you like this scares me too. I don't want fuck up the only relationship I've been dreaming about since I was five."

I broke down in tears. This was not me; a simpering girl easy to tears by a boy with pretty words. But he was Peeta. The relief and joy was euphoric as I didn't know whether to laugh of cry so I did both. Peeta looked concerned with my reaction. "Katniss?"

I grabbed him and hugged him tight. We didn't say anything for a few seconds. I pulled back and looked into his eyes. "So Katniss Everdeen," he started. "I was wondering. We started out wrong and continued to pursue something that was founded on a lie." I nodded my head agreeing with him. "If I was given a chance to start the way I had always imagined. Will you allow it?" I nodded my head speechless and overwhelmed with emotion. "Yes?"

"Yes Peeta." The words stuck in my throat as I struggled to control my rapidly beating heart.

"So I was wondering if you would allow me to take you out on a date…say tomorrow right after work? I was thinking of dinner just the two of us," he asked his eyes clear and focused. He had said that he felt confused and his mind was fuzzy. "I will pick you up after work around six."

"Yes."

"I was thinking of going to Remy's––"

"Yes."

"Or we can pack picnic dinner and go the park like we did the last time––"

"Yes," I repeated. He chuckled at my enthusiasm. I didn't care where he would take me just as long as we're together again.

"Which one do you prefer?"

"I don't care," I said with a huge smile on my face. "Surprise me." I sighed and hugged him again. "Just so we're clear and I don't make any assumptions. We're doing this…you're…I mean we're really dating?"

"Yes, Katniss. We are dating," he confirmed. "Did you really doubt it? Did you really think that I would have let you go?"

"I know I hurt…us when I ran away," I admitted. "You were right to get angry."

"Yeah, I was but I was wrong to break us up without talking about it out first. I should have been patient because you were scared. I'm sorry for giving up on us."

"It's behind us now," I said. "We're starting again with a fresh start."

He led us back to the wedding party. I was surprised to see everyone waiting and looking at us when we returned. I mean everyone who knew our situation was waiting for us. Prim had a smile on her face. Madge and Delly were anxious. Rye and Jimmy looked calm but ready to support Peeta for whatever outcome. Prim was first to react when she saw us…me as Peeta had an arm around me waist. She, Delly and Madge rushed over to us separating me from Peeta.

"I told you," she gushed. "I told you, you had nothing to worry about." Both Delly and Madge squealed that my ears started to ring. Dad, Jimmy and Rye slapped Peeta on the back. Mrs. Edgewood held Tyler in her arms.

"I don't understand why everyone is making such a big fuss," Haymitch voiced his opinion. "Everyone knows they're crazy about each other." I smiled feeling light and free for the first time in weeks. Peeta and I got over our recent hurdle. I was aware that there were many obstacles against us, but I didn't care.

The backyard at Rye's house was lit with lanterns and candles making the atmosphere looked ethereal. It was like a dream. I was afraid that I would wake up from my bed and find out I had just dreamed all of this. Little did I realize that our problems were far from over but at least we were together. That was all that mattered to me.

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I know it's especially long but I couldn't shorten it without breaking the momentum. I hoped it was worth the wait. Thanks again for staying with me in this journey. Have a great week.