PROMPT: Katniss Everdeen is the best swimming instructor Camp Panem's ever seen. Fellow camp counselor Peeta Mellark can't even doggy paddle, but he's got to figure out some way to get her attention. Just maybe not the way he actually tries. - PS I do not own the hunger games.

A/N: Love is a precious gem and Peeta and Delly have been Reaped to work in the Capitol along with Katniss and Madge. Will he gather the courage to speak to his Cupcake or will he fail. What of Delly and Madge what adventure will the Capitol provide them? Special thanks to norbertsmom for quickly betaing this story.

The day after the Reaping, they boarded the train early in the morning. Thanks to Delly's squeals, everyone knew they both were headed to the Capitol. Peeta glumly watched the scenery pass by quickly.

Madge invited them to travel in the private train car her father was gifting her for graduating. Peeta apologized for the dress that got ruined at the ill-fated picnic. Madge laughed it off, letting him know that her staff managed to get the strawberry and chocolate stains off of the dress.

He still was smarting over his failed date with Katniss, his longtime cupcake. Peeta sighed thinking of the code word he and Delly came up with when talking about their crushes.

"Thank you for inviting us to sit with you in your compartment," Delly said giddily.

Peeta was seated next to Delly. The luxurious private car was attached to the end of the train. It contained a bar, a galley kitchen with three attendants, a seating area that converted to a dining area, and a hallway with sleeping bunks. Madge's generosity saved him the need to purchase his ticket to the Capitol. Peeta's leg shook nervously, his eyes darted about the room. His cupcake was sitting diagonally from him.

"It's no problem," Madge smiled. "Where were you Reaped to work?"

"I am going to work as an assistant to a fashion designer named Cinna," Delly said brightly.

"I've heard of him, he is Panem's up and coming designer. You're so lucky."

"Where will you be working, Madge?" Delly asked.

"I'm going to work for the President's office as a Presidential Aid," Madge replied.

"What about you Katniss?"

Peeta was desperately trying not to make eye contact with Katniss. After their disastrous way their date ended, there was no way Katniss would ever give him a chance again. He thought he was never going to see her. However, fate had a way of working in mysterious ways.

That morning, Peeta was surprised to find Katniss standing next to her family at the train station. He watched from afar as her family tearfully said goodbye, her father and mother didn't want to let her go.

It was sad that his own mother and father got into an argument while at the train station to see him off. They didn't even notice when he got on the train. When the train pulled away they were still arguing. Ryan didn't even bother coming. On the most exciting day of his life, he felt abandoned. He felt unwanted, unneeded, and Ryan's words about him messing up the date because he was a loser still rang true in his head. It was all so surreal.

"I am going to work as a Camp Counselor," Katniss responded.

Delly said brightly, "Can you believe the odds? You and Katniss are going to be working together."

Peeta nodded numbly. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. They were going to work in the same place.

"Well it isn't so much of a coincidence," Madge said. She gave everyone a mischievous smile.

"What do you mean?" Katniss asked.

"I asked my dad to help get Katniss a job in the Capitol with me, I'm guessing because of her skills with the outdoors my father secured her a job with the Arena. I never knew Peeta was going to be Reaped to work at the same place."

Peeta slouched low in his chair, dreading the prospect of seeing her every day knowing he had ruined her friend's dress with his insistence to cover her with the blanket when it began raining. True, Ryan had removed the umbrella, but his brother wasn't responsible for accidentally knocking Katniss on the muddy ground, or having the strawberries and chocolate stain her dress. That was all Peeta, and he felt foolish.

For the next two years, he had to work side by side with Katniss. Peeta kept quiet for the rest of the trip and in the morning when they arrived in the Capitol his mood got worse as none other than Delly's cupcake stood at the platform waiting for them.

"Gale," Katniss called, smiling.

"Great," Peeta and Delly said simultaneously.

Gale Hawthorne stood there, with his imposing height, tanned good looks, and aviator sunglasses. He caused Peeta to feel small and insignificant.

"You guys shouldn't look so upset," Madge said while standing behind them, "to be honest Katniss doesn't see Gale in a romantic light. They're very alike and that's what keeps them apart."

"How did he know she was here?" Peeta asked.

"No doubt her father sent him a telegram."

"Does he work for the Arena Camps?" Delly asked.

"Looks like it, he's wearing the Arena Camp logo on his shirt," Madge said.

"I'm guessing her father likes Gale," Peeta said, knowing he now had no chance after what happened. Her father would see Gale as the only potential suitor for his daughter.

"Well that is his friend's son, but he doesn't ship them together." Madge's voice turned fridged, "Gale's too much of a player to be in a serious relationship. and Katniss's father knows this." She shrugged, "Besides, Gale sees Katniss like a kid sister."

"See, nothing to worry about," Delly said brightly, but Peeta could see that his friend was worried. Gale was Delly's cupcake. Seeing how close they were; opened up a whole host of insecurities.

"Yeah," Peeta replied. Not only did he have to figure out a way to work with Katniss but he also had to watch her with Gale Hawthorne as well.

"Peeta, you really shouldn't worry," Madge said.

But even as Madge spoke, a tall, young, impeccably dressed man approached them. He held a device in his hand and kept on glancing down at the screen and looking at them.

"Adeline Cartwright?"

"Yes," Delly said, standing straighter with her small suitcase in hand.

The young man smiled looking relieved, "I'm Cinna. Your picture does not do you justice."

"Hello sir," Delly greeted politely. The apprehension in her voice confirmed that it finally caught up with her; she was going to be working for the next two years with this virtual stranger.

"Please call me Cinna, not sir," he said in a friendly voice. "I thought I would pick you up, to help you get settled in before you start tomorrow. The Capitol can be overwhelming."

"Thank you, Cinna. My family and friends call me Delly." She looked down at herself and in typical Delly fashion blurted out, "I'm afraid I must be a disappointment. I'm not fashionable, but I am a hard worker. I can clean, wash the floors, and do the windows if you desire. My mom says I'm sturdy as an ox. She also told me the manual labor found in the mines is the only thing I'm good for and that it is ridiculous that I would be Reaped to work in fashion."

"I don't think you'd belong in the mines. I think you were Reaped to the right place. I'm excited, actually," he lifted the device, "I read your bio, you're a cobbler's daughter?"

"Yes, I am," Delly said.

"I want to learn how you manufacture shoes." Cinna turned to Peeta and Madge. "Are these your friends?"

"I'm Madge Undersee, I'm going to work as a Presidential Aid."

"Congratulations," Cinna said, just then a man holding a sign with Madge's name came into view.

"Looks like I found my contact," Madge said. "Good luck Delly, and Peeta don't give up hope," Madge winked before walking to where Katniss and Gale stood. She hugged Katniss and then gave Gale a dirty look, before walking away.

Cinna turned his attention to Peeta. "And you are?"

"I'm Peeta, her best friend. I got Reaped to work at the Arena as a Camp Counselor."

"You'll be working with Haymitch," Cinna said.

"Haymitch?" Peeta said.

"He's also from District Twelve, he's a friend." Cinna reached into his pocket and removed a card, "Here's my card. If you ever want to talk to Delly you're more than welcome to speak to her."

"Thank you," Peeta said.

"Ready to go Delly?" Cinna took her suitcase from her.

"Yes, I'm nervous," Delly said.

"No need to be nervous. I look forward to working with you."

"Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" Delly said.

Cinna laughed, "I think we are going to be great friends."

Peeta watched them walk away.

"Hey Mellark!" Gale called, waving him over.

Peeta picked up his half-empty duffle bag and made his way to where they stood. "Hey," he greeted.

"Come on, I'm your ride." Gale took off his aviators and looked in the direction where Delly and Cinna walked in. "Who was that who picked up Adeline?"

"Cinna, her employer." Peeta thought Gale sounded strange as they exited the train station. He paused taking a look at the Capitol with its steel and glass highrise structures. The brightly colored people moved about the city, their skin hues of green, pinks, purple, and dressed in vibrant fabrics.

"The guy who designs frilly stuff."

He was stupefied by the city. He missed Gale's statement. He bumped into Gale who stopped by a car. He was looking at Peeta expectantly. "Yeah."

Peeta felt his cheeks were warm when he caught Katniss looking at him. She turned her face away but it wasn't quick enough and Gale caught the look, he raised his eyebrow but didn't say anything. This wouldn't be the first time it happened.

They developed a game of sorts. He would stare at her when she wasn't looking at him and she would look at him when he wasn't looking. A few weeks into his assignment Peeta had settled into his job.

Camp, Peeta discovered, ran all year round. There was Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall camp with a different arena for each one. The camp makers spent an entire year designing each seasonal arena, for the two-month camps. School in the Capitol ran year-round with a two-month break, so while one group of kids were in school another group were on vacation.

The residents of the Capitol sent their children to day camps. The wealthy sent their older children to stay at the sleep-away campgrounds for two weeks. The outlying districts were never given those jobs; only the people from District One, Two, Four got those jobs.

The Camps they worked in were day camps. The kids arrived at 8 AM and left at 3 PM, which meant they needed breakfast and lunch. Haymitch assigned Peeta to help Greasy Sae in the kitchen. He baked bread early in the morning, then he helped out in the kitchen. Some days he ran the arts and crafts projects. Other days he helped Gale with some sports since he was in wrestling and nimble.

In the time he was at the camp he had not heard from Delly but he also had not had the guts to approach Katniss. He was currently standing by Gale as they were putting away the cones from the field racing they did with the kids.

Katniss was speaking to Annie, a swim instructor from District Four.

"Come on Mellark," Gale said next to Peeta.

Peeta looked at the taller tanner guy that all of the camp counselors went gaga over. Gale had the kind of face that Capitol Residents went crazy for, handsome, rugged, with grey eyes that were often described by the women as stormy. Delly once described him as too delicious to be true.

There was a time Peeta was a little jealous of the man because of his friendship with Katniss. In the two years, Gale had been working here he had made a name for himself. He decided to stay. With the money he made he was able to live in the Capitol and help his family back home. Gale was made the Camp Activities Coordinator and he also took care of the counselors.

After a week of hard work Peeta was glad it was Friday, Peeta relished not having to get up early on Saturday.

"Just go over there and give Katniss that panty-dropping grin you Mellarks have on tap," Gale said as they walked toward the equipment shed.

Peeta stopped abruptly at Gale's words. "What the H E Double Hockey Sticks are you talking about?"

"Your brother was right, you're a boy scout; you can't even say HELL!" Gale frowned. After peering at Peeta he said, "You're probably still a virgin."

Peeta felt heat warm his pale cheeks. That wasn't something he was willing to discuss.

Gale laughed as he put the cones in the shed. "You should see your face. You're redder than a lobster."

Peeta wished the ground would swallow him alive.

"I'm going to go out on a limb here. You believe you somehow committed some faux pas that landed you in the doghouse with Katniss," Gale said, closing the door to the shed.

"How'd you know?"

"It's the way you look at her, part wounded puppy dog mixed in with copious amounts of regret."

"You can see that?" Peeta was a little freaked out. He thought he'd been doing a better job of hiding his feelings.

"Nah," Gale jokes, hitting Peeta on his shoulder. "You do look like a wounded puppy though when you stare at Katniss."

"Do not," Peeta pushed him back for that last remark.

"Do too!" Gale proceeded to imitate Peeta. He laughed, then said, "All joking aside, I've seen the way you look at each other when you think the other isn't looking. So when I met up with Madge last weekend I asked her what was up between you two. She told me you two went on a date and that it was a disaster." As of late Gale was seeing Madge almost every weekend.

"Great," Peeta muttered. "Katniss will never go out with me again." They took the path to the dining hall.

"Hold on there little buddy. Don't spiral out on me and lose all hope." Gale opened the door to the staff room where they were going to have the evening meal. "I think you can salvage this."

Peeta nearly tripped over his feet as he tried to ascertain if he had overheard correctly. "Wait, you want to help me?"

"Look, Katniss is hard to read generally, but whenever you come around it's like she lights up with happiness. I've only seen that smile whenever her father is around or when she is in the woods."

Gale's revelations were mindblowing, but years of people telling him that he wasn't good enough had him doubting Gale's words. It was hard for Peeta to believe that his cupcake smiled when he was around. He still felt guilty about the fact that he accidentally pushed her into the mud.

"Gale, I blew it," Peeta said, thinking of Katniss with loss and longing.

"I don't think so. In some weird way, I think you remind her of home. I know she's homesick. So I figure maybe you becoming her friend will help her cope with the next two years."

"What the heck are you talking about?"

"Go be her friend, see what develops," Gale said, pushing him toward Katniss.

Peeta's sneakers squeaked as he stopped inches away from Katniss. "Katniss," he blurted. Peeta felt his face heat up.

"Peeta."

Her voice was even, she didn't look flustered. He was and his hand rubbed the back of his head. "How's your summer so far?" His voice sounded weird.

"Good, I'm doing archery and swimming."

"I'm helping Gale with, um, a lot of stuff," Peeta said, not remembering the name of what he did. His heartbeat was so hard in his chest that he was afraid she could hear it.

"Hey Peet," Gale said behind them.

"Yeah," Peeta was glad for the interruption. He needed something to focus on that would allow him to calm down.

"Do you know how to swim?"

"Ah no, actually."

"Katniss, I need you to teach Peeta how to swim," Gale said.

Both of them were quiet as they stared blankly staring at Gale.

"What?" Gale said, raising an eyebrow.

Katniss scowled at Gale.

"He needs to learn. He's going to show kids how to row in the fall. Peeta's got a strong back, the kids like him, plus he's the only one that likes getting up super early. For him to teach the kids I need him to learn how to swim." Gale walked away before either of them could protest.

"I hate when he does that," Katniss and Peeta said simultaneously.

"What has he done to you?" Katniss asked.

"A few days ago he wanted me to climb a tree to get a ball that got kicked up there. He knew I didn't know how to climb a tree. So I made it a game for the kids to see how they could get the ball out of the tree without climbing."

"Wow," Katniss said, her eyes widened. "That's creative."

"I have to be around Gale," Peeta shrugged. He shifted his feet. "So I wanted to once more apologize about the date."

"Peeta," Katniss began speaking but he cut her off.

"Wait, let me get this out." Peeta took a deep cleansing breath before he launched into his apology, "I don't want us to go on like this, during our time in the Capitol. We've been ignoring each other, so if I stop acting so you know, guilty about, well the dress and the mud, maybe we can become friends."

She shifted on her feet before saying, "Okay."

"So when should we start swimming lessons?"

"Why don't we start in the morning? Wear some shorts, bring a towel, and waterproof SPF."

Peeta nodded.

That night he couldn't fall asleep. He was thinking all night about how to get Katniss to be his friend. He finally did fall asleep, but he then woke up late. He rushed to get to the pool.

"You're late," Katniss said.

"Sorry, I couldn't sleep. I was so nervous."

"Afraid of the water?"

"Well yeah, what if I sink to the bottom like a brick?"

"That's why I'm here," Katniss said.

Peeta nervously took off his shirt and slipped out of his long jeans to his shorts underneath and he caught Katniss watching him. He really didn't mind her looking at him, but he didn't want to ham it up. "Okay, what's first."

"First you learn how to float," Katniss said, clearing her throat. She briskly walked to the shallow end of the pool and easily slipped inside.

Peeta followed her and stood just a few feet away. "So I want you to wear these," Katniss said, going to the edge. She handed him arm floaties. Her eyes went to his arms and then cleared her throat. "I hope these fit."

The floaters only fit on his forearms.

"I found these goggles, they look silly but they will help to keep your eyes open and away from the chlorinated water."

Good-naturedly he put the goggles on and gave her a goofy smile.

Katniss laughed at him, before she said, "Okay, the first thing you should understand is that you will be very buoyant; you will float if you remain calm. So the first thing I want to teach you is to float on your back."

"How do I do that?"

"Okay, so what you're going to do is lie back on my arms."

He lay back but his feet were planted on the floor of the pool.

"Peeta you've got to let your feet float."

"What if I sink?"

"You won't...trust me."

Peeta stared at her knowing that to become her friend he had to trust her. Taking a breath he let go. His body was weightless, but he could feel the gentle lapping of the water against his exposed skin. He felt light. "This is what it must feel like to float in space."

"Space?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Haven't you ever wondered how planets and stars float up there? Or the satellites?"

"Huh," Katniss said. "Never had time to think about that stuff. "

"When I can't sleep, is when I think of random stuff."

"Like what?"

"Well like how did we come up with the name sandwich? A sandwich doesn't have sand and there's nothing mystical or questionable about a sandwich. It's just meat, cheese, or both between two pieces of bread. Well, you could add some greens, maybe a tomato, or cucumber…" Peeta stopped speaking because Katniss stood with her hands over her mouth. Her eyes were bright with mirth, they looked silvery like twinkling stars. Her shoulders shook before a peal of laughter escaped her covered mouth.

Peeta couldn't help the smile that spread on his face and worked its way inside and spread out like a warm blanket within his body. It was in this bliss he noted Katniss was not holding him. He lost control, panicked, and sank into the water.

"Peeta," Katniss exclaimed. She grabbed his wide shoulders and ordered, "plant your feet on the floor of the pool."

Peeta quickly planted his feet on the tiled floor. He came up gasping for air.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was filled with concern.

Looking down at his hands he saw they were red just like the rest of him. "Guess I should concentrate."

Katniss gave him a brief smile before the swim lesson continued.

When they finished the lesson Peeta was tired, but at the same time elated. Other than his near-drowning they had a pleasant morning.

He was waiting for her to lock up the pool. When she turned to him and said, "So tomorrow meet me here at the same time."

"Sure," Peeta said, trying to sound cool. He was trying to not look at her toned legs in her shorts. Katniss was modest, she always wore shorts with her swimsuit. "Sure."

"See you tomorrow." She gave him a small wave before leaving him standing there sighing softly.

The next morning she was there waiting for him.

"Okay Mellark, let's get to work."

Before long Katniss had him in the pool. Katniss was quiet but concentrated and precise. He could imagine her in the woods, patiently waiting for her prey. Every time she shot her arrow she always got them in the eye.

Learning how to swim afforded him the ability to have conversations with Katniss. He learned to be her friend.

They laughed and shared stories. No matter what story he told Katniss about his brother Ryan, Katniss always said Ryan sounded like a jerk.

He was surprised to learn that her sister was sassy. And not a quiet girl. Prim was boy crazy and her poor father was trying to figure out a way to keep her from dating.

Gale was right, Katniss did miss home. She also didn't make friends easily, so after their swim, they struck out on their own to get to know the city. Sometimes on rainy days they stayed inside and watched movies.

As the summer slipped by, Delly called. She was working just as hard as them.

"How close are you and Delly?"

"She's my best friend."

Katniss sat next to him at the edge of the pool. She bit her bottom lip. "What other things do you think about at night?"

Peeta wasn't sure where Katniss was going with this. He turned to look at her. "Lots of things, it helps me come up with decorative ideas for birthday cakes."

"So do you think we can go out and," her voice shook as she spoke, "talk about that stuff and other stuff people do on dates."

Peeta stood in front of Katniss, mouth agog. He couldn't believe Katniss Everdeen, his cupcake, was asking him, Peeta Mellark, out on a date.

He was about to speak when Katniss quick as lightning pressed her lips to his. Her lips were warm and they tasted of cherries. She lifted her head away, her soulful eyes glittering like the way the light danced on the water. The kiss was brief but Peeta swore it took everything within him not to jump around like a fool.

"So?"

"Y...yes."

Katniss smiled one of her rare smiles before she leaned in and kissed him again.

Peeta couldn't believe his Cupcake liked him.

A few weeks later he and Katniss had just finished their swimming practice. Katniss was late to call her family so Peeta told her that he would lock up.

"AHA!" Delly shouted, making Peeta jump.

"DELLY!"

Delly tackled him to the ground and proceeded to tickle him.

"Okay, I give up," he said between bursts of laughter.

Delly sat next to him. "So was that a date?"

"No, that was her teaching me how to swim. I take her to nice places when we go out on dates."

"At least you're with your cupcake," Delly said.

"Yeah," Peeta said standing up. He helped Delly stand. She wore a dress that was really flattering on her. "You look nice."

Delly turned pink. "You really think so?"

"Yeah."

"Cinna helped me. He picked this out for me."

"Is my Cupcake around?"

Peeta shrugged. He didn't want to tell Delly that Gale was hanging around Madge.

"What are you hiding?"

"Your cupcake has been hanging out with Madge."

Delly's face fell as she said a soft, "Oh."

"I'm sorry Dells." Peeta gave Delly a comforting hug.

Delly's lips thinned, her eyes closed, and after a second she shook her head as if to ward off the sadness. "It's okay, Madge is prettier and worldlier than I am. Good for her."

"Come on Dells I can offer you the best turkey club sandwich this camp has to offer."

"Did you make the bread?"

"Yup, I did."

"Good, I've been missing your bread."

They went to the cafeteria and lo and behold there was Katniss sitting by herself.

"Delly, I didn't know you were visiting?" Katniss greeted warmly.

"I came to see what my best friend was up to."

Delly was all smiles. Peeta could tell that Delly was trying desperately to keep things positive.

"Well he's Gale's assistant, he's been helping out in the kitchens, and he's been learning how to swim."

"Wow, it looks like he's been busy."

"What about you, you look great!"

"Thank you. Cinna, the designer who made this, dressed me. He calls this a wrap dress and says it's flattering for all women of all shapes and sizes." Delly then said, "What are you guys doing tonight?"

"We were going to hang out and watch a movie."

"You both should come to Cinna's party tonight."

"I've got nothing to wear," Katniss said.

"I'm sure I can get Cinna to lend you something. Same with you, Peeta. Well, you wouldn't get your clothes from Cinna, but you would get if from Portia. She's Cinna's neighbor and she designs beautiful clothing for men.

That night they were at the party. They were having a great time when Delly suddenly turned pale. Not even 15 ft away was Gale, but he wasn't with Madge, he was with a woman who's just so gorgeous.

Katniss and Peeta surrounded Delly.

"It's okay Delly," Katniss whispered. "One of these days he'll know that you're alive."

Delly shook her head. "No."

Peeta helplessly watched his best friend disappear into the crowd.

"So how are we going to help Delly?" Katniss took his hand and squeezed it.

"I'm not sure, to be honest," Peeta said. All he wanted was for Delly to have her cupcake in the flavor that she's most desired. He wanted her to be as happy as he was, but he wasn't sure how to get to that point.