Peeta was still a little bit shaky but she wrapped her arm around his waist and supported his weight so no one would notice. Haymitch wasn't alone when they came down to the lobby. Chaff, Seeder, and to Katniss's displeasure, Johanna Mason. She smiled, more like smirked, when she saw the two of them and Katniss immediately wondered if she could tell they'd had sex.
"Well good morning, Captain. Mrs. Mellark."
"Miss Mason," Peeta nodded. "I hope you're well?"
"Splendid, Captain Mellark. Just splendid." Katniss raised her brow at Johanna's sarcasm.
"Well, we are meeting the rest of our party at the mansion. Shall we?" Haymitch's eyes scanned Peeta but he had to admit, he wouldn't have been able to say that there was anything wrong. He decided he needed to have his contacts update their files on the hijacking. Peeta could actually teach them a lot about this form of torture. They could help other victims, if they were able to gather enough information. He had been told Peeta would be violent and wouldn't be able to recover from an attack quickly. But clearly, Katniss was a better healer than she realized. Haymitch wondered if having the couple on their side could boost their chances. He thought so. He hadn't seen a pair of fighters like this in a long time.
Haymitch ordered a larger car and Katniss's eyes widened when she saw it.
"Close your mouth, Brainless, you're catching flies," Johanna laughed. Peeta wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders and helped her scoot into the extended seat. He sat beside her, Chaff on his other side with Haymitch and Johanna and Seeder across from them.
"Have Cecilia and Porter left yet, Haymitch?"
"Arcadia and Porter left this morning, and Cecilia caught a train late last night. They all said to tell you it was a pleasure to meet both of you. They hope to see you again soon."
"I wish I'd had a chance to say farewell. All three of them were very pleasant. Cecilia told me I must visit District 8 soon."
"Cece is pregnant again, isn't she," Chaff grinned. Peeta's eyes widened.
"Pregnant? Really? That's wonderful!"
"What's the matter, Captain? Surprised that some Victors actually have families?" Johanna was no longer smiling and Peeta fixed his stony gaze on her.
"Not at all, Miss Mason. I wish happiness to each and every Victor. Even the ones who try to pretend they have no heart."
"It was one of the many things the Capitol stole from me," she hissed.
"Hey," Haymitch reached over and patted her lap. "Let's cool it. We're all on the same side here."
"Are we? Because the last time I checked, he's a Peacekeeper. A recently promoted Peacekeeper, I might add. Why would he be interested in overthrowing the Capitol?"
"Because I come from District 12," Peeta leaned forward before Haymitch had a chance to speak. "Just like this Victor here. And I still live in fear for my family, for my wife and her family. That's why I want to help."
"Oh of course," she rolled her eyes. "We all have to protect Katniss Everdeen! Heaven forbid anything happens to the daughter of the Mo-"
"Johanna!" Haymitch's face was red and Seeder actually scooted away from him. Johanna rolled her eyes.
"Would you shut your fucking mouth for once in your life," he growled.
"Keep telling me what to do, old man," she twisted around to face him. "I'm this close to backing out of the whole thing."
"No you're not. Because you've lost just as much as I have."
"As most of us have," Seeder said gently, leaning around Haymitch to pat Johanna's knee. "And it's natural to feel angry and suspicious but Haymitch is right. We need both of them on our side." Johanna cast Peeta and Katniss a disgusted look.
"Whatever," she leaned against her seat and crossed her arms, staring out the window. Haymitch exhaled deeply.
"Anyway, I've decided that after breakfast, I am taking Peeta and Katniss to the Boutique. They've both asked a lot of questions, understandably, and we owe them some answers. You're all welcome to come as well. Finnick already said he and Annie will be there. Cecilia wanted to join but I told her to go on home to her kids."
"Count me in," Chaff nodded, smiling. "I want to see if the girl on fire winds up punching your lights out, Haymitch." Katniss's brow furrowed and Haymitch shook his
head.
"If you're going to be this helpful, Chaff, you can go back to the hotel."
"Kidding, I'm kidding Abernathy." Seeder rolled her eyes as if she were tired of the both of them. Katniss was certainly getting there.
"Anyone want a drink," Haymitch asked, reaching over to the tray of bottles and pouring himself a glass. Peeta waved his hand and shook his head while Katniss continued to stare out the window. Thoughts of rebellion raced through her head as they drove to the city. What else did Haymitch know? How was she going to sit through breakfast with Snow, knowing that many of the people in the room were plotting something? She just wanted assurance that it would work and that no one would get hurt. Her sister and her husband, especially.
Peeta seemed to know what she was thinking and squeezed her hand. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and he gave her a small smile.
"Well, story time to entertain you all during the ride," Chaff raised his hands in the air, looking excited.
"Chaff," Seeder sighed and shook her head. Haymitch scrubbed at his face.
"Quiet. They haven't heard the story yet!"
"Everyone in Panem has heard the story," Haymitch grunted but he took a sip from his glass and gestured for his friend to continue.
"It was a dark and stormy night in the Arena," Chaff said dramatically, his eyes wide. "The night I lost my arm…"
When they pulled up to the mansion, Haymitch put his finger to his lips and gave them a pointed look.
"Just remember there are cameras and spies everywhere. Be careful what you say. Try not to call attention to yourselves."
"Like that can be helped," Johanna muttered as she jumped out of the car. Katniss glared at her back and Haymitch sighed.
"Just ignore her. She's tough and hard to get to know but she's a real ally." Katniss doubted that. She figured Johanna would prefer to slice her throat rather than be allies. But what did she mean, when she was saying they had to protect her? Daughter of the what? She knew whose daughter she was. A coal miner and a Healer. Half Seam and half Merchant, although she didn't look it. Katniss looked more Seam than most. She wished she had more pictures of her father. She was beginning to forget what he looked like and she hated that. Haymitch nudged her and her head shot up.
"Stay by her side, Peeta." Peeta nodded and offered his arm to her.
Servants bowed low as they passed and some even lowered to the floor. Katniss stared as they walked into the mansion. Who were they bowing for? A Peacekeeper Captain, or a Victor? She felt strange and very out of place as they entered, immediately being lead to the dining room. She was glad to see there weren't nearly as many people as there were at the parties. Only a handful of Victors sat at the table, with Snow at the head.
"I'm so glad you could join us," Snow said as he rose to his feet. "Captain, you and your wife sit here beside Miss Cresta. Mr. Abernathy, you may sit there. And Miss Seeder, yes, please take that seat. Mr. Chaff… please sit down, good sir."
"Apologies, Mr. President," Chaff abandoned his attempt at kissing Cashmere's hand and took his seat.
"Thank you all for joining me this morning. I just wanted to see all of you before you return to your home districts. And to thank you for your cooperation and your assistance. My dear Aurelia had a splendid birthday, and thanks you all for coming. And thank you, Caspian, for making her birthday extra special." Peeta felt sick at the gleam in Snow's eyes, and Caspian looked very smug. Well, he could be smug about deflowering a sixteen year old girl, Peeta thought. Better him than me. Or anyone else at this table.
Snow raised a hand and the servants set down covered plates on the table. Peeta sucked in a breath as the cover was removed and revealed the biggest pile of pancakes with heaps of bacon, sausage, and eggs. Katniss frowned at her plate, wishing she could take all of it back to Prim. She could imagine her sister's wide eyes at the sight of so much food.
"So, let us discuss Caspian's upcoming Victory Tour," Snow said, smiling at the man on his right. Caspian looked smug, with his blonde, almost white hair slicked back and his cold black eyes flicking from Victor to Victor. Peeta swallowed as he inspected the table. He was the only Peacekeeper present. Not even Generals Duartyr or Thread were there. Nor the Minister of Defense. His stomach twisted as he tried to think of a reason why Snow wanted them both there. This was just supposed to be Victors.
His palm grew damp and he fumbled for Katniss's hand. She raised her brow at how sweaty his hand was but she said nothing as he rested them on his knee. She could eat with one hand. He grounded her, his warmth reassuring and steady. She missed most of what Snow was saying, concentrating on the feel of her hand in his.
"Mr. Odair, can I count on you and Miss Cresta to welcome Caspian into 4?"
"Of course, President Snow," Finnick said smoothly, inclining his head. "We will be happy to show you around, Mr. Underthorn. Mags is so looking forward to
meeting you as well."
"Ah yes, your old mentor," Caspian said. Even his voice was oily, Katniss thought. "Why didn't she attend this week's festivities?"
"The poor thing fell last week," Annie said, her voice trembling. "Almost broke her hip. She was unable to travel, due to her doctor's orders."
"Yes, I did miss her company this time," Snow said, his eyes glittering. "Although she hardly says much anymore." Katniss saw Finnick throw the President a glare but the Victor's face went back to neutral so quickly, she wondered if she had imagined it.
"She… had a stroke," Annie said softly.
"Yes. Tragic," Snow said. "Well, thank you all for being so accommodating. Caspian, you should have a wonderful tour. Cashmere, Gloss, I expect you to inform me if anything goes wrong."
"Of course, President Snow," Gloss said with a cheeky smile.
"Now then, Caspian, how would you feel about another person joining you on the train?" Caspian actually looked taken aback.
"Sir?"
"I've been informed that this is Mrs. Mellark's first time out of District 12," he motioned to Katniss and Peeta stiffened beside her. "I think we should send her on a tour of Panem, so she can see what she has been missing. What do you think?"
"Sir… if it pleases you," Caspian said finally, shooting Katniss a disgusted look.
"President Snow," Haymitch chuckled nervously. "Surely you are forgetting that Mrs. Mellark's husband is a fine Peacekeeper and a Captain at that. He would be able to keep watch over the Victors, to ensure their safety. And I'm certain he would rather stay by his wife's side."
"Yes," Snow's eyes narrowed on Peeta. "Of course. What do you say, Mr. Mellark?"
"I would be honored, President Snow," Peeta bowed his head. "I shall of course protect our Victors. And I'm certain Katniss is grateful to you for thinking of her."
"Very grateful, Mr. President," Katniss said softly. "You honor me."
"I should like for anyone connected to the Capitol to know more of our fine country. I understand Captain Mellark has seen various districts so you should visit them as well. Perhaps then you can make the decision as to which district you would choose to relocate to."
"There's much to consider when making this decision," Peeta said, lifting his glass toward Snow. "But we will inform you immediately as soon as we have decided where we would like to go."
"Splendid. Caspian's tour launches in a month. That gives you some time to return to 12, gather your affairs in order, and be ready to relocate as soon as the tour concludes. For your safety, I will have Minister Antonius assemble a team of Peacekeepers to accompany you three back to 12."
"That's really not necessary, sir, though we appreciate the-"
"On the contrary, I think it's very necessary. I understand there is much anti-peacekeeper sentiment flaring around the district at the moment." Peeta swallowed and lowered his eyes to the table.
"Yes," Snow continued. "A soldier of yours, Murphy, isn't it? Attacked and maimed by his own district people. I have given General Thread permission to deliver just punishments for this heinous crime. Justice will prevail."
"We still have no idea who might have done this," Peeta said softly. "In my absence I have asked my brother to gather clues and keep searching-"
"His tongue was cut out, wasn't it Captain? Someone took it upon themselves to turn him into an Avox?"
"That's… that's correct, sir."
"Minister Antonius tells me that you believe it was a Peacekeeper who committed the crime." Peeta gulped loudly, trying to ignore all of the sets of eyes on him at the moment. Katniss squeezed his hand under the table.
"It's a theory, sir. Thought it was a messy job, there are not many people who know how to… carry out such orders. And it would not be the first time that a peacekeeper resisted authority in 12."
"Ah yes. You were attacked yourself, were you not? I remember Minister Antonius informing me of this. Three Peacekeepers attacked you and your wife."
"They have been dealt with, sir," he said in a flat tone.
"Yes, I heard. Well done, Captain. You are right that not many people know how to carry out such orders. It seems, however, that you are one of the few." Peeta's eyes widened in horror. Was Snow trying to implicate him, here in front of the Victors?
"I'm sure the Victors would agree with me when I say, it is nice to know we have Peacekeepers who are not afraid to follow orders and who will do what they must, for the good of Panem." Snow threw pointed looks toward the Victors and they all started to murmur in agreement.
"Enough chatter. Enjoy your breakfast. There are some matters I must tend to. If you'll all excuse me." Snow faltered for just a moment and an Avox looked ready to rush to his side. A quick deadly glare from the President made the servant freeze and she stepped back, her hands folded behind her back. Snow disappeared from the room and several of the Victors fell into easy conversation. Others, like Finnick and Annie, remained silent, their eyes on their plates.
"What are they doing here anyway," Cashmere hissed across the table, her eyes on Peeta and Katniss. "Neither of them are Victors."
"Yeah, what's with inviting rabble onto the train," her brother shook his head. "Since when does a Victor cater to a Peackeeper?"
"I would be careful, Mr. Gloss," Peeta said loudly, causing the room to fall silent. "It's President Snow's soldiers who protect you when you leave your district. It doesn't matter where we come from, we Peacekeepers exist for the good of Panem. What does President Snow keep Victors around for?"
"I'm a Hunger Games Victor, boy," Gloss spat as he jumped to his feet. "I can tear you apart with my bare hands."
"And you think just because I haven't competed in the Hunger Games, that I couldn't do the same," Peeta said calmly, looking almost amused.
"I'll rip your-"
"Gloss," Finnick leaned over and pulled him back into his seat. "Have a seat, will you? Your eggs are getting cold." Gloss shot Peeta a glare and sat back down.
"To answer your question, Gloss, it's not uncommon to have peacekeepers accompany a Victor on their Victory Tour. It just hasn't been done for awhile because there has been heavy training for the last ten years and peacekeepers couldn't be spared." Everyone cast Haymitch a surprised look, Peeta included.
"Of course you'd come to their defense, old man. You're District 12 trash just like them."
"I think I'll make a call to General Thread," Peeta said as he stood up. "He comes from your district and would be interested to hear how disrespectful you are towards soldiers. General Thread, in particular, takes pride in his station and his duties."
"Are you threatening me, 12?"
"Yes, I believe I am," Peeta said, cocking his head.
"Captain Mellark, please sit down. Gloss, shut up," Haymitch said through gritted teeth.
"You wait until next year, Haymitch. I'll make sure your tributes don't live through the night."
"Well then I'll thank you for putting them out of their misery so quickly," the older Victor snapped. Annie whimpered and began to rock back and forth in her seat. Finnick slammed his hands on the table.
"Everyone, PLEASE, take a seat."
"You don't tell me what to do, Odair," Gloss growled.
"Do you really want to start something, Gloss," Johanna crossed her arms. "Because I would be glad to finish it for you."
"Look, the President knew we were going to fight and invited a Peacekeeper to maintain control," Seeder waved toward Peeta. He was pretty certain that's not why he was invited but he remained silent.
"So can we please all just calm down and enjoy breakfast? We are all heading home to our own districts soon anyway." Seeder seemed to be the voice of reason, Katniss thought, because people took their seats and aside from a few dirty looks, the subject was dropped.
"You just had to pick a fight with District 1," Haymitch muttered under his breath to Peeta.
"I didn't-"
"Finish your breakfast and let's get out of here," he sighed. "We're expected at the Boutique soon."
"I'm finished," Katniss said, throwing her napkin onto the full plate of food. Peeta stood and helped Katniss to her feet but the Avox tentatively tapped his shoulder and he tensed up.
"Is President Snow requesting to see me?" She nodded, lowering her head. Peeta nodded and put on a smile.
"Go with Haymitch. I'll be along in a moment."
"But-"
"Come on, Mrs. Mellark," Haymitch pulled Katniss from the table. Peeta shot her a look over his shoulder as he followed the Avox from the room. He tried to tell her not to worry, but his heart was racing.
The Avox lead him to Snow's sitting room, where the President was seated in a chair, signing papers that a man was handing to him.
"Captain Mellark. Please, have a seat." Peeta sat in the chair opposite the President and waited. Snow signed a few more papers, then handed the man his pen and waved him off. The men bowed low before retreating from the room, not even raising up and turning around.
"I trust you know why you're here, Captain."
"I confess I don't, sir," he replied hesitantly. Snow looked slightly surprised.
"Do you love her, Captain? Truly?"
"Sir?"
"Your wife, Mellark. General Thread informs me it was an arranged marriage. A contract, to be exact." How had Thread found out about that? Peeta swallowed and rubbed his knees.
"It is a contract, sir, I won't lie to you. But I love her with all my heart. I always have. I bought her contract from Commander Thread. I just wanted to rescue her but she agreed to marry me."
"And does she love you?"
"I…" Why was this any of his business, Peeta thought angrily. What was Snow playing at?
"Yes. We're very happy together."
"Then I trust you to do what I say, to keep her safe. I need you to remove her from 12."
"Sir?"
"You are a good soldier, Mellark, one of our best, it seems. General Duartyr speaks very highly of you. Even General Thread trusts you. What do you know of your wife's father?"
I hope all my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm sorry it's so short- my trip to NYC was amazing but I'm exhausted and now getting sick. I'll post again next week, maybe even this weekend if I can get this chapter finished! XOXOX