Chapter 37 – You Belong To Me
AN: Many thanks to my reviewers: Trude, Matainer, Aqua Rules, kamjam, everlasting1286, LACR, Tea4e. Your reviews and comments make my day. And much thanks for those you have alerted or favored my story. Warning: If you are Team Gale, please turn back now or read at your own risk.
Gale POV––
Early that morning
My head and body ached from the late night party I attended. The exclusive military club for high-ranking officers provided me the release I needed from the stress and anxiety of my new job. I loved my position and career but it left me no time for a personal life. The women in my life left me yearning for Katniss. They sex is great but they are not who I wanted. I need Katniss. Tara, the woman at the club only eased the loneliness I felt for a few hours. It was clear to me that there could be only one woman in my life and that is Katniss Everdeen. And one way or another, I will have her.
The ride to my office in District 2 was slow. I should have stayed in bed with Tara but duty called and I must attend to the job at hand. I couldn't risk President Paylor's wrath. The news of Eva's capture had me in a panic. It was not information made to the public. My source informed me of her capture by Haymitch Abernathy. I will have to deal with him myself when the time arose. For now, my priority was to get to Eva before she told anyone of my involvement with her and our activities.
My thoughts are interrupted as I arrived at the new Guardsmen Offices. Every single military personnel saluted me as I walked by. My new job left me with great pride and honor. I have enough power and wealth; it's everything I ever wanted minus one thing I still have yet to obtain. Katniss Everdeen. Our union would be hailed as one the best matches, the MockingJay and the man who stood beside her during the rebellion. We were meant to be together.
"Good Morning, Commander," my assistant/secretary Private Donnelly greeted me. I waved a hand in response. She handed me five messages. "You have two calls from your brother, Rory and two from you mother and the other didn't give a name but a number to call him as soon as possible. The anonymous caller said it was urgent. I looked at the number.
"Please hold all my calls unless it's an emergency and allow no visitors until further notice," I instructed.
Yes sir but––"
I closed the door behind me, went straight to my desk and picked up the receiver. "What is your status," I asked as the other person answered my call.
"There was an incident. They tighten the security and I can't get to her," he answered back.
"Do you know if she said anything to anyone?" I asked.
"I just said I haven't seen her or heard anything," my informant revealed. I can hear the fear and frustration in his tone.
"I don't care how you get to her," I yelled on the phone. "I'm paying you a lot of money to do one simple thing. Get rid of her or I'll be paying you a visit myself and tell Dr. Aurelius what you've been doing in that facility, do you understand me?"
"Yes, sir but you need to give me some time. Like I said there was an incident and security is really tight and with Mellark coming over––"
"What the fuck! Why didn't you tell me that Mellark is visiting the facility?" I sat down on the nearest chair as I waved my hand through my hair. It has gotten too long for my taste but with my duties as the First Guardsmen had made difficult to visit my barber. I've been given a warning from President Paylor for leaving my duty and office on my last visit to District 12. She had warned me to stay away from Peeta Mellark since I am his protection list. As if I wanted to be near him for whatever reason. But mostly, I didn't want another tongue lashing from my own mother who screamed and yelled at me for being irresponsible. She just doesn't understand my need to have Katniss. I've loved her since we've been kids and she chose––I refused to believe that her feelings for Mellark are genuine. She has never indicated or spoken about him ever. Then, she got reaped and suddenly she's different.
Katniss and I are a kindred spirit. We're both from the Seam and lost our fathers at the mines. We both became the head our families to support and feed our loved ones. I never really thought of her as more of a sister. I knew that I loved her; I just didn't realize the depth of my feelings until that fateful day. Seeing and watching her during her interviews made me realize that I was in love with her. But I didn't believe that she was coming back from the games. No one from District 12 had won since Haymitch Abernathy's victory in the 25th Hunger Games. I knew that when she won, it was a sign that she was the one for me; she was coming back to me.
After her first arena she was quiet, elusive and secretive. She kept to herself most of the time and hardly met me to go hunting. I didn't like what the Capitol did to her. She changed so much that I hardly recognized her. I knew that the Star-Cross Lovers was just an act since she never talked to Peeta Mellark when we were in school. Then suddenly she admitted to having some feelings for Mellark. She was confused about her 'friendship' with Peeta, the youngest of the Mellark brothers. I couldn't see what any girl would saw in him. He's weak, quiet and a wimp. I could never understand why Merchants girls gushed all over him. So what if he had blond hair and blues so did every other Merchant scum. He was no one special.
"Listen, it was a last minute decision from what I heard. Eva was just caught two days ago. You knew that," the voice from the receiver said. "He'll be here this morning to talk to her and he's bringing Everdeen with him."
"What?" I stood up and panicked. I needed to get Eva out of the hospital. I couldn't afford to have her talk and reveal my identity. Katniss would hate me forever. But I needed her to see Peeta for what he really was; a coward who didn't deserve to live during the first game. I understood why she didn't kill him. Katniss may be a hunter but she was not a killer. She should have just let him die in the arena, but just like her sister Prim she didn't like to see people suffer even if he was a Merchant boy from our district. I just didn't understand her obsession with Mellark. The solution to the problem was to get Mellark out of her life. Once time has passed she'll realize that she was only feeling sorry for him and soon she'll realize that her 'love' for him was out of pity. I've been patient. I knew that she needed time to recover from all her trauma, especially losing Prim. I waited and waited until I felt time has passed. Katniss has always had a loving and forgiving heart. She'll realize that I never intended to hurt Prim. She'll forgive me.
"I saw the schedule, he's coming to talk to Eva today."
"Listen, I got to go. Do whatever you can to keep her quiet," I instructed him. "And––don't fail me again or else you life is over and I mean completely over.' I slammed the receiver on the desk. My head throbbed from the alcohol I had consumed the night before and the sex marathon with Tara. I walked over to my desk and pulled out a small bottle, took 3 pills and chased it down with a glass of water. I was on my way out when my assistant, Private Donnelly's voice filled the air.
"Commander Hawthorne, Private Rory Hawthorne requests to see you." 'What the hell, what is Rory doing here? Now, at this hour? And why isn't he doing his job?' I had assigned him to District 12 to watch over my Katniss. He was reluctant at first, but as his commanding officer it was his duty to obey me.
"Tell him I'm on the phone and will contact him when I'm done." I didn't have the time or energy to worry about Rory. I had to get to District 1 as soon as possible. I was on my way out when Rory barged into my office.
"What the fuck, Rory," I shouted at him as he walked straight in with Donnelly at his heels.
"Sorry, Commander but he––" Donnelly sputtered. She was a diminutive woman in her late 40's. She worked for the former Head Peacekeeper who was killed during the rebellion. I knew that with her years of experience and contacts she was a valuable asset to my office. She knew people and places in District One as well as important figures in Panem.
"You may leave Donnelly." I instructed her. "As a matter of fact, you can take the rest of the day off."
"But Commander, I can't leave. You have a conference call with President Paylor at 11 this morning," she reminded me. Fuck, I had forgotten about that. I couldn't tell the President of Panem to reschedule our meeting. She was already weary and disappointed with my behavior as of late. When she discovered that I had left my office and went to 12 she was livid. Paylor was ready to relieve me of my duty as First Guardsmen but she couldn't afford the humiliation and scandal in her first term. I am Panem's new hero; the boy from District 12 who rose from the Seam and fought beside the MockingJay.
"Thank you for reminding me and please shut the door on your way out." As soon as she shut the door, my anger doubled as I looked at Rory. He wore his Guardsmen uniform but it looked wrong on him. I had to remember that he as just a young man who lost just as much I did during the rebellion. He was my brother first and foremost but as the leader of the Guardsmen I couldn't have his relationship with me undermine my job.
"You just don't barge in to my office any time you feel like it. And as your commanding officer––"
"I don't give a shit who the fuck you are," Rory bellowed. I have never heard him use that tone before. Before the rebellion, he was a sweet young boy that followed me around. He looked up to me since the death of our father all those years ago. But since the war, he was angry all the time, drinking, picking fights with anyone. Mother begged me to take him under my wing. He was my responsibility. "Listen to me, Commander," he spat my rank with such disgust. "I can understand you missing Posy's and Vic's birthday because of your new job. But to miss Mom's, I'll never forgive you for that."
"I was working. I have responsibilities." I yelled back at him. Rory may be my younger brother but that didn't give him the right to barge into my office and scold me for not visiting mom on her birthday.
"Bullshit, you should at least called her to let her know you weren't coming." He walked straight to me. He's grown as tall as me as his eyes were leveled to mine. I didn't recognize this boy who confronted me. We looked alike with our dark hair and gray eyes.
"I told you––" I responded back.
"And you didn't even send her a gift or call her. What was so important that you couldn't take a single day off to go and visit her? She waited for you all day to call her." He shoved me. I shoved him back.
"Don't touch me, Rory. You may be angry right now and I understand why but don't think that I'll take any shit from you because you're my brother. I am also your commanding officer and being that I'm in my office, you basically just assaulted me."
"What you going to do arrest me? Go ahead. See how the Paylor or your adoring fans react when they see that you can't even control you own brother. You may be my older brother but you're an asshole, Gale," he sputtered "And you're a sorry excuse for a son."
"Listen Rory, I know you angry and disappointed with me. But I have new responsibilities now," I said as I calmed my voice and temper.
"Really, does that new responsibilities include spying on Katniss Everdeen and her boyfriend Peeta Mellark," he taunted. He knew I hated the sight of Mellark. When people spoke about him with such adoration and admiration, I wanted to puke. He wasn't a man that deserved Katniss. I was disgusted with all the women who fell for his fake charm. It pissed me off that they thought so highly of him. What was worse that most of Panem adored them together. It was vile and disgusting to think that they are lovers. What could she possibly see in him?
"He's is not her boyfriend––"
"Looks like to me with all that kissing and groping, and the fact that they are sleeping together," he snickered. I raised my hand and slapped him. My eyes grew wide from shock and anger. I had never raised my hand on my family. Rory lifted his hand and felt his cheek. Tears formed in his eyes. "Rory, I'm sorry––"
"You're pathetic, Gale," he said. I took a step forward as he stepped back. "Katniss never wanted or loved you that way. If she did, she would have told you. She wouldn't be with Mellark if she didn't want him. You would have been together once she came back from the first arena."
"She's just confused and feeling sorry for him," I explained.
"What is it going to take for you to get into your thick skull that she loves him, that she is not in love with you?" he stated.
"What do you know of love for that matter, Rory," I returned. "Katniss and I had something special. And Mellark ruined it. He took advantage of her."
"I've known Katniss most of my life too, Gale," he quipped back. "One thing I do know about her is that she's strong-willed and an independent person. Do honestly think that Peeta Mellark took advantaged of her? You're an idiot if you think she didn't fall for him on her on her own. She's in love with him."
"I told you she's not thinking straight, she's still grieving over Prim." He shoved me hard again as I took two steps back and almost tripped over an end table.
"Don't you ever fucking say her name ever," he screamed.
"I'm sorry, Rory––" I saw the pain and hurt in his eyes. He, like Katniss blamed me for Prim's death. I swore and tried to explain that it wasn't my fault that she was in the line of fire. How could I have predicted that she was there when the bombs fell?
"I'm sorry, Rory," I repeated. I really was sorry since I knew he loved Prim. During their time in 13, they had developed feelings for each other. His crush for Prim started a year before. I never knew about it until my mother told me.
"Sorry is not going to get her back, Gale," he spat. "It's all your fault that she's dead."
"I didn't know she was going to be there." I roared in anger and frustration.
"Well, she was and it's all your fault. You and Katniss got her killed. I begged her to stay but she said that she needed to be like Katniss and help out in the rebellion. She followed Katniss like you did and she died because of you." He was ranting. Hurt, anger and pain radiated on his face.
"Don't blame Katniss for Prim's decision to follow her," I said. "Prim made that decision on her own. She shouldn't have been there but she was––" I took a step towards Rory and placed a hand on his arm. He shrugged me off. "And she's gone. You need to get over it and move on."
"Like the way you moved on with Katniss," he snickered. "I'm not stupid, Gale. I know the real reason why you assigned me to 12."
"Mom went back to 12. I thought you wanted to stay close to home––"
"Don't give me that bullshit, you wanted me to spy on Katniss and her boyfriend Peeta," he returned. "I don't understand why you asked since I know that you have other Guardsmen spying on her for you."
"I don't know that you're talking about," I denied his accusation. I didn't want him involved with my plans.
"I'm not stupid, Gale," he roared.
"You will address me as Commander Hawthorne when you're in my presence and wearing that uniform," I demanded him. Brother or not, he was still on duty.
"Fuck you, Hawthorne," Rory returned and saluted me with his middle finger. "Even with your new uniform, rank and office, you're still the asshole of a brother who abandoned his family for fame and glory."
"I deserve this office and title, Rory," I hollered. "I fought in the rebellion and took down Snow and the Capitol."
"No, you were the MockingJay's side kick. She won the war and took down the Capitol," he argued. "And after everything was said and done, you know what she did, she went back to Peeta Mellark. I've seen them together in District 12. She may had been pretending during the arenas but she really is with him now."
"Because she feels guilty and sorry for him," I explained.
"Go ahead and convince yourself that she feels sorry for him," Rory spat. "Because the truth is she never wanted you the way she wanted Mellark. She never looked at you the way she looks or talks to him. Even mom knows that. Katniss told mom that she loves him and your jealousy and obsession with her is eating you alive. How does it feel to never get the girl you love because she doesn't want you? I will never have Prim back. It must be driving you mad that she wants Peeta instead of you. He's a better man, a better person than you."
"Shut up, Rory or––"
"Or what, fire me? Kick me out of the Guardsmen? Go ahead. Do it." Rory said in disgust. "You're a fucking coward, Gale. You send people to do your dirty work. You hide behind your title and office it's no wonder Katniss picked Peeta over you."
"Get the hell out, Rory," I screamed as I grabbed him by the arm. "You will not set foot in this office and talk to me in that manner. I may be your brother but I'm also your commanding officer. So help me God I'll have you arrested for insubordination and for assaulting your superior officer." Anger boiled through my veins as I clenched my fists on my sides. "Now get out or I'll have you escorted out of this building."
Rory straighten his shoulders and stiffened his posture. "You just proved my point. Heed my warning Gale, you need to straighten out your priorities and face reality. Katniss Everdeen is in love with Peeta Mellark. You'll never break whatever bond they have together. You're just too jealous and blinded by your obsession to have her and see what's in front of you. What all of Panem sees when they are together?"
"And what do they see, a fairytale?" I sneered back.
"No, that the love and friendship they share are true and strong between them. Everyone sees it. I've seen, and so has mom. You Gale, just refuse to." He turned and walked out the office, but stopped at the doorway. "One more thing, Commander Hawthorne, I'll do my job in District 12 but don't you dare ask me to spy on Katniss. I'm done and if you demand that I report to you of her activities I'll report you to President Paylor herself. I bet she'll be interested in knowing how you used your office for your own personal agenda."
"You wouldn't dare," I challenged him.
"I'm just a lowly ranked soldier in your eyes, Commander Hawthorne," Rory asserted. "You're not the same Gale Hawthorne I looked up to as a kid. I don't know who you are." He walked out closing the door with a quiet thud.
Two hours later, the conference call with Paylor sucked and wasted my time. I needed to intercept Eva before they got to her. My informant was useless. With the resources available to me, I could easily remove Eva from the facility. I just hoped I got there in time.
My hand shook and I'm sweating buckets. The ride to District 1 from 2 took half an hour. I reached the mental facility with no problems. My stomach ached since I missed breakfast. My conversation with Rory echoed in my mind. He's wrong in his assumption about Katniss. She needed me and felt pity for Mellark. The sooner I get rid of him, the sooner she'll realize that we belong together.
"Excuse me ma'am," I spoke to the woman at the reception desk. "Can you get hold of the person in charge of this facility?" The young woman was short with dark brown hair and brown eyes.
"That would be Dr. Reynolds. He's in a meeting with Dr Aurelius," she informed me. Dr. Aurelius, the name sounded familiar to me. He's the chief Medical Physician that treated Peeta and Johanna Mason during their recovery. At least I knew him and can convince him to aid me in my job to help Katniss and remove Eva from their premises.
"I'm Commander Gale Hawthorne," I introduced myself.
"I know who you are, Commander," she gushed. "I've seen you on TV."
"Then can you let them know I'm here, um––," I stared at her nametag. "Moira."
"I'm sorry but they're in a meeting and cannot be disturbed," she explained.
"I believe that they'll interrupt their meeting if you let them know I'm here," I said, flashing a big smile on my face as I leaned over the desk. Women, love me wherever I went. My appointment to First Guardsmen availed me to resources and access throughout Panem. I'm more popular than Mellark. Though I have met some resistance and hostility from the Capitolites, my office ensured power over them.
"I'm sorry I can only interrupt them in case of an emergency," she said.
"This is an emergency. Tell them that First Guardsmen Commander Gale Hawthorne insists in talking to them," I said with as much authority I could muster. "It's a matter of life and death."
"Oh, I guess that's emergency," she added.
Moira picked up the receiver. A few minutes later, Dr. Aurelius appeared at the reception area. He extended his hand.
"I'm Dr. Aurelius," he greeted me. "How can I be of an assistance to you, Commander Hawthorne?"
"Dr. Aurelius, I believe that your holding Ms. Eva Perry in this facility."
"Yes, she was brought in by Mr. Abernathy a couple if days ago," he stated. "So what can I do for you?"
"My office has informed me that she is a danger to Peeta Mellark," I said. "She's been stalking him for some time now."
"Yes, that is true."
"So I'm here to escort Ms. Perry to the Capitol where she will be charged and––"
"Hold on a second, no one was alerted or notified that she was kept here for observation," he said as he narrowed his eyes. "As a matter of fact, Mr. Abernathy as well as President Paylor and a few of the staff here in this facility are the only ones that knew she was here. How did you find out?"
"I'm the First Guardsmen," I reminded him. "I have many sources to ensure Katniss Everdeen's safety."
"I'm not quite sure how Ms. Perry is any of your concern."
"Katniss and I have been friends in District 12. Childhood friends as a matter of fact. I was at her side during the war." 'Where the hell has this idiot been? Everyone knew I was with Katniss during the rebellion.'
"We all know that Katniss is traveling with Peeta Mellark. If she is involved with him and Ms. Perry is a danger to him, then Katniss is in danger as well," I explained. "I'm just looking out for her."
"Mr. Abernathy has ensured me that Ms. Everdeen is in good hands and was assigned with several Guardsmen by President Paylor herself to secure her and Mr. Mellark's safety."
"I am the First Guardsmen, Dr. Aurelius, just hand her over to me and I will make sure that she will not harm anyone especially Katniss Everdeen."
"Be as it may, I'm sorry but we've been having security issues today."
"What do you mean?" I inquired.
"I'm sorry to inform you but the security in this hospital was breached and Ms. Perry had somehow escaped."
"What? What happened?" I said in panic and disbelief.
"That's what Dr. Reynolds and I are trying to figure out," Dr. Aurelius stated as he scratched his head. "This has never happened before. I mean, we did have an incident early this morning when one of the patients attacked one of the nurses and tried to escape by impersonating her."
"So you're telling that Eva is loose?"
"Yes, we concluded that she must have had some help. When we did a head count, we discovered that she was no longer in her room," he explained. 'Oh, fuck,' my mind screamed. "This is most unfortunate. So as you can see, we're a little busy right now, trying to figure out how she escaped," he said in a calm and clinical tone.
"Fuck that, it's a moot point," I informed him. "I––I mean, you need to find her before she hurts someone." A look passed his face.
"We were in the process of doing just that, Commander Hawthorne and you interrupted our investigation." he said.
"Is there anything I can do to assist you, my office will avail itself to apprehend her as soon as possible." I'll assign a whole squad if I have to.
"We really appreciate the offer, but you're involvement may alert the public and I need to keep this facility away from any scandal. We have a reputation to uphold." More bureaucratic bullshit if you asked me. They only wanted to save their own hide. I needed to find Eva on my own before she outed me.
"I just need to know one thing before I go," I asked. "I was informed that Peeta Mellark came to see her."
"That was privileged information, Commander Hawthorne," he interjected. "Again, how did you learn of this information?"
"I have eyes and ears to all of Panem."
"Any conversation or activity involving my patients are confidential," he said. "Hospital policy."
"I'm aware and appreciate that, I do. But Mellark's involvement also includes Katniss' safety. And I have a duty to ensure hers. Even if it means, removing him from her life. I mean, I've been hearing that he's a danger to society and might relapse with his episodes––"
"I don't know where you're getting your information but as Mellark's primary physician I can assure you she is safe with him."
"And as a friend who is looking at for Katniss' best interest, I cannot stand by and let Mellark exist in her life," I stated. "If he is endangering her life by involving herself with Ms. Perry because of her attachment to Mellark, I believe I had cause to worry."
"Commander Hawthorne, I believe that it is best that you leave this facility. I have an escaped patient to attend to so––I appreciate that you don't talk to the media."
"I understand, Dr. Aurelius that I too have a job and responsibility as well as First Guardsmen." I shook his hand. "Thank you for your time."
I walked out and took my phone out of my pocket. "Hey, it's me. You need to report in and let me know if Mellark knows about me. Call me as soon as you can." I hoped that Eva didn't say anything to him. My chances with Katniss will be over and my job at stake. I'll lose everything.
I needed to find Eva fast. The first thing in her mind would be is to find Peeta. And if I find Peeta I'll be able to intercept Eva. She has become a liability. Once she's caught I'll deal with her myself.
Katniss POV––
"I hope that everyone is wearing their medallion," Haymitch asked before he left train ahead of us. "Bron make sure that the ladies wear them before they leave." Bron nodded his head. Kara took a hovercraft early this afternoon to make arrangements for Peeta's treatments.
Delly was giving Bron the cold shoulder for reminding her that he's on duty. Throughout the ride to the restaurant he's attentive and apologetic but Delly wouldn't have it. He was currently driving the hovercar as Delly sat next to Johanna. The other Guardsmen trailed behind us. Peeta and I were in own world. The moment he saw me in my dress he was dumbstruck. I was pleased by his reaction.
"Wow––you look amazing," he whispered in my ear as he walked over and held me close. I smiled to myself as I looked over our party. Both Haymitch and Bron cleaned up well wearing their dark suits and shiny patent shoes. I was surprised that Bron was accompanying us to dinner since he was still on duty until I remembered 'the plan.' I swallowed the bile that rose from my throat and hoped, prayed that it succeeded. Peeta kissed my forehead jarring me from my thoughts. I closed my eyes as his warm soft lips lingered on my skin. I wished that we had stayed back in the train. All I wanted to do was strip my boyfriend naked so I could have my way with him, but Haymitch made the reservations early and 'the plan' was formed. My need to have Peeta alone for our last night before entering the Capitol was superseded to ensure his safety from Gale. Damn him for obsessing for a relationship and a love that didn't exist between us.
Since our return from visiting Eva, Peeta had not said a single word. I remembered Kara's advise not to pressure or push him. I really didn't want to bring up the topic myself in fear of his anger or his resentment towards me. I couldn't lose him now.
"Why is Delly ignoring Bron?" Peeta whispered in my ear. His soft breath and the close proximity of his lips dazed me for a few seconds. His voice was low and soft reminding of the nights he would have his hands between my legs whispering dirty thoughts in my ear telling me how much he loved making me come with his hands and fingers. I clenched my thighs together in response. "Katniss?"
"I think they had an argument." I lay my head between the crook of his neck and shoulder. "What about? I don't know." I took a deep breath and let my body relaxed. He smelled of lavender.
"It must be really serious if Delly is ignoring him." I placed a hand over his heart.
I haven't known Delly that long. She was easy going and laid back. It took a lot to anger her unless you're threatening one of us. She was like me in that aspect; possessive and loved deeply for those she cared about, especially for Peeta and Johanna.
Bron and Delly never argued or fought often, so it disturbed me of their cool treatment of each other. Haymitch left ahead of us to ensure the security of the restaurant taking two Guardsmen. Delly and Johanna sat in silence deep in their own thoughts. The knowledge that one of Bron's trusted friends was spying on us all this time unnerved me. When will Peeta and I ever get some privacy and time alone? The trip to the Capitol was necessary but all the other factors; Eva, Gale and our spy compounded to the stress and anxiety I already had before leaving 12. I only knew that I couldn't let Peeta go alone. I let him out of my sight once and almost lost him. Never again. I clung to him receiving a kiss to the top of my head. I wanted to him to kiss me until I couldn't think straight but that would have been rude and insensitive due to the current situation between Bron and Delly.
"We're almost there," Bron announced as he slowed the hovercar down next to a building in the heart of District 1's most populated city. My heart clenched at the mere sight of the buildings as it reminded of the Capitol's architecture. If I didn't know any better you swore we were already there. Three Guardsmen appeared escorting us to the restaurant. I fought the urge to confront them. My patience and whatever safety I felt in their presence was shattered. I reminded myself that I couldn't trust them. At least, I was happy to discover that there were no media or fans crowding the streets.
"Effie. You're here." I heard Delly scream as she walked into the restaurant. Effie Trinket was wearing a long black evening dress with a deep, and I mean a deep plunging neckline that revealed her jeweled belly button. The dress was slinky and revealed the unscarred and unblemished skin reaching the dimples on the small of her back. Haymitch stood next to her. They looked beautiful couple together with him wearing a dark gray fitted suit. Johanna whistled.
"You need to tell me the name of your tailor because that dress looks hot on you," she quipped. Effie blushed for the first time I have ever met her. Her hair was slicked back to reveal her oval shaped face with little makeup and rosy red lips. "It was a collaborated venture between Cinna and myself." My eyes threatened to tear up. Besides Prim, I missed Cinna every time I saw a dress that reminded me of him.
Peeta's hand slipped between my dress; as it too revealed a good portion of my back. I flinched when I first saw the scars as I donned the dress early this evening. But I recollected Peeta's loving touches and caresses as he kissed every inch of my back the first time we slept naked together. The memories sent chills down my spine as Peeta caressed my back. Tonight, I didn't care who saw them, Peeta made me feel beautiful. Haymitch swore that we would not see anyone especially the media for our dinner this evening.
"I thought you were going to meet us at the Capitol," I asked as she gave Peeta and me a quick hug.
"I missed all of you and when Haymitch told me that you were dining in District 1, I wanted to be here with you." She glanced at Haymitch for a second. A looked passed between them. Haymitch was unusually quiet standing next to her. "Come on, I'll escort you to the dining area."
To my surprise I finally looked at my surroundings. It was odd that I didn't see the name in front of the building. The foyer was large with six columns forming circle embedded into the walls. The columns were made of the same material that covered the floor. I think they called it marble. I saw so much of it in the Capitol and Snow mansion. I shuddered at the memories that flashed in my mind. I clutched onto Peeta's hand so tight my knuckles turned white. She stopped in the front of the largest double doors I have ever seen reaching the ceiling. Effie opened both doors with practiced ease. "Welcome to my home." We gasped in surprise as the large dining room revealed an elegant rectangular Mahogany table with the dinner settings to rival a Capitol event. The table was long with ivory tablecloth and two polished and ornate candelabras. A large foot long flower arrangement was centered at the table. The china was exquisite and white with gold trimmings. The flatware was gold and set for seven placements.
"This is your home?" Delly asked, her eyes round and mouth open. I narrowed my eyes as I wondered why she requested to live in District 12 a few months back. And if so, why would she give this up to live in District 12. I tossed the thought aside as Peeta and I sat on our assigned seats. On the table were nameplates with a red rose on the top center next to the plate. There were also three different size glasses. A large silver dome covered the main dinner plate.
"I was born and raised in District 1," she explained. "I only worked and lived at the Capitol during the games. This is my home."
"Are you going to sell it when you move to 12?" Bron asked.
"It's been in family for centuries. I don't know if I want to sell it. I just don't want to live here anymore." Her eyes were misty. I never knew her background or history. I only knew Effie Trinket as District 12's reaping escort. It proved how much I still don't know about her. Rather, how much I didn't want to know about her life as an escort.
"Anyway, I'm hungry and dinner's getting cold," Haymitch interjected as he reached over to uncover his plate.
"Abernathy," Effie screeched across the table. "Where are your manners?"
"Back in District 12," he retorted back with a teasing smile on his face. With several years of companionship as escort and mentor, they knew how to push each other's buttons. I wouldn't be at all surprised that they relished the jabs and insults they gave each other.
"Are you sure you two are not married? You act like my parents," Bron teased. We all laughed as both Haymitch and Effie blushed.
"Anyway, if you don't mind, I would like to make a toast," Johanna spoke as she stood up with a glass in hand. Bron and Peeta quickly filled our glasses. "I'm not good with words like Peeta and Haymitch, so I'm winging it." She gripped her glass with both hands. She was nervous as she stumbled with her words. "I've been meaning to say this to all of you and just never had the nerve to––what I'm trying to say is. I want to thank everyone here for all your support and your friendship. When I came back to District 7 I was lost and angry." She hesitated for a moment and looked at Peeta who sat between us.
He nodded his head and grabbed her right hand. "I wanted to thank Peeta mostly for convincing me to move to 12. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be here with all of you in my life. I never thought of my future or the days ahead of me. I just wanted to survive."
I knew how she felt. Before my reaping survival was the only thing I knew. I now realized that it was fate that brought us all together. "I thank all of you for being in my life." She raised her glass. "So I want to propose a toast to a better future with love, friendship and family." We lifted our glasses.
"To a better future." We repeated amongst ourselves as our glasses clinked with one another. With a quick sip of champagne that tickled my throat, Peeta squeezed my hand and kissed my cheek. His eyes twinkled as a slight pink hue appeared on his cheeks. Throughout dinner, Peeta would lay a hand on my thigh underneath the table or grabbed my hand between entrees as everyone conversed around us. It seemed such a natural and comfortable thing for him to do as if it was second nature for him to reach out to touch me as he pleased. I craved for his touches. It was the opposite of what was happening with Delly and Bron. Each time he reached for her hand she shrugged him off. My heart broke for Bron who looked sad as his fiancé ignored him all evening. I hoped that what occurred between would be resolved soon. It was upsetting Peeta to watch his closest friend behave in such a manner. A few times a server would approach Effie and would whisper in her ear. Then she would turn to Haymitch and tap her bracelet. He nodded his head in response.
An hour later, I glanced at Peeta's dinner plate to find that he had eaten only half of his meal. His hands shook and I wondered if that was the reason why he clutched onto mine ever so often.
"Peeta?" I turned to him as servers removed the dishes and glasses from the table. I grasped his hand tight. "Are you okay? You didn't eat enough of your dinner."
"I'm really not hungry, Katniss," he admitted. "My stomach feels kinda funny."
"Do you feel sick?" I was alarmed at his admission. I felt his forehead. He was warm, but not sweating.
"No, I think my stomach is not reacting well with the pills Kara gave me this afternoon." Kara had explained that the new pills would make him feel woozy and nauseous. It was going to take some time before his system to get accustomed to the new regiment. "I guess I'm stressing after what happened today." I wanted to take him back to the train but I knew that he would balk at the idea and didn't want to ruin the evening for everyone.
"I'm kind of nervous myself," I confessed. "I wanted to stay in but––"
"I think I need some air," He said as he toyed with his shirt collar. I stared at a small bruise on his neck given to him by yours truly during one of our amorous endeavors.
"Can you excuse us for a minute. Peeta is not feeling well," I said interrupting everyone.
"What's wrong Peeta?" Delly asked. Her face was etched with worry.
"I just need some air."
"Go through that door, Peeta," Effie instructed him. "It will lead you to the back area." Bron stood up to follow but I curtailed his attempt to follow Peeta.
"Bron, stay here. It's not necessary for you to watch him," I said as I looked at Delly. "I'll stay with him." I wanted some alone time with Peeta and this seemed like our only opportunity as the other Guardsmen patrolled outside Effie's home.
"But–"
"Bron give the lovebirds some space," Johanna directed him. "Haymitch secured the house so chill and be Delly's fiancé for the rest of the evening." Bron appeared petulant at her remark.
"Leave him alone, Johanna," Delly said. "He's on duty." She held both her hands up while her fingers made quote marks in the air. Bron sat back down as he scowled at her.
I grabbed Peeta's hand and lead him through the glass doors. We walked inside a glass-encased patio complete with lounge chairs and tables. High above us the stars twinkled in the sky providing us enough illumination that I could see Peeta's relaxed face. We walked to the farthest corner of the room and stared at the constellations above us.
"I wish I can freeze this moment forever," Peeta recited, calm and reverent. I stiffen in surprise. He was looking up at the sky while he held me from behind his chest pressed against my back.
"You remembered," I asked. He sounded sad and wistful. It was a memory I cherished during the days at 13 when I thought I lost him forever. I allowed that moment but didn't appreciate its' significance at the time. Peeta was always the romantic one in this relationship.
"For the longest time, I didn't know if that memory was real or not," he confessed. "I didn't know if any good memories we had together was not manufactured by my own dreams or fantasies. I only knew that I wanted to be with you and dreaming a life with you was the only thing that kept me alive when––" I turned around to face him. "I'm so tired Katniss." He held me tight against him. "What we shared in District 4 and 7 is the only things that are keeping…if I didn't have you…when you told me you loved me, I was scared that I was dreaming again."
"You're not Peeta, I'm real and I do love you so much," I tried to assure him.
"I know that this is real now…facing Eva made me realize that with all the good things that happened, there were also horrible things that happened too," he said. "Do you understand what I'm saying because…I don't even know if that made sense to me."
"It did," I chuckled at his words. "It made perfect sense. You're perfect." I kissed his cheek.
"I'm not, really. I'm a mess," he sighed. "The only thing that I hang on to is that you love me."
"I really do."
"And that is why I wake up in the morning and get out of bed," he said. "You're real, and I love so much." He slipped his hand underneath my dress caressing my breast with his fingertips. I gasped in pleasure as his fingered tweaked my nipple.
"Peeta," I moaned low and husky. "What are you doing? We can't…not here where…" I shut my eyes as his head dipped low and he wrapped his soft lips around my hard nipple. My knees buckled as my back arched encouraging him further while my hands wrapped around his head. "Shit," I groaned as he sucked hard, hollowing his mouth. "Peeta?"
My nipple felt cold as his mouth released my breast into the cold air. "You're so beautiful," he said with such reverence. "I just needed to see your face like that. Like the way you look right now with lust and desire in your eyes. You see me, Katniss? I'm the one pleasing you."
"You're the only one, Peeta." I kissed him hard as he held me tight, grinding his solid length on my stomach. I gasped in lust as I realized he was hard for me. I whimpered and moaned as our tongues fought for domination. I bit his lip. He gasped in surprise and pulled back, staring deep into my eyes. He no longer panicked and imagined Eva when I bit him. It was a step to erasing that memory. He leaned down to my throat leaving wet hot kisses on my skin. I missed this side of him.
"Katniss?" he said so low I thought I imagined it. He repeated my name over and over like a mantra.
"Yes?" He placed a hand on the small of my back and pushed me towards him. The ache between my legs multiplied as I wrapped a leg around his waist. I couldn't get him close enough. "Oh fuck, Peeta. I want you…but not here, baby." He pushed my dress aside and wrapped his tongue around my nipple. "Oh shit, please baby. Not here." I begged. My mind fought my body as it responded to his assault on my senses. It's been so long since he touched me that way. But we were at Effie's home and exposed. I didn't want anyone to see Peeta and me at our most intimate moment even though I was dying for him to touch me. With the strength that I had left to resist him, I lifted his head from my breast and kissed him. We ravaged each other with our kisses leaving our lips swollen and red. When we parted we were both breathing hard.
Our foreheads rested upon each other. "I love you, please don't leave me," he whispered, his eyes closed as tears tracked down his cheeks.
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere." I placed both hand on his cheeks as my thumbs wiped his tears away. "I love you. And you're mine now. I'm not going anywhere I promise."
He nodded his head. We held each other for a while until we heard Delly's voice inside the house. "…and you're an asshole, Bron. Just leave me the fuck alone." Peeta gasped in shock.
"Delly, calm down, I'm sure Bron didn't mean that?" Johanna said in calm manner.
"Yes, he did or else he wouldn't have said it in the first place," Delly stated.
"Delly, get back here and talk to me like an adult," Bron screamed at her as we heard a door slam shut.
"Oh my god, what's going on?" I asked. "I knew she was mad at him but didn't think it was that bad." I looked back at Peeta. "Are you okay?" His head was down.
"I'm sorry," he said, unaware or concerned of Delly and Bron's dilemma.
"Why are you sorry?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around his waist, laying my head on his shoulder.
"I didn't mean to attack you like that." He kissed my head "You look so sexy in that dress I couldn't help myself. I've been wanting to kiss all night."
I chuckled in spite of myself. "Then mission accomplished," I admitted. "It was Johanna's idea to get the dress. She said you couldn't resist me when I wore it."
"Whatever. You could have worn a flour sack and I would still find you sexy as ever." His hand slipped behind my dress rubbing his hand on my exposed back. His touch sent shivers down my spine. If the preview of his erection on my belly was an indication to where our night would lead, I couldn't wait to get him alone in our bed.
"Only you would," I sighed. The evidence between my legs of my desire for him was making me feel uncomfortable. I needed relief soon but my bladder had other ideas. With his strong arms around me I was too comfortable to move. The world was collapsing around us. Gale tried to take Peeta away from me with the help of his accomplice, Eva. Perry. In a few weeks he will endure and suffer through the new treatments Dr. Aurelius has designed to remove the venom in his system. Half of Panem believed that he's a traitor while the other half adored him. Whatever fears Peeta experienced and struggled with, I needed him to know that I was going to run and I will be at his side. "Damnit," I scolded myself.
"What's wrong? Peeta asked.
"I have to use the bathroom," I admitted.
"Oh, okay. Then what's the problem," he inquired. I loved the crinkles that formed on his forehead. His lips were rosy red and swollen from our kisses. I leaned over to kiss him.
"I like it here," I said between his lips as I cupped his hard butt cheeks with both hands. "I don't want to move."
"Yeah, well if you go now and do your business. I'll still be here and we can, you know…" He wiggled his brows. I laughed at his suggestion as I pecked his lips one more time.
"Okay, just don't go anywhere and I'll be right back." I turned to leave when he grabbed my hand and smashed his lips to mine. I was breathless when our kiss ended. He had one hand cupping my face.
"Hurry back." His eyes were dark with lust and desire.
"Okay," I muttered. God he was killing me. I wanted to stay and continue our make out session but I needed to pee. I walked back into the house. Haymitch and Bron were still seated at the dinner table. Bron held a bottle of beer in his hand while Haymitch sipped his glass of water. He kept to his sobriety knowing that he needed to be sober during this part of the trip. "Where are the girls?" I asked.
"Effie went to her office to answer a phone call and Johanna went after Delly," Haymitch answered. "Is Peeta okay?"
"He's fine, just tired but okay." I hoped that Haymitch didn't scrutinize me to closely as Itasted and remembered Peeta's kisses. "Do you know where the bathroom is located? I think I'll get lost if I wandered on my own."
"Outside the door, turn right in the hallway first door on the left," Haymitch answered. It struck me how much he knew this place so well. I found the door leading to the room and opened it with caution. The room was the size of my master bedroom. A full-length mirror hung at one side of the wall while two lounge chairs were situated in the center of the room. It was beautifully designed like the rest of the house with white marble tiled floor, two sinks and columns. A small door led to the toilet. I still wondered why Effie could give this up?
After a few seconds I relieved my bladder and opened the door to find Delly and Johanna seated in the lounge chairs. Delly was wiping her eyes with the back of her hand as Johanna handed her a tissue to wipe her face.
"It's not right Johanna," Delly whispered.
"Well, we can't do anything about it now, it's done," Johanna returned.
I washed my hands and turned to them. "What's going on Delly?" I asked as I wiped my my hands with a towel hanging the closest to me. I wanted to get back to Peeta but Delly was hurting and she needed my support as well. She had been kind, supportive and understanding throughout our trip that I felt the need to comfort her. I knew that if Peeta were here he would understand. I have all night with him to look forward to.
"Nothing, Katniss," she answered back as she looked at Johanna.
"Delly," Johanna scolded her. "You just yelled at Bron for no reason. And then you ran of out the room."
"It's just a misunderstanding," Delly replied. She was wringing her hands as she played with her engagement ring. "I think the stress is catching up to me. I mean, I don't know what's wrong with me. I get so upset with the silliest things and then I'm crying and laughing like I can't control myself." Her lips quivered and suddenly she broke down into tears. "Fuck this, I don't know why I'm feeling like this." I sat beside her sandwiching Delly between Johanna and me. "I love Bron so much. I really do but sometimes, his job…" She bent over covering her face with her hands.
"I'm sorry if his job is coming between you and Bron," I said.
"No don't feel bad, Katniss," she said as she sat up wiping her face with the tissue. "I would never trust anyone to protect Peeta but Bron. I'm not mad about that." She took my hand into hers. "Really, I'm not. I'm glad that they along so well, you know. Like brothers." I smiled at her comment. "It's just lately, I haven't been feeling well and I get so worked up. And––I can't help it…and I take it out on him. I know it's not fair. And––"
"And––go on Delly, tell Katniss what really is bothering you," Johanna replied. She stared at Delly encouraging her to continue.
"Well, I'm really not sure…and I didn't want to say anything until I was confident and was sure…" she stumbled to explain herself.
"What, Delly? What's wrong?" I asked, fear and worry surfaced in my mind.
"The thing is…I think I might be pregnant," she said. 'Holy shit' I blinked several times, my mouth opened but no sound came out. "I didn't have a chance to ask Kara and make sure since she left this afternoon so––"
"She can't remember the last time she had a period," Johanna spoke. Come to think of it, I haven't been tracking my own. Due to the lack of nutrition and starvation before I was reaped, my menstrual period was erratic. It was difficult to track. I really didn't have to worry about getting pregnant since my sexual activity with Peeta hasn't included…oh hell, I have to talk to Kara as soon as I reached the Capitol. I'm sure that in the near future Peeta and I will take the next step into our relationship. I longed for it and I think with time Peeta will be ready. Now that Eva is no longer a danger to him, he will recover and feel safe again. "But since you've been taking your pills, you might not be and you're just freaking out."
"There always a small percentage that I might be," Delly answered.
"And if you are pregnant?" Johanna asked.
"Then you two are going to be Auntie Johanna and Auntie Katniss." She smiled but I detected a bit of anxiety in her tone. "I'm not saying anything to Bron until I'm really sure that I am." Her eyes grew wide. "Oh god, what am I going to do? We only got engaged and we haven't set a date. Do we want a Capitol ceremony…will Bron want to get married there too because I want to do a Toasting Ceremony at District 12––"
"Whoa, there Delly," Johanna remarked. "Take one thing at time, will you? Before you start picking out flowers for your wedding, I'll sneak a pregnancy test in the train for you, all right?" Delly nodded her head. A wedding, a baby on the way. It was all too much to digest. Before I could utter a word, a loud knock interrupted us.
"Katniss, I need to talk to you," Haymitch yelled outside the door. Delly, Johanna and I ran out the room. Bron was nowhere to be seen as Effie stood beside him. There was a look of fear and anxiety etched on his face. Effie was wringing her hands together.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Effie got a call a few minutes ago," he responded. "I have bad news."
"What?" I inquired as a fear radiated from my spine to the back of my head.
"Dr. Aurelius called from the facility," Effie continued. "Eva's missing and they can't find her. They think that someone helped her escaped." Eva, the mention of her name sucked the breath out of me and my only thoughts were of Peeta. Peeta!
"Oh my god, where is Peeta?" I screamed as I pushed everyone aside and ran out to where I left him. The back patio was empty. "Where is he? Peeta?" I screamed over and over. "Where are you?"
AN: I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. Just a quick question to my readers, though I'll write this story to its conclusion, I wonder if some of you are interested in reading a AU Hunger Games or Modern story starring the Star Crossed Lovers. Please leave comments or suggestions at your convenience. I already have two stories in outline form and can't decide which to write after completing 'The Weary Heart." Have a great weekend.