A/N: Hello to all of my amazing readers! Here is Chapter 14….This one is a bit different than the others…In my opinion, this chapter is not nearly as exciting as some of the others, but for many of our characters it's needed for the future. We get to see the reactions of a few people in Twelve, a few in The Capitol…And best of all, we get a little Everlark fluff before the storm hits….
Changing the Game
Chapter 14 : They Picked Right – Part 2 – The Calm Before the Storm
~ Bing ~
The realization of my son's story hit me hard last night, sending me in a near trance like state as I made my way home merely seconds before the screen went black. Truthfully, I barely remember the walk home as my mind tried to process my son's words. His 'story.' Esther did not bat an eye as her friends looked at her in disgust. I am at least thankful for the truth, for the people in town to see how undeserving she is of someone as pure as Peeta.
How did I not know what she had been doing to Peeta all these years? What kind of idiot am I to have been so blind to her abuse? She never hid her dislike, the resent she held for our youngest son, but this...It's disgusting, it's appalling, reprehensible. It is downright unforgivable. How can I live with myself, knowing that I have allowed this to go on…In my own home, no less and for all of these years? When did it begin? When was the first time she raised a hand to strike Peeta? So many questions run through my mind, and so little answers. Most importantly, how will Peeta ever be able to forgive me? And if by some miracle he does, how am I to forgive myself?
After Peeta shared his 'story' with Katniss, it was like someone peeled the mask from my eyes. It all made sense. The bruises, welts, sprained wrists, and ankles were finally explained.
"Dad, don't blame yourself." It is Rye who breaks me from my thoughts, and I turn to look at him. The shame must be written all over my face.
"Did you know?" I ask him earnestly, without accusation. His eyes wander around the room looking guilty until he finally meets my eyes.
"Once. I was there once when it happened." My lips form into a hard line and I close my eyes, nodding my head. I am not angry at him; this is not his fault.
"Why didn't you ever tell…No, never mind…I'm sorry…It's not—"
"It was the night Peeta and I were unloading the supplies. That night Madge kidnapped him and took him over to The Everdeen's. Peeta was late getting to the train station, because…because…well he liked to walk Madge and Katniss home after school, so I brought the supplies home and he met me here. One of the sacks of flour already had a tear in it, and when mom walked in and saw it…she…she—" Rye hesitates, covering his face with his hand, pained by the memory.
"She what, son?" I question Rye, intent on finally learning the truth, yet wanting to kick myself for avoiding it this whole time. Why have I been such a coward for so long? Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I had to have known. I must have.
"Well, you know how she gets dad…if something is wrong…it…it's always Peeta's fault; she blames him for everything. I'm not sure what she was stirring with that spoon of hers, but when she saw the mess on the floor, she hit him with…with the spoon—" He nearly whispers the last word, causing me to strain my ears to make his words out.
"—She didn't hit him that hard, but whatever was on that spoon…Dad, it was HOT. I tried dad, I swear I tried to help him, but she demanded I go up front, she said Peeta needed to learn how to take care of himself. And…I promise you dad, I went to help him…I tried, but…but he shooed me away. Dad..I—"
I close the distance between us and pull Rye into my arms, the tears free-falling from his eyes. "Rye, it's not your fault. This is NOT your fault; do you understand me? You are not responsible for her actions. She…she…your mother, she's just….No, you know what Rye? I'm done making excuses for that woman. It stops now." I declare, feeling the heat surge through my bones.
Rye takes a step back, looking anywhere but at me, twiddling his thumbs as he continues. "I know it's not my fault dad, but…but I still could have spoken up…I could have…done something…anything other than stay silent. Instead, I was a coward. I didn't want to be on the other end of mom's spoon. I'm his big brother and I did nothing to protect him—"
I try to hide the grimace on my face, it just hurts to see him in so much pain. "Dad, when Peeta comes home, you can't…we can't let her hurt him anymore. Peeta is so good dad, he never deserved any of this. Mom, the games, all this pain. And out of all of us boys, Peeta is the best. And you know what's funny?"
"Don't sell yourself short Rye, you rank pretty high in my books. But what's that?"
"Well, maybe not funny…More like…ironic I guess…But…but Peeta, he's the best, he's the kindest out of the three of us…he genuinely cares about others, he doesn't hesitate to help his friends out, much less strangers and yet, he's the one who's suffered the most. It's not fair dad."
With Rye's words, I get an idea. "Rye, will you watch over the store? I need to…There's something I need to take care of."
Rye rolls his eyes with a smirk on his face. "Dad, I'm not sure if you've been paying attention, but it's after ten o'clock in the morning and not a single customer has walked through that door. I think everyone is angry at mom." 'Rightfully so.' I think to myself.
"Right, okay. Well, stay here and keep an eye on things anyway. I'll be back as soon as I can."
I remove my apron, tossing it behind the counter and rush out the door, making a beeline straight to The Justice Building.
. | . | . | . | . | . | . |
0o0o
~ Katniss ~
"Katniss, what is that?" Peeta pulls back from our embrace pointing to something behind me that I cannot see. I turn around to see what he is talking about and notice perhaps the biggest parachute I have ever seen. In my life. I get up to retrieve it and when I open it up, it appears to be some type of basket. I shrug my shoulders and proceed to lift the lid.
My eyes go big as saucers when I catch sight of the contents inside and begin unloading it onto the floor of the cave. I look up from the basket and meet Peeta's eyes, seeing that he wears the same astonished expression as I do.
"Is that—"
"Lamb stew." I say, nodding my head as the aroma fills my nostrils and my mouth begins to salivate at the very thought of sinking my teeth into the savory dish.
'So, my tragic storytelling made them feel sorry for us, huh?' Peeta asks me.
'Are you surprised?' He forces a smile onto his lips and then helps me unload the basket of food.
It is the lamb stew with dried plums and rice, the same exact dish as I had that first night on the train, and I am mesmerized by the massive amounts of food in front of my eyes; it's enough to feed an entire family in the seam for a week. Next, I pull out a gigantic container filled with an assortment of cooked vegetables. Another container is filled with fresh fruit, along with a basket of rolls from District Seven.
I meet Peeta's eyes when I pull the bread out, 'How did they know?'
'Cameras? Microphones? Who knows?' Peeta shrugs his shoulders.
Finally, the last dish contains two whopping servings of chocolate cake topped with what Peeta tells me is 'Buttercream frosting.' Once we have removed all the food from the basket, I begin handing Peeta the plates and silverware that sits at the bottom of the basket. I grab one of the plates to begin filling it with food just as I notice Peeta holding the plate up, as if he is studying it, or perhaps he is inspecting it.
"What are you doing Peeta?" I inquire, wondering if I should question his sanity. He looks like a little boy who just got a toy he has wanted for so long as he nearly glows, in awe of the plate for some reason.
"Katniss…Oh my…Wow…Katniss, this is just…Beautiful, it's incredible. I have never seen…Look Katniss, I think the designs on these plates were…No, I am certain someone painted these by hand. See here—" Peeta points to a particular spot on the plate, bringing it closer to my face for me to see. "—If you look closely, you can see the brush strokes. This is just beautiful…it's…it's immaculate."
Peeta is still holding the plate up, slowly turning it, in awe of the dish. "Seriously Peeta? It's a plate for Pete's sake!"
He breaks his gaze from the plate to look at me, his brows furrow in confusion. "What?" He says so innocently I can't help but smile.
"Peeta…we are right smack in the middle of the hunger games, trapped inside of this arena…I'm sure Cato is out there…searching for us, ready to kill us at any moment…and somehow…somehow you are able to see the light in the darkness; the beauty in the midst of so much that is ugly. Peeta Mellark, you are the most amazing person I have ever known." I say, beaming proudly, and I have to force the stupid grin from my face.
Peeta breaks his gaze from the plate to look at me; with that crooked grin of his and says, "It's not hard to find beautiful things when I'm surrounded by it."
"Name one thing in this rotten, leaky cave that is even remotely beautiful." I challenge him.
"Katniss."
"What?"
"You said to name something beautiful."
"Shut up Peeta, you know what I meant."
"Katniss, everything can be ugly, or everything can be beautiful. It all depends on your perspective…on how you choose to look at it." He says, accentuating the word 'choose.' I scowl at him in disbelief. "Okay, let me try this way. I want you to point something out in this rotten, leaky cave, anything that you think is disgusting and I will show you how it is beautiful."
"Okay," I say, accepting his challenge and begin scanning the small perimeter of our cave, looking for the ugliest, nastiest, most despicable thing I can find. My eyes land on a leaky spot on the roof of our cave where water is leaking through. You can see where the water has caused it to become slimy and green. 'I'd like to see him try and turn that into a work of art.' I think to myself, concentrating to keep my thoughts private. "That right there." I say with a smirk.
"And you say I have an eye for beautiful things." He says, seemingly bewildered. "Katniss, you are the one with the exquisite eye for beautiful things. Come here, come sit next to me so that I can show you what I'm looking at." I get up and move next to Peeta and he maneuvers my head so that I am looking at the same thing he is.
"Do you see how after the rain leaks in, it leaves behind a trail? Now, if you look closely at the trail you can see the beginnings of crystals forming in its wake, and if you look even closer, when the light hits the crystals just right…do you see those colors Katniss? They're just…incredible." He speaks with so much passion, so much vibrancy. I am certain he could describe a pile of dog crap and manage to make it sound beautiful.
I continue to stare at the spot while Peeta describes it to me, trying to see it the way he does. It takes me a moment, but then I see it. I see what he sees, and I am completely flabbergasted. The colors are so vivid and immaculate, I'm not sure how I didn't see it before. I can't even begin to name the colors because they are continuously changing, depending on how the light hits them at each moment. "I just…I don't understand how you do that, Peeta."
"Do what?" He asks, truly oblivious as he sets the plate down and scoops the lamb stew onto it.
"You manage to…I don't know, see the bright side, the positive, the good in anything…anyone…me…"
"Eat your food before it gets cold."
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0o0o
~ Haymitch ~
"Have you guys seen Effie?" I look over at Cinna and Portia after scanning the room for Trinkie. I figured she would be all excited and bouncing over us being the ones to finally break the record for highest paid sponsor gift sent into the arena. I do a double take of Portia when I catch sight of her red rimmed and puffy eyes, letting me know she's been crying, and then she shakes her head. "What's wrong?" I demand, anxious at once.
She notices my panic and offers me a smile. "They're okay Haymitch, they're just enjoying all that food." She points up to the screen, as if validating her words. My kids had everyone laughing at the boy's infatuation of the designs on the china, and the girl's response to it.
The girl is right though, she has a point. They are in that arena fighting for their lives, yet the boy, Peeta…He found something to smile about. If anyone deserves to live, it is him.
My breathing evens out with her reassurance. "So, what's wrong?"
"It's just…It's Peeta. That story of his. I mean…I knew his mother was an insufferable witch, but that? Abusing your child because he only wanted to help another person? Because he wanted to feed the girl he loves? What kind of mother does that?"
"What do you mean you knew his mother was an insufferable witch?"
"Oh, I thought you knew. Well, we were talking early one morning when he couldn't sleep. He was telling me about his good-bye's before coming here…That when his mother came to say goodbye to him, she…Instead of even pretending to care about him, she looked him in the eye and said, 'Maybe Twelve will finally have a winner this year and then followed it up by saying that Katniss was a fighter…or maybe it was a survivor? Either way, I find it despicable. What kind of human being says that to another human being?"
If I didn't know any better, I wouldn't believe that Portia was born and raised in The Capitol. Her words send a heated rage surging through my body and I have to fight the urge to send my fist through a wall.
I stuff my anger back down just as quickly as it surfaced. As much as I appreciate Portia's sentiment, she must be more careful about speaking her mind, especially in the control room. I give her a warning glare before turning my back to her.
"I'm gonna go find Effie." I leave them with that and storm out of the control room in search of the escort. I check her usual spots and come up empty. Finally, I head to the last place I expect to find her; the District Twelve suite. I have not been back here since the night before the games, when I could look my kids in the eye and not just on a screen.
Just before I open the door, I hear a sniffling sound, like someone is crying. When I open the door, Effie's back is facing me, and she is staring at the giant screen in front her. The remote is gripped firmly in her right hand and a handful of balled up tissues are in the other one.
"Effie, you okay?" I ask her apprehensively, slowly walking up to her from behind. She jumps at the sound of my voice but does not turn to look at me. She remains focused on the screen, except when I see her face, her eyes remain closed, a pained expression fills her face.
I take my position next to her, placing my hand on her shoulder. The warmth of my hand must startle her because she jumps just before turning her head to meet my eyes, her eyes pink and swollen. "What kind of mother does that? What kind of mother hits her child for being kind? For being KIND Haymitch!" She fumes, outraged.
I do not recognize this 'Effie.' She is seething, she is infuriated to the point I would almost believe steam could come shooting out of her ears at any moment.
"It's just a story Effie." I tell her, playing dumb in case they are listening. She turns to face me, her eyes squinting at me with so much ferocity, and I jerk back, feeling the sudden heat from her gaze.
"That was NOT just a 'story' Haymitch Abernathy, and you know it. I am not that same clueless, naive woman you met just years ago." I look at her and give her an apologetic glance.
"I mean, to live your entire life in fear…To constantly be afraid that at any given moment—"
"I hate to break it to you Trinkie, but that's everyone, everywhere. That is every single child throughout every single district. Everyone lives in constant fear of the games each year, of their name getting drawn, of being sent into the arena."
"I know that Haymitch, but this is different. A mother is supposed to love you, she is supposed to protect you, a mother's love is supposed to be unconditional. I just…I just do not understand it Haymitch…especially after meeting and knowing the kind of person Peeta is…how could anyone, much less his own mother hurthim? And after everything that boy has endured, how does he manage to be such a kind, sweet and wonderful boy?"
For a while, I have known that Effie has changed, that she's less of 'One of them' and she wants to make a difference, but this 'Effie' is…she's more than I ever knew. "I don't know Effie, I don't know. I wish I had the answers, but—" A light appears in her eyes and she bores them into me once more.
"Did you know? Did you know what his mother did to him?" I avert my gaze toward the ground, my guilt consuming me.
"Not exactly. I mean, everyone knows the woman's got no love for the boy…Hell, it's a small district…Word gets around—"
"And you did nothing about it? You just sat back and watched, as long as you had your alcohol—"
"And what exactly was I supposed to do? Before…before…I didn't even know the kid, but—"
"I'm sorry, you're right Haymitch. I apologize for my outburst, but I…Haymitch, what will happen when he goes home? That woman will move into his home, take all his money…NO…I won't have it, I will not allow it."
I chuckle at her outburst, giving her an impish grin. "And what is it that you think you can do all the way from your cozy little home out here in The Capitol?"
"I…I—" She pauses for a moment and I can see the wheels turning in her head. "Peeta is sixteen years old, he is old enough to live on his own. I will just help him see that is what is best when he returns home. No, I will not, I refuse to allow that mother of his to use him and take him for granted any longer. I…I absolutely forbid it!"
I let out another laugh, this time it's a loud one, "What is so funny Haymitch? This is no laughing matter!" Her genuine cluelessness only causes me to laugh even harder.
"Effie, do you think for a second…no, for even a fraction of second that Katniss will allow that woman to lay another finger on that boy?" Her eyes wander for a second as she processes my words and then smiles.
"Yes, I see your point Haymitch. Yes, yes, I suppose you are right."
Once our little tiff is over, I realize we have said too much. What if they were watching, what if they were privy to Effie's emotional outburst over the boy's abuse? The Capitol…they can 'love' their tributes, but are not expected to become emotionally attached, which Effie has clearly done.
"Hey Effie, let me grab my shoes and then why don't we head downstairs?" She glances to my feet and scrunches her nose up because my shoes are already on my feet. A split second later she realizes that I am warning her to watch her words, because they arelistening.
"But no matter, I suppose that is the life in the districts." She attempts to cover up her previous emotional outburst.
"Come on, lets go. Caesar will combust if we don't have a sit down with him soon."
. | . | . | . | . | . | . |
0o0o
~ Lilly ~
"No wonder Katniss has been so cold, so distant toward me all these years. I can't believe…I didn't know she…Oh Dylan, I am such an awful mother, I am so ashamed of myself. I just…I just sat around doing nothing, allowing…no, forcing my daughter to provide for our family."
I noticed a change in Katniss after Dylan woke from his coma and I thought she was angry at her father. After closer observation, I realized her animosity was geared only toward me, and I couldn't figure out the logistics of it all. It all finally makes sense after hearing Peeta's story.
"Lil, you're being too hard on yourself. You tried, you told me yourself that you went to your parents' house, you asked them for help…. So, no, you didn't just 'sit around doing nothing." He tries to excuse my behavior, but I know I was reprehensible. I failed my daughters.
"And Peeta, oh, poor Peeta. I have mended so many of his injuries, each time he would explain how they came to be, and I had my suspicions, but never in a million years did I think they were intentional. That his mother…
But Peeta was right though…I was so focused on you; I was so terrified of losing you that I lost sight of the girls. I do not want to even begin to imagine what would have happened had you not woken up. And Peeta…what he did…I never knew that either. How could Esther…I mean, I know I have no right to judge, but Dylan…I hurt my girls through neglect…But her…she hurt Peeta intentionally…by being abusive. She…she sought out to hurt him, to cause him pain."
"Stop being so hard on yourself. People make mistakes, you made a mistake. When Katniss comes home, you'll apologize to her and you'll repair your relationship."
"And what about Peeta? What will become of him?"
"We'll do everything in our power to protect him as well." Dylan and I both turn our heads when we hear a knock at the door.
Dylan raises an eyebrow, giving me a quizzical look. "Are you expecting anyone?" I shake my head as he gets up to answer the door. When he opens the door, we are greeted by our district postmaster.
"Mrs. Everdeen?" He looks at me and I nod my head in confirmation.
"I am here with a message from Mayor Undersee. He requests your assistance with his wife. If possible, he wishes for you to come at once, payment for your services will be rendered upon your departure."
"Give me just a second to check my books." He nods his head and I make my way into the corner of the living room where I keep my appointment book and medical supplies. I open the book and see that I have no one scheduled until six o'clock this evening. I then proceed to check my supplies in my medical bag, making sure that I am stocked up on all of my inventory, not knowing what services I will be providing, I must be prepared for anything.
"Okay, sure I can come now." I turn to meet Dylan's eyes, "Myra is supposed to stop by around six o'clock this evening, if I am not home in time, will you have her wait for me? I should be home in plenty of time, but on the off chance that I'm not?"
"Of course." Dylan tells me and I plant a kiss on his cheek. The postmaster and I walk into town together, going our separate ways when the road forks off. He heads toward town, which is where the post office is located while I make my way to the mayor's front door.
Rose, their housekeeper lets me in and shows me to Grace's room. I take the stairs up to her room and notice the door is slightly ajar. Deciding to knock anyway, I wait for an invitation before entering.
"Come in, Lilly, and will you please shut the door behind you?" She is moving about in her room, probably tidying up. I close the door behind me and watch her as she places a book back onto her bookshelf, and I take notice of how healthy and happy she appears. I give her a smile and she takes a seat on the far side of her bed. I set my bag in the floor, propping it up next to her bed as she invites me to join her.
"You look really good, Grace. The postmaster made it sound as if you were ill and required my services."
"I'm sorry about that, I just asked Alaric to see you if you would come by, I didn't think he would be all formal about it. But…I'm good…No, I'm better than good, actually, I feel better than I have in a long time, which is why I asked you to come. Would you like anything to drink? Some water? A cup of tea?" She has a pitcher of water, along with some cups sitting on a table in the center of her room.
"Sure, I'd love some water." She pours me a cup, offering it to me with a smile.
"So, you are probably curious as to why I asked you to come over here if there isn't anything wrong with me. It's because…Well, it's because I wanted to talk to you; there is something I have to tell you." She sits down next to me, scoots back on her bed to face me and crosses her legs over each other. "Can you just listen? I mean, when I start talking, you will have questions, but can you just let me finish before you ask them? I just…I just need to get it all out first. Can you…Will you do that for me?" I nod my head, suddenly feeling extremely on edge.
"Okay, but you're kind of scaring me."
"Don't be scared, it's not bad…Shocking perhaps, but not bad." She inhales a deep breath and clasps her hands together, summoning the courage to begin.
"Okay, so the other night Madge came in here and we were watching the games together. It was the night Peeta went to the feast to get Katniss' medicine. Just before the games were cut off, I noticed the pin Katniss was wearing…Did you see it too?"
I shake my head, not sure what pin she is referring to, but then something comes to mind, "The pin Katniss gave that Eleven boy?" I ask her, unsure of myself.
She nods her head, a sad look filling her face. "Did you get a good look at it?"
"I didn't, the arena was pretty dark that night."
"I'm sure they did that on purpose. You would have recognized it had you seen it." She says with an inordinate amount of confidence.
"Why do you think that?"
"Madge gave it to her; she gave it to Katniss to be her district token when they said goodbye in the Justice Building. Madge was so worried I'd be upset with her for giving it away."
"Was it yours?" I ask her, not sure where this is going.
"No, it was hers."
"Who's?"
"It was Cici's." There were only three people who referred to Grace as Cici when we were kids. I happen to be one of those people.
My eyes grow huge at her statement and it feels as if my heart plummets into my stomach. "Wh-What did you say?"
"For so long, I was so scared to tell her the truth, to tell anyone. I was so afraid that she…that Madge would hate me for what I did, or…or, more for what I didn't do, but she didn't. And after I told her, it was like the world was no longer pushing its weight down on my chest, I could finally breathe again! Which is why I've asked you here." There is a pregnant pause as she grabs each of my hands with both of hers.
"I am Maysilee. When…when they called my name that day, my sister…she took my place. She shoved me out of the way and marched up onto that stage. My sister, she died for me. Other than Alaric, I haven't told a soul until the other night when I told Madge. My parents knew…Well, they never confronted me about it, but I know they knew. Because…because…well for reasons I cannot say. The moment Cici left, I took her identity; or well, I tried. We pulled the biggest switch-a-roo of all times, and I am so sorry that I kept it from you all this time Lilly. I wanted to tell you; I just, I didn't know how. I was so ashamed; I AM so ashamed.
Grace was your best friend; I remember it as if it were yesterday, how inseparable the two of you were, and I cannot even imagine the things you must have thought, the pain you must have felt at her…at my rejection.
One minute you have your best friend, and then suddenly, she is pushing you away… But…I couldn't face you. At one point I thought about pretending to be her, but I knew that I couldn't. Grace was always everything that I wasn't. Everything I always wanted to be but never was. I know you can probably never forgive me, but…but I needed to tell you…for me. Confessing everything to Madge made me realize how important it was to tell you. That I needed to tell you. And…and…I…I'm going to tell Haymitch when he gets back. He of all people deserves to know."
"You knew it was Haymitch?" I ask her with a smirk on my face. I remember the day Grace told me who her secret love was, and she swore me to secrecy. We made a pact that day, and even in death, I have remained faithful to my once best friend.
She nods, her smile matching mine. "She didn't tell me though, I…I figured it out when I saw them on the television together.
"Grace…May—" I begin, reaching for her hand, not sure which name to call her, "—there is nothing to forgive. I had a feeling that's what happened, and when you…when 'Grace' wouldn't talk to me anymore, when I saw the 'changes' in you, my suspicions were all but confirmed. I knew it in my heart, but I was never mad. How could you think I would hate you for this? Did you see what my Katniss did this year? She went in…she took her sisters place because she knew that she stood a better chance than Primrose. Katniss is a fighter, a hunter, while Primrose is a healer. And if something happened…if Katniss didn't…" I take a deep breath and bite the inside of my cheek to fight the tears; just the idea of Katniss not making it back causes an intense pain deep in my gut.
"If Katniss doesn't make it home, I know that Primrose will feel responsible. She will blame herself; if it comes to that, I will do everything in my power to make sure that she understands that she is NOT the guilty party here, and that NO ONE holds her responsible, not even Katniss. And now I am telling you the same. It is NOT your fault. Her death is not on you. There is only one person at fault, and I promise you that person is not you!
As for Haymitch. If telling him will give you any semblance of relief, then you should tell him. But he already knows. He knew, from the moment you…..Maysilee's name was called, from the moment 'she' marched up to that stage, he knew. And I guarantee you that he has never been mad at you, he has never hated you, not for one single moment. He could never hate you; it just isn't possible."
"How can he not? If it weren't for me... If I had just gone, he would have won and come home to her! Every time he sees me, he is reminded of what he lost." She cries, but I shake my head, urging her to meet my eyes.
"Don't you remember what happened to Haymitch's family when he got home?" I can see her trying to pull the memories from her mind, but she's drawing a blank. I try to think of how best to word it.
"The force field in the arena that year was not meant to be a weapon. When Haymitch came home, his entire family had a very 'unfortunate' accident. And no one survived." She understands my meaning. Everyone knew The Capitol had his family killed because he outsmarted the gamemaker's that year. Had Grace been waiting at home for his return, she would have been included in the death count. "As for Haymitch, he loved her so much, I'm not sure how much you knew about them…But…but you are a part of her and he could never hate any piece of her."
Grace pulls me into her arms, and we sit there hugging, and crying. I cry for my best friend who never got to live, a best friend who was strong enough and brave enough to die for her sister. Strong and brave just like my Katniss. Grace cries for her sister, and I think for finally being able to share this burden with someone.
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0o0o
~ Peeta ~
Once our stomachs are full, Katniss and I pack up the remainder of the food, saving it for later. Surely it cannot rain forever, and we will need our strength when it comes time to face Cato.
"We should thank Effie for the food." Katniss tells me.
"Effie?" I say confused. "I thought Haymitch was the one who sends the gifts in."
"If you think for one second that it was Haymitch's idea to send us that picnic, we may need to get your head checked out when we get out of here." She says, holding up one of the plates. Right. She's right.
Once our food is packed up, Katniss reaches for the backpack that I got from the feast. She opens it up and pulls out one very shiny, very golden arrow. "I wonder what this is for?" She says.
'You got me…But I remember Haymitch's warning. He was quite adamant about not losing it.'
"Yeah, I'll just put it with the rest." She says, adding it to her quiver along with her other arrows.
"So, what do you think this rain is for?"
'Why, us, of course!' I think to her.
'Right…Lovesick fools and such.' I hear the irritation laced in her thoughts.
We crawl into the sleeping bag, she rests her head on my chest and I pull her as close as I can get her.
"What do you think everyone is doing back home?" She asks me, lightly tracing letters on my arm.
"Well, let see…Your mom, she's mending a broken arm, and Madge; Madge is giving lots of interviews on our behalf. I'm sure my dad is in the bakery, wishing I were there because no one does the cakes like I do." I say with a half chuckle.
"So, what you're saying is that even in the arena, life just keeps going on out there."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"I bet your mom wasn't too happy when you announced that your dad once loved my mom. When was it? I wonder if my dad knew about it?"
"I think they were 'boyfriend and girlfriend' when they were like twelve or thirteen. I think dad just told me that, hoping it would loosen me up to the idea of school." Katniss nods her head and shrugs her shoulders, accepting my explanation.
"You know who I don't miss?" Katniss asks me, and I can hear the smile in her voice.
"Who?"
"Buttercup. That fat, fuzzy furball hates me!" I freeze up, remembering where the fuzzy feline came from. "I don't even know where Prim found that thing…probably in some dumpster in an alley or something."
"Katniss…I…I have a confession." She jumps back, turning to look at me.
"You DIDN'T!" She proclaims, her eyes nearly bugging out.
I'm certain my frozen disposition gives me away, I may be a brilliant story-teller, and excel at distorting the truth in my favor, but when it comes to Katniss, I am never able to lie to her.
"Let me explain." I beseech with sad eyes.
"Okay, let's hear it Mellark." She says grinning at me mischievously. She may act and sound as if she is mad, but I see the playful banter in her eyes.
"Well, this one day I was coming out of the back door of the bakery to take the trash to the dumpster and on my way back, I saw this grungy, pathetic little kitten. Just by looking at him I could tell he was starving. He looked malnourished, barely just a ball of matted fur and bones, so I fixed up this box. Working in a bakery, I had access to boxes like you would not believe, so I found one the right size and put a soft towel inside of it and stuck the kitten inside. But living in a bakery, I knew I couldn't very well keep a cat. No, that would not work.
The next person who walked by the bakery happened to be Prim. Knowing your mother is a healer, and that Prim also has the gift, I thought she would be able to help. At the very least, I hoped she would be able to. So, I called out to her, and asked her if she would help me. After laying eyes on him for just a second, she confirmed my suspicions, saying the little guy just needed some yummie food and someone to love on him and he would be just fine.
We kept him outside in the box…I think it was near the end of April, so we knew he wouldn't freeze to death if we kept him outside. We took turns checking on him, feeding him and stuff, you know? And then finally, when he was all better, Prim asked me what we should do with him.
I could see the sparkle in her eyes when she looked up at me, she had already fallen in love with the little guy. I don't know, I can't explain it Katniss, I could just see it in her eyes, how much she loved the little guy but she said you would never let her keep him. I told her you would, and for her to just ask you. And then she said, "How do you know she'll let me keep him?"
So, I smiled at her and said, "Because Katniss loves you and would never deny you any amount of happiness."
She came back to the bakery the next day, bouncing with joy, telling me that you'd agreed to let her keep him, but only if he stays outside and feeds himself. The pure joy on her face…it was so…it was…I don't know Katniss; I can't even describe it."
"I know what you mean…the joy you speak of, that sparkle…Don't get me wrong, I truly hate that cat, with every fiber of my being, but I will suffer through any amount of torture if the end result is her happiness."
"I know."
. | . | . | . | . | . | . |
0o0o
~ Madge ~
I jump out of my seat as soon as the bell rings that signals the end of the school day. I shove my books into my bag, zip it up and sling it across my shoulder as I run into the hallway in search of Prim. I find her at her locker talking to one of her classmates.
"Hey Prim, what are you doing right now?" I ask her once her friend walks away.
"Um…putting my books in my locker?" It comes out more of a question than a statement as she tries to figure out my intentions.
"Ha ha. I mean, what are you doing after school?"
"Other than hiding from the aliens? Nothing. Just going to go home. Mom has been acting really strange the last few days, so, I'm a little worried about her."
"Do you want to come over? I can make us a grilled cheese, and then I can walk you home when you're ready to go." I try to act as normal as possible, but I just need someone to talk to and my only 'girl' friend is stuck in the arena.
"Oh, I LOVE grilled cheese! Sure." Prim slams her locker shut, slings her backpack across her shoulder and then holds her hand out. "Lead the way."
I sneak Prim through the back entrance to avoid 'The Aliens,' smiling at how she uses my nickname for them. We barely make it past them when we see them interrogating Rye Mellark, but not before he catches a glimpse of us and gives me an all-knowing glare.
We go in through the back door of my house which opens into the kitchen. I toe my shoes off and sling them in the corner with the rest of my shoes, and Prim copies my action.
"Oh, you didn't have to take your shoes off unless you wanted to. If I don't take my shoes off as soon as I get home and put them right there, it takes me days to find them." I snicker, and Prim gives me a smile.
"I don't mind, it's actually moms' number three house rule. Do you know how many germs shoes have on them?"
Prim sits on the other side of the counter while I prepare our food. Once our sandwiches are ready, I grab two bottles of apple juice and hand them to Prim as I motion her to follow me up the stairs.
Using my foot, I slam the door closed behind us and walk over to the vent and begin to open it. Prim gives me a strange look as I motion for her to go in.
"We're going to have a tea party. Come on, you bring the tea, I'll supply the snacks." I smile brightly at her. She is hesitant at first but knowing that I would never do anything that could hurt her, she makes her way inside the small space. I follow behind her, carefully setting our cups down to replace the vent cover.
Once it is shut, I navigate us through the walls until we get to the spot where I can see my father's office. It is actually the only section inside of the walls where we can both sit up and move around freely.
"This is the only place in the house free from The Capitol's listening devices."
"Listening devices?" Prim asks, her eyes narrowing in confusion.
"Yeah, our house bugged, along with most of the district."
"Oh my gosh, what if they've seen Katniss go into the woods? Or what if they catch her with her bow?"
"It's okay Prim, Katniss where all of the cameras are, plus, she's very careful."
"Ooohhh, okay. Well, that's a relief." I spread the small blanket for us to sit on and get situated to eat my sandwich.
"Mmm, this is so good! So, Madge…Since I'm here and all…do you think I could ask you something?" Prim says after digging into her grilled cheese sandwich.
"Of course, Prim. You can talk to me about anything." Prim takes another bite of her sandwich and then places it on her plate, wiping her mouth with the napkin before she begins.
"Well, you see, there is this boy—" My face lights up with a huge ear splitting grin, causing Prim's face to turn several shades of crimson. "And well, I can't tell if he likes me or not. I mean, we used to be able to hang out together, but now he just acts all weird around me."
I compose myself, feeling honored that Prim feels comfortable enough to talk to me about these kinds of things. "So, you guys are friends, is he acting like a dufus, or an ass? Pardon my French."
"Usually both, just not at the same time. And don't worry, I've heard worse from Gale's mouth."
I blush at the mention of Gale's name. "Prim, I have no experience whatsoever when it comes to boys and figuring out their intentions…I am actually in a similar boat with—"
"Oh PLEEEASE! You HAVE to tell me! Katniss and I never talk like this, she claims that she is never dating, never getting married…and anytime I ask about boy stuff, she avoids the topic or pretends she is busy with something else." Prim is just adorable with her hands clasped together, begging me for details.
"Okay, well…It's Gale. Gale Hawthorne, and well, ever since Katniss has been gone, we've become…well…I guess…like…sorta friends."
"No way! Seriously, Gale?" She beams, staring intently at me, giving me her full attention. I nod, feeling the blush creeping up my cheeks.
"At first, he just treated me like crap, end of story. And then I guess as he got to know me a little better, I think he seemed to 'tolerate' me. But then, the other night in the meadow—" I pause, unsure as to whether I should share this next bit with Prim.
"The other night what? Oh my gosh, did he kiss you? Oh my god, he did, didn't he? I can see it on your face, oh my gosh, ewww."
"Why is that ewww?" I ask defensively.
"Well, he's not 'ewww', I just…I guess it's because I think of his like a brother. You like him, don't you Madge? Like, you really, really 'like him, like him'?"
I nod, blushing again and hide my face in my hands. My grilled cheese is all but forgotten with all this talk about Gale.
"I had a feeling something was happening between you two. I noticed it a while ago, one night we were headed to the square to watch the games and Gale came up to me, asking if I had seen you. Then, he went to get you and when we were all watching the games together, I would catch him watching you…giving you these doe eyed looks."
"I'm glad that's what you see because I only ever catch him giving me hateful glares. It's like…it's like he likes me, like as a friend, but then he remembers that I am the mayor's daughter, so he tells his self he needs to treat me like crap or something."
"Yeah, that sounds like Gale." Prim says, finishing off her juice. "Gale has this weird idea that there is a concrete line between town and seam, and like…like it's just appalling for the two to mix together." It feels so good to finally be able to talk to someone about this, not that Katniss would want to even if she were here.
"Okay, so tell me about this boy. Do you like him? Is he in your grade?"
"It's Rory." She admits, smiling from ear to ear.
Prim and I talk about boys for a while and I manage to finish my cold grilled cheese sandwich before Prim changes the subject.
"So, why do you come inside the walls?" I almost choke on her words when she asks me this.
"I um—" What do I tell her? "I eavesdrop on my father's conversations." I admit to her sheepishly.
"Do you hear anything good?"
The phrase 'perfect timing' comes to mind as I look through the grate to see my father enter his office. I place my finger over my lips, telling Prim to stay quiet. If we crawled back to my room now, my father might hear me, and we'd be caught for sure, so I decide to keep us put for the time being.
The phone in dad's office rings, and he answers, placing the call on speaker.
"Mayor Undersee, how can I help you?" Dad says into the empty room.
"And what a good afternoon it is, indeed, Alaric; you don't mind if I call you Alaric, do you?" It is as if all the blood in my body has turned to ice when I hear the sinister voice of President Snow.
'Who is that?' Prim mouths to me. I reach over to my hiding place and pull out my white board and a special marker that the ink disappears when you wipe it away.
'President Snow.' I write on the white board. Prim's face turns white as a ghost and her jaw falls open.
"What a pleasant surprise President Snow, and yes, of course you may call me Alaric. What do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"It has come to my attention that your wife has suffered for many years with a rare condition that leaves her bedridden from debilitating headaches to which The Capitol supplies her the morphling in which barely alleviates her suffering."
"Yes, that is a fact sir." Dad replies. His voice is firm and confident, but I can see his nervous tick as he paces the length of his office.
"As you may know, we have exceptional doctors here in The Capitol. We have medical advancements the districts could only ever dream of.—" Yeah, because you withhold it from us. I think to myself.
"Our doctors here are working on an elixir that will soon replace morphling. It will provide all the pain-relieving effects of the drug without the addictive…ahh… side effects. I will arrange a train for you and your wife. If your tributes happen to win the games this year, you can just hop on the train that delivers them upon their arrival. If they are not crowned victors, you will hear from me the night in which we crown our victor."
I do not miss the fact that he did not give my father an option. Prim gives me a bemused look as we continue to stare at each other and then at my dad.
"That sounds wonderful President Snow. What a wonderful gesture, how lucky we are that you thought of us. I look forward to seeing you."
My dad ends the call, and it is not until he slams his glass of what is probably some type of alcohol into the wall, that I was even aware of it. He is scared, no he's terrified out of his mind. What does this mean? Was there some kind of hidden message in the president's words? Does he know? Does the president know what we are up to? Does he know we are rebels? Is he aware of our part in changing the games?
Once dad has calmed down enough, he picks the receiver up and dials a number, this time the call isn't on speaker for me to hear. A few seconds later, the other person must answer, because I hear dad speak into the phone.
"It's time." Are the only words he speaks before hanging up and leaving his office, leaving me and Prim shocked out of our minds.
I gather our trash from our after-school snack and start making my way back to my room.
"Madge! What…What was that? What did it mean? What is happening?" As much as I was enjoying my 'girl time' with Prim, I truly regret bringing her in here. What have I done?
I meet her eyes, trying my best to conceal my fear when I let the words slip out. "I…I don't know Prim." But I plan to find out.
. | . | . | . | . | . | . |
0o0o
~ Peeta ~
"NO! THRESH! AGHHGHH!" My eyes pop open the instant I hear the screams escaping Katniss' lips. I turn my head to see her flailing limbs thrashing around in her sleep, screaming out for Thresh. Immediately, I am at her side, running my fingers soothingly through her hair, trying to wake her.
"Katniss, Katniss, hey, it's okay. You're okay. You're just having a nightmare; come on, wake up." Her eyes flutter open and when they meet mine, I see they are filled with tears. I pull her into my arms, rubbing her back and rocking us softly back and forth.
"Peeta! It was—" She chokes on her sobs, unable to form words.
"Hey, it's okay. It was just a dream, you're safe. I've got you; I won't let anything happen to you, I swear it Katniss." I repeat a version of these words over and over until she has calmed down and her breathing returns to normal.
"It wasn't just a dream Peeta, it was…it was like..like a movie of what happened out there…on an endless repeat. Every single time I got to him…he was…and I tried to save him, but…but he just kept dying. He kept dying Peeta, and there was nothing I could do, no matter what, I couldn't save him!" I pull her into my chest, allowing her to sob into my shirt.
"I know Katniss, I know." I tell her, recognizing her anger and fear, the rage that accompanies the vivid replay of watching someone you care about die. Watching someone you barely even know die is enough to torment you. I know this because Rue haunts my own memories, as does the boy from One. Marvel. I try not to think of his name, giving him a name turns him into a person and if I think of him as a person, I begin to hate myself. Because I killed him. I am the reason he no longer breathes, the reason his heart no longer beats. I am a murderer.
I wonder if his parents hate me. Did he have a sibling who pictures my face during target practice? I cannot think of him as a person, as a boy who had a family, maybe he had a girlfriend, or someone he loved. What if he had his own Katniss waiting for him at home? I did this to them, I took away their child, their brother, their friend. What kind of monster have I become?
'Stop it Peeta, just stop. You didn't have a choice.' I scold myself, thinking that way will only result in a downward spiral, and Katniss needs me right now. I have to stay strong for Katniss, if for nothing else.
Katniss and I lie together, holding each other in the cover of night, unable to see the other yet knowing fully well the expression that paints the others' face. "I'm so sorry Katniss. If I could take away your pain, the memories, the nightmares, I would do it. I would take it all from you for myself if I could, I swear I would." I whisper into her ear.
She pulls back to look at me, and I can just make her eyes out, the silhouette of her face when the moon casts its light through the cracks in the cave. She is so breathtakingly beautiful; she is more than exquisite. Beaten, broken, bloody, dirty, her hair a tangled mess in her braid, she is still the most beautiful thing in the world to me. I feel the electricity surge between us as our eyes connect. Unable to fight it, I place my finger under her chin and pull her into me, brushing my lips against hers.
I take advantage of her slightly parted mouth and trace my tongue along her lips. And then I am on top of her, hovering just above her, leaning on my arms as to not push all my weight on her. We kiss frantically, just needing the touch of the other for what feels like eons. It's in this moment when I realize how truly mad I am about her. I love this girl more than anything in this disgusting, filthy world. More than even myself and I would do anything for her. I would give my own life if it meant she could keep hers.
I run wet kisses along her jaw, down her neck until I reach her protruding collar bone. I am caught up in our passionate kisses for the moment, forgetting about the games, about the remaining tributes, about the cameras that are surely capturing what should be a private moment until she releases a deep, throaty moan, followed by my name. I have never enjoyed the sound of my name as much as I do when it comes from her mouth.
But then I remember. "Fuck." I say, pulling away from her. Her hands grip around me tighter, pulling me closer.
"Please don't stop." She begs me in a whisper. And I do not want to stop, God I don't want to. But I do not want them watching us. I cannot have our private moments captured for the entire nation to see.
'We have an audience.' I remind her, and she nods her head in understanding. I situate myself next to her, pulling her close to me so that her head lies on my chest. We lay there next to each other, composing ourselves and catching our breath.
I am not sure how long we lie in silence when I notice the rays of the sun shining through the cracks and crevices of the caves entrance. I relish in the beauty of it, am in awe of the colors bleeding into the sky, that it takes a moment before it hits me.
"Katniss?"
"Mmm hmm. I'm awake." She responds.
"It's not raining anymore."
A/N: So, there is Chapter 14 for you. I'm still unsure if I'm completely satisfied with it, but after reading over it and changing it 8 different times, I think it'll just have to do. So, please let me know what you think….
If this chapter was the metaphorical 'calm before the storm' that means that the next chapter is when the storm hits. What kind of dangers will our pair face as they search for Cato? Only time (and reading) will tell!
Our line from Chapter 15 comes from Haymitch:
Do you know how I know you are strong, a fighter? Because a piece of your aunt lives in you and she was the strongest person I knew.