Peeta's pov
I squint at the shrubbery, my eyes searching for those wisps of black hair. I don't dare move and my body shakes slightly as I struggle to hold my breath lest I frighten the little thing. I step forward, keeping one foot on the Odair's porch, not daring to move it in case it creeks. The thickness of the greenery makes even the biggest things easy to conceal, and I've never had the best eyesight.
The bushes sway gently and I think it must be the wind until I hear a soft panting. It sounds just slightly further away. I step off of the porch and see a flash of white. The girl burst from the foliage, her head down as she quickly stumbles away.
"I won't hurt you Katniss!", I call out, hesitating over whether I should follow her or not. The poor thing would likely only cower more. "Please. You don't have to be afraid of me".
Instead of finding solace in my words, her small form seems to move faster, like a deer making a last pounce at freedom. She disappears behind the dense trees that line the garden, and the lack of light only aids her escape. "Damn it".
I debate going after her. Alone in the woods is no safer than being preyed on by an older man, but perhaps comfort from another man will only scare her more. Unless she thinks, I'm Gale? That would make her quick escape more plausible. No-one would want to be near someone they feared to have taken advantage of them in the first place. Goodness, if true, perhaps she believes he's - I'm - here to finish the job. My heart aches for the young girl. Even though it's not true, I wasn't there that night so how could I protect her from something only she'll ever experience.
I step back on the steps and continue up the porch.
If I did catch up to her how could I make her understand that my intentions are pure? She's been through enough struggles even before meeting Gale, and who's to say she believes that it won't happen again. In her state, I doubt she could fully comprehend what happened or why. Maybe she blames herself as he did. I frown at the thought.
I rap on the door, louder than I intended to. It's hardly polite but all I can think about right now is returning to Gale, horsewhip in hand, to give him another beating.
The door creaks open and the young Annie Odair, Mr Odair's wife, answered the door, a babe in hand. I'm surprised to not be greeted by one of their usual servants but I suppose, in light of the attack, Mr Odair wants discretion to be the priority. It wasn't uncommon to speak in hushed whispers or at nightfall. Being related to a mentally slow child was difficult enough but if word got out, then gossip about what happened to the poor thing would undoubtedly cast doubt over the man's parenting capabilities. Not something that's ideal when caring for an infant of your own. Thus it's likely he sent the servants home earlier in the day. It would arouse suspicion of course but it would be easy to blame it on wanting some alone time with your wife and child.
It's a pity that they have to worry about such things but it's well-known that the public is full of narrow-minded individuals who would shun anyone if given the opportunity. Rumour has it that Mr Odair's extended family refuse to visit in case the young girl is roaming around. The ladies don't feel comfortable with their husbands or children around her, whether that's because they assume the men will do something or think that the children could catch her affliction is up for debate.
Annie stares blankly over my shoulder, her green satin shirt tucked into an ironed black skirt. She looks presentable as always, her brown flowing hair swept up into a ponytail, her shoes polished, the only thing that's different is her face. She looks lovely, if somewhat bedraggled. A light purple mars the skin beneath her bloodshot eyes and her skin is paler than usual. I wait a few moments as she slowly registers that I'm standing in her doorway.
"Mr Mellark" she breathes, a small smile forming on her face. She sways back and forth ever so slightly. "How lovely to see you. To what do with owe this pleasure?".
I'm unsure if Mr Odair's already spoken to his wife about the incident. If so she seems to have lost sleep over it and with the rocking - which looks like it's more for her benefits than the baby's - she's seemingly distancing herself from reality. Quite a far cry from being hysterical but Annie's always been quite soft-spoken so I guess it's more understandable.
If Katniss were my daughter I know I'd be struggling a lot more to show compassion. I'd be enraged. Violent. I'd be heading straight for the man's door to settle things the old-fashioned way.
"I've come to speak to your husband Mrs Odair. I trust he's at home as usual?".
She nods and lowers her gaze. I never actually thought about how many visitors she gets. Do people care enough to visit her? She always seems to be on her own when her family isn't around. I've yet to see her wander the streets, chaperoned and with a group of female confidants.
She waves me in and I squeeze through the door, careful not to bump into her in the process. I remove my hat, out of respect, wishing I was anywhere but here. How does one make amends on a relative's behalf of such a heinous crime? Does my apology even matter if I wasn't the one who did it?
I glance down at my own clothing. Perhaps I should've taken the time to dress more formally, then again this visitation isn't exactly a celebration. Decorum is likely to be the least of the Odair's concerns. Mr Odair is also aware that I'm fortunate enough to spend my time working with my horses or in the fields, so whilst its not appropriate, I'm still somewhat in my usual attire.
"He's in his study" she says gently as she closes the door behind me. I hold onto my hat, considering she never offered to take it, and follow her down the hallway to the door just past their living space. She knocks lightly and then hushes the babe as he stirs.
"Finn? You have a visitor".
The sound of a chair scraping against the wooden flooring comes from within and Annie opens the door. I step inside and when I turn around she's gone.
I glance around the study. Four small blue armchairs sit in the centre of the room, rimmed with gold, each with a small table to the left or right of them. A bouquet of red and yellow flowers sit in china vases atop each table, wrapped in a silk ribbon. Finnick stands behind a desk a metre behind the armchairs. Off to the left of the room is a large wooden bookcase filled with leather-bound books and to the right of the room is a small fireplace, currently unlit, suggesting that this room can be used to lounge in when work is over.
Unlike his wife, Finnick is clearly more dishevelled. His white cotton shirt is creased, with a few buttons near the collar, undone. His red tie hangs limp around his neck and a half-empty decanter sits to the left of his hand. So many people indulge in alcohol during tough times, because it's common for a woman to complain that her dress is left reeking of tobacco if her husband hangs around her after smoking a cigar or two. Such a shame it has so many consequences.
"Peeta", Finnick states, omitting any greeting. "I take it you've spoken to that dim-witted relation of yours".
"I have" I reply simply. How do I say this? I know he expects me to burst out with a logical conclusion to this mess. Something to make it better, or to make it go away but I doubt anything I say can achieve that. All the man wants is for me to prove him wrong. To say it was just a faceless individual I bore no relation or resemblance to.
"Gale" I cough out. "He um... well yes he did it". Finnick drops his head into his hands and digs his palms into his eyes.
My stomach twists as he murmurs, "This isn't real. Please God this isn't real".
I briefly wonder if she prayed the same words during or after. "I've come to offer my apologies", I say lowering my head, ashamed at the knowledge that nothing I can do will fix his mess. "I don't know how to fix it. In all honesty I don't think it's possible, but if there's any way... anything I can do to make amends. Well... I'd do it in a heartbeat".
My promise fills the silence as neither of us makes a sound. I wring the hat in my clammy hands. "If you intend to prosecute", I choke out. Gosh, the shame of it all. "I won't stand in your way. If there can be any justice to this I'd hope you'd put that first - well, second - besides her of course. The sheriff can be notified by a messenger within the hour if you hurry. I've also kicked him out". Was that smart? What if they want to know where he is? Damn. "Though I can't be certain about who he's going to leach off of now that he doesn't have a place".
A hollow laugh follows. "Prosecute. You want me to prosecute. Well my boy that seems the natural thing to do doesn't it". He grabs again at the decanter and lifts it to his lips. After swallowing he says, "I suppose I just don't know what's right and wrong anymore. It's all a bit, well blurry to be quite honest". He laughs again, though he sounds as if he's in pain. "I sure make for a shoddy judge don't I?".
I say nothing.
"I appreciate your offer Peeta. You're a good man. It's just well I don't think we'll be taking this any further than we need to".
I catch his gaze. "What - I'm afraid I don't follow", I stutter.
He rubs his forehead. "Put the girl aside for a second Peet. Think about it. Gossip, scandal. Forget my abilities, people will be so focused on the incident that they won't want to be in my company". He jumps up out of his chair. "And no company means no work and I, well I have a family to care for". I remember the small babe in Annie's arms. The boy looked so young, of course, Finnick has a tough choice to make. He either defends his Goddaughter and risks losing work or he ensures his family have food on the table and keep the girl's problems hush. Ironic considering she doesn't speak. I wonder what she'd be thinking of her carer's proposal.
He comes around the desk and leans on it. He shoves his hands in his pockets and stares off in a similar way to his wife, only his seems more intentional. "In an ideal world, he'd be hanged. Not ideal for him, but for her. She'd be a lot safer that way. Unfortunately, that doesn't undo what happened. That doesn't make her hurt less or understand more so... I guess we just... move on".
"But".
"I had planned to go into politics you know Peet". He walks towards me and pulls his tie off. He chucks it onto the back of one of the small armchairs. "I'm trying to go under the raider for once, what with, well you know," he says hinting at the past struggles he's had with his wife.
"But she's the victim", I argue. "Surely people would offer sympathy, or -".
"I don't want sympathy", he interjects with a sigh. "You know Katniss is different. They'll tease her, remind her of it all. I don't want my girl to have to keep going through that. And besides, you know as well as I do why Annie's family doesn't visit", he says hinting at what I'd previously thought. "They'll assume it's inherited or some nonsense if they get the chance, so they'll trust me even less".
"So", I enquire, as I shut the door behind me. I doubt Annie was paying attention or even within earshot of our conversation but privacy is important in these circumstances. "What if it happens again? You know I can't control him, and if so won't you feel partly to blame? At least if he's prosecuted, or - or hung, he can't do it again correct?".
"He's not my problem Peeta", Finnick admits, "Nor is he yours, and it'd do you good to remember that". He heads to the fireplace and kneels down as he attempts to light it and illuminate the now darkened room. "Besides, why is it anyone's business but ours? You know they won't see it as you do. They'll just see her as soiled. Used. Another terrible name to add to the list. Why do you think she hides huh?", he says standing up as a fire begins burning. "Do you think it's something we'd prefer? I hate seeing her leave Peeta. I know what dangers are out there. People throw things at her. You should've heard some of the vile things the women in the streets say, but she deserves a little freedom. First her mind, now this? I'm not giving them the leverage Peeta. Not again. I won't".
"I'm sorry", I say uselessly because really what more is there to say? The man is in charge of her after all. He has to make decisions that are best for all of them.
He shrugs off my pitiful apology and drops into one of the armchairs. He kicks his polished shoes off, tips his head back and closes his eyes. "If we're fortunate enough she'll be able to forget about it. For her own peace of mind".
"Are you sure there's not anything I can do... Even, later on, you can always call for me and I'll be here at a moments notice".
"I know that Peeta. You're an honourable man".
Yes. An honourable, useless one. I consider taking a seat opposite him but I'm sure my intrusion has lasted long enough. The man likely just wants some rest for the night.
A sad thought pops into my head. The thought that maybe it isn't over. Maybe there are consequences we hadn't anticipated. One's that Gale, the blasted fool didn't think of.
"Finnick", I begin unsure of how to broach the subject. "If there are any... complications. Please, let me-"
"Heaven forbid!". His eyes pop open and his tone darkens. "Don't be speaking that out into the world Peeta we've got enough to deal with. It was one night. It's over.. End of story".
I don't blame the man for dreading the thought of a potential pregnancy. One infant's hard enough to deal with let alone being a carer for a girl. They don't need another thing to lose sleep over. I only brought it up because if, heaven forbid, it did happen, surely you'd want to know as early as possible. I've never fathered a child but I'm sure preparation is important for these matters.
"Yes, end of the story, but just in case", he glares at me. "You know how to reach me".
"You've got some guts Peeta", he says and I can't tell whether it's a compliment for me coming over to speak to him man to man, or if it's a warning to watch my mouth next time. "Nonetheless I'll be in touch whatever the case".
Satisfied I nod and bid him farewell. I put my hat back on, leave the room and shout a goodbye to Annie when I find that she isn't anywhere in sight. I leave the house incredulous that Gale got away with another thing. When will his luck run out? I know I should be grateful the man didn't want to kill him but I know from experience, that he'll take it for granted. But I can't force Mr Odair's hand. It wasn't fair that Katniss was the only one to suffer and to have to keep it quiet none the less. I can only hope, that maybe one day she won't have to be.
Authors note ~ Hello! (Again loosely based off of the book - Annie's song) I don't own the characters. Rights go to the right people. Three years later and there's finally an update. I do plan on continuing and finishing all my fics. Life just gets in the way. This is the third thing I've posted in a few days so I hope to have a small routine soon. Apologies for any mistakes. I hope you enjoyed and as always please review and tell me what you think! I love hearing your feedback! Thanks for reading. :)