"So, are you two trying to sabotage yourselves or what?" the small brunette in my arms asks, a phony smile pasted on her face as we turn circles around the dance floor.
"It was just a dance Johanna," I return under my breath.
A short but shrill laugh splits the air, "And I'm the next President of Panem" she snorts. An irritated sigh escapes as I pull us to a stop. "You look tired, maybe you should rest" I grumble, leading her off the dance floor. She's snickering in amusement so I abandon her at the edge of the dance floor and cross over to the seating area. Irritated, lean against the wall and cross my arms over my chest.
Johanna follows me, clicking her tongue as she drops unceremoniously into a nearby navy settee, I glance at her and growl out low and quiet, "Don't!" I'm not in the mood for a lecture. I know I screwed up.
Putting her hands up she smiles devilishly. "Look, I don't care what your deal is, but you two are the ones who…"
"Yes Johanna, I know!" I say between clenched teeth.
Gale and Effie suddenly appear from the crowd of party-goers. Effie, with one of her delicate hands, tucked into Gale's arm, waves at us as they approached. "Ah, Peeta, Johanna!"
"Trinket," Johanna returns through a wry smile, knowing that Effie would hate being called by just her last name.
Pointedly ignoring her, Effie turns to me. "Have you seen Haymitch?" she asks.
I feel my forehead furrow, "He's…dancing with Katniss," I say confused that she wasn't aware of what had just accrued on the dance floor.
Effie pouts a bit. "Oh darn, I see we've missed our chance at grabbing them for a dance," she says, her face turning up to her escort's face. Looking even more uncomfortable in the small woman's presence that he was earlier this evening; Gale simply dipped his head slightly in response. "Haymitch has never been known for his patients, but I thought he could wait for me to complete one simple check-in with the head of security," she tuts. "Well I guess we'll just have to drag them back onto the dance floor once they have completed this waltz," she huffs. Looking back up at Gale she turns on her most dazzling smile, "If we are meant to wait, I suggest we do so with a spritzer." Gale does his best to cover his dismay when the small woman begins pulling him towards the bar behind us.
A laugh creeps up the back of my throat as I watch her charming the unwilling Captain.
"Does she realize he hates her?" Johanna asks from behind me. Looking back at her in the seatee I give her a shrug. "I don't think it matters to Effie either way," I smile.
Reclining back in her chair, Johanna pats the open seat next to her. "Take a load off Peety," she suggests. I consider the invite. I know all too well that Johanna's not one to let sleeping dogs lie, but my leg is hurting were it meets with the prosthetic. Sinking into the soft cushion, I kick my prosthetic out in front of me and sigh with relief. Johanna eyes my leg silently before turning to look out at the dance floor. My gaze follows hers to Katniss and Haymitch as they spinning effortlessly around the floor.
"Didn't know Haymitch could dance like that," I mutter, a little surprised by his agility.
"Twenty-five years of wooing donors and Victors' events, you should only be shocked if he couldn't dance," she returns.
I consider the answer and nod. "I guess I always thought he would blow that kinda stuff off," I admit.
"Didn't blow it off for you and Katniss," she counters, her voice descending an octave.
I look at her and I find her face etched with a thousand of her own sad Mentor memories. My heart tightens thinking of what she was forced to endure as a Mentor. There are no adequate words to comfort her, so I simply take her hand in mine and give it a squeeze.
After a moment she clears her throat and gives her head a slight shake. "So, you done being a jerk?" she asks flatly, our shared moment dismissed.
A smile creeps into the corners of my mouth, "Yeah. All done," I relinquish.
"You know what, you're not just pretty, you're smart too! I like that about ya Peety," she taunts, patting my hand playfully.
The music of the waltz starts to fades and Johanna and I's eyes simultaneously turn to search the exiting crowds for our companions. As the area clears out, I spot Haymitch pulling Katniss through a door on the opposite side of the room. "There," I say, pointing in their direction.
"I see 'em" she sighs.
"What is he doing?" I growl.
"Being your mentor," she returns as she stands. I move to join her, but she places a hand on my chest pushing me back into my seat. "It will be better if I go," she states evenly. I open my mouth to argue, but I notice Tova waving at us over the heads of the crowd as she pulls a rather "normal" looking blonde man along with her. Before the pair are too close to hear, Johanna leans down and whispers in my ear, "I've got this. Go, dance with purple hair, it will help with the chatter." With that she straightens and turns to the pair who've now joined us. "Time for another drink," she announces and without further ado disappears into the horde. The blonde man watches her disappear and turns to Tova, "Johanna Mason I presume?" he smirks. Tova rolls her eyes in Johanna's direction, "Yes, she not really one for…" she stammers.
"For people. In general, that is," I finish.
Tova grins, "Well I wouldn't put it that way, she's just…eccentric," she offers.
I guffaw. "Eccentric, interesting word choice," I laugh. Standing, I hold out my hand to the blonde man, "Hi I'm Peeta, I don't think we've met." I offer, foregoing a "proper introduction" that Effie Trinket preaches.
Taking my extended hand, he gives it a shake, "Jeromy," he returns.
"Jeromy is my childhood friend, my current roommate, and was supposed to be my escort tonight," Tova taunts, sends an elbow into his side.
Cringing playfully at the jab, he offers up an apologetic look. "You know my dad," he offers up as an excuse.
Sighing dramatically, she nods. "Yes, I do," she sighs. "You are forgiven," she smiles.
Turning his attention back to me, Jeromy smiles lazily. "So, you're the famous Peeta Mellark?" he says as more of a statement than a question.
I feel my face reddens in discomfort at being reminded of my infamy, but before I can even respond, Tova's elbow goes into her roommate's side a second time, this gesture less friendly than the first.
Jeromy's eyes dart to her as he rubs his ribs where her elbow hit, "What I meant to say is that Tova has spoken of you often, so it's good to finally meet you," he offers.
The comment which was meant to cover his slip of tongue only intensifies my discomfort. "Often", what does that mean? I wonder, my earlier discussion with Katniss about Tova blinking in the back of my mind. Tova continues talking, giving me details about her longtime friend but I can't really hear here as my brain hums with my own thoughts. It's Katniss's reappearance from the sea of people that finally quiets the buzz in my mind. As she makes her way to us, I raise a questioning eyebrow to her, silently asking her about her exchange with Haymitch, but with a slight shake of her head, I know to hold my questions for later when we're alone.
Noting Katniss' arrival Tova turns to greet her. "How was the dance?" she asks, her voice high and welcoming. A nearly-there scowl passes through Katniss' eyes at the question but is disappears before anyone, except for those who know her best, can see it. "Neither of my partners stepped on my toes, so that is something," she offers blandly.
Tova laughs harder than the quip justifies and turns to her roommate. "Katniss, let me introduce my roommate and friend Jeromy Threadgood," she offers, gesturing to man at her side.
"Pleased to meet you," Jeromy says offering his hand.
Taking it, she gives it a single pump before dropping her arm to her side. "You as well," she returns rather formally.
The four of us fall into an awkward silence, music our only accompaniment.
"JEROMY," a shrill voice screeches above the din of the music. Everyone's head turns towards a man with raven black hair and a vibrant green suit as he bounds towards us. I notice the corner of one of Jeromy's eyes twitch, and the easy smile from moments before being replaced with one that is pasted on.
"Bise," he says evenly. "I didn't know you were attending this evening."
"I'm just as surprised to be here as you are to see me. I didn't think my work schedule was going to allow it!" the brightly adorned man twitters, "But mother made me see reason, it is, after all, important to mingle with clients and other designers," he coos, eyeing Tova. "Speaking of such, it's good to see you Tova dear," he coos placing air kisses to each of her cheeks.
"Hello, Bise. I must say you are looking quite smart tonight," she compliments.
The very idea that the hideous green suit and yellow tie are "smart" nearly makes me cackle but I bite back the impulse.
"Oh! Thank you, it's a prototype of my newest line" he says placing a hand over his heart in an over-the-top gesture of gratitude.
"Really!" Tova exudes looking the suit up and down for a second time, "If this is just an inkling of what to expect, the line is going to be a smash hit!" She says in a tone that seems sincere. Why she would like this electric-colored monstrosity is beyond me, but I guess I'm not the target audience. I personally prefer well warn trousers and white shirts that can be easily bleached after a day in the kitchen or at my canvas.
Accepting the compliment with a beaming smile, Bise's eyes float over to Katniss and I. His scrutinizing gaze makes me want to squirm, but I force myself to stand still. "And look at what you have done!" he exclaims gesturing to Katniss and I. Stepping closer he inspects each of our garments individually, before falling back on his heels with a grin. "Bravo dear, you have done a marvelous job of updating your uncle's work! He would be so pleased!" Bise coos, clapping his hands in approval.
My attention snags immediately on the one word in the sentence that doesn't make sense…uncle, but Katniss beats me to asking the question.
"Uncle?" she asks, her eyes narrowing.
My gaze floats from Bise to Tova, whose face has gone pale. "Yes her uncle Cinna of course!" Bise smiles brightly.
"Cinna? But you're district born." Katniss states, her eyes laser-focused on Tova.
"My dear, Cinna was from district 8," Bise laughs as if this fact is common knowledge.
Katniss's eyes close and she shakes her head. "That can't be right! He would have … he…" she trails, her emotions taking over. After a second, she shakes her head and turns her steel-gray eyes on me looks up, "Why didn't you tell me?" she accuses.
My eyes go wide at the accusation. "I didn't know!" I defend.
My heart drops into my stomach when I see that she's not sure if she believes. "I…I need some air," she states then turns for the exit.
"Why didn't you say anything?" I demand of Tova, but with tears in her eyes, she appears to be unable to find her voice. I shake my head in disbelief and turn to follow Katniss. I quickly weave my way through the crowd, ignoring the people calling my name, until I finally catch up to her near the foyer. "Katniss," I call out, only a few steps away from her.
She glances back at me, "I've got to get out of this crowd, I need a quiet place to think," she says, pushing her way into a small clique of people.
When I finally close the distance between us and pull her to a stop. "Katniss, I swear I had no idea," I plead.
She shakes her head, her eyes watery. "Please Peeta, I just need space," she says pulling her arm from my grasp and heading for the front door.
Everything in me wants to go after her, but the last year has taught me to give her space when she says she needs it. Katniss knows her own mind and is stronger than anyone I've ever known. I don't know how long I stand staring at the empty space she once filled, but I'm jostled back to the present by Effie's hand on my elbow. "Is everything okay," she asks. I look down at her and shake my head slightly noticing Gale is standing just behind her glaring at me.
"What's happened?" he demands, his voice laced with accusation.
"She got some rather surprising news, something that upset her," I say glance back at the door.
"Damn you Mellark," he growls as he pushes past me towards the door.
I grab him by the arm. "She needs a little space right now," I state evenly. Gale yanks his arm from me. "I know you think you are her be-all and end-all, but I promise you, if you've hurt her, you'll never see me coming," he snaps and marches out the door.
Effie huff at the episode, "What has happened?" she demands, sounding appalled.
I look down into her flushed face, "Did you know Cinna was district?" I ask.
Her eyes widen, "There were rumors, but I would never have asked," she answers.
"Apparently he was for District 8 and Tova was his niece," I tell her, the shock of the news still coloring my own voice.
Effie's small mouth falls open in shock. "I knew she worked at Cinna's design house for a bit prior to the war, but I was under the impression she never met him in person! How did you find this out?" she demands.
"Some guy she knows, Bise, stated it like it was public knowledge," I explain.
Effie scoffs. "Bise is a big gossip."
I shake my head, "Effie, it's true, Tova didn't deny it. She actually looked like she was going to get sick when he said it."
Lifting a small hand to her mouth, Effie gasps.
Per his nature, I hear Haymitch before I see him. "What the hell is going on, I just saw your stylist running off in tears," he yells, materializing at Effie's side. He takes a look at her stricken face and curses. "You too?" he demands.
"Tova was just outed for being Cinna's niece," I tell him cutting too quick of the issue.
Haymitch's eyes brow's raise towards his hairline but at the same time understanding lights behind his eyes.
"You knew!" I blame, immediately getting heated.
"Keep it down," he growls. Grabbing me by my arm, and placing a hand on Effie's back, he moves us over to a cove near the coat check. "I didn't know she was related, that's new info, but it makes sense," he explains.
I roll my eyes impatiently and motion with a hand for him to hurry up and continue.
"I knew he was from the district. He won some kind of textile design contest about 15 years back and was given the "privilege" of taking some design course's here as the prize. Surprise, surprise, he turned out to be a prodigy. The designer he was paired to work for as part of his class saw the potential cash cow Cinna could be, so he arranged for a few wealthy and influential sponsors to pay for Cinna's continued schooling and to pad the pockets of officials so he could remain in the Capitol. Whether it was his skill or just the right person was paid off, Cinna was given Capitol citizenship a few years later, but he was kept on a pretty tight leash. Snow took most of the money he made, dictated where he could go, who he could socialize with, where he could live, even who he could date. The winter after the 73rd games Snow dumped him into the game's circuit after "retiring" another designer who had gone out of favor with the citizens. What Snow failed to see was that Cinna was exactly the kind of person the rebellion was looking to recruit." Haymitch explains.
"I can't believe this," I mutter, running my hands over my face. "But, how does Tova fit in?" I ask.
"I honestly don't know, but likely she was brought to serve as leverage against him. You're going to have to skinny on from her, if she even knows. Knowing now she was here, it explains a few things. He approached me during Victory Tour about safe houses in town and inquired about the possibility of getting someone out. At the time I thought it was for Portia. They had gotten close and it was a well-known secret that Snow wasn't happy about it. I would have never guessed it was for a family member," he offers.
I lean against the wall behind me and close my eyes. "How the hell didn't Katniss or I see any of it…the politics, the planning…" I wonder aloud.
"Don't feel too bad about that kid, I mean even the Capitol didn't put the piece together until it was too late either," he laughs. "And they were trying to kill you, that tends to take up a lot of brain space," he adds, a bit more somberly.
Pushing off the wall, I sigh. "I'm going to find Tova, could you…keep an eye for Gale, he's gone off after her half-cocked," I grunt.
"I'm sure Captain Twelve has the issue well in hand," Haymitch dismisses but is rewarded with a slap to the arm. Effie levels her gaze at him, "We will," she promises.
Turning toward the throng of humanity, I take a breath and go in search of the rest of the story.