Disclaimer: This fanfic is rated 'M' for adult themes. I do not own any of the characters of The Hunger Games or of Pride and Prejudice.


Chapter 4:

"Vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation."

- Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen


It had been a slow and tortuous week since the town ball, and Katniss had taken to busying herself with monotonous tasks about the kitchen and in the vast gardens that surrounded her uncle's estate. She had even started voluntarily making the trip to town and back for every tedious errand her aunt demanded, which under normal circumstances she would have found bothersome and elected Johanna or Portia to go in her stead.

Despite the unusually agreeable weather they were experiencing for mid-May, Katniss felt as though an unrelenting dark cloud of dreariness hung heavy over her head every place she went. What she could not understand was why Mr. Mellark's words were still ever present in her mind, consuming her every waking thought.

Katniss was no stranger to off-handed comments; she had received many from her aunt over the years. However, most of the unkind words were always directed at her spirited nature or her unbridled tongue and quick wit. Katniss had no patience for vanity, but never before had her appearance been so publicly affronted.

The day of the Undersees' dinner was upon them, and she had thought it best to rid herself of the excess nerves that she could no longer deny by tending to the gardens. The early arrival of spring had resulted in the kitchen garden to leap to life in every possible shade of green.

Unbeknownst to Katniss, her forlorn attitude did not go unnoticed. For the past few days, Mrs. Sae had sent her out to check on the broad beans and peas each morning and on occasion again in the afternoon just to keep Katniss from sulking around the kitchen. Today when she checked on them, the little greens pods had seemed to swell overnight, ready and eager to be harvested.

Mrs. Sae had watched her from the kitchen window, eager to console her young friend but unable to do so, for Katniss had yet to confide in the elderly cook the cause of her discontent.

"Come here, child," Mrs. Sae called out as she watched Katniss mindlessly shucking peas into the wooden bowl in her lap. She wiped her hands clean on her apron and patted the empty stool at the harvest table. "What is troubling you, my dear? You have been out of sorts for five days straight. Have the nightmares returned?"

"No, they have not." Katniss discarded the empty pods into the wicker basket by the back door before joining Mrs. Sae at the table.

The nightmares that had plagued Katniss throughout her childhood had thankfully not returned to disrupt her slumber. However, other more pressing matters and worries were now responsible for her restless sleep, causing her to toss and turn and stare up at the ceiling until the early hours of the morning. Mr. Mellark's harsh words had set off a chain reaction of thoughts that plagued her mind. Thoughts of her future. Thoughts of her past. Thoughts of what was to become of her.

Katniss folded her arms to rest in front of her on the table and looked anywhere but directly into the inquisitive eyes of Mrs. Sae. "You would find me foolish for my reasons."

"Hush now, it can not be all that bad." Mrs. Sae stood from her seat to fetch two cups and saucers from the open shelf behind her and the steaming teapot that Katniss had not noticed had already been prepared.

"What will become of me?" Katniss asked as she watched the light amber liquid flow from the spout of the weathered, chipped teapot. Her aunt must have been in a most agreeable mood earlier to allow the servants to reuse the tea leaves from that morning's breakfast. Perhaps the chance of sealing a match between Annie and Mr. Odair at the Undersee dinner that evening had lifted her aunt's spirits.

"What ever do you mean, child?"

Katniss shook her head in frustration as she took the proffered cup and saucer from Mrs. Sae. "When I am older? When the prospect of marriage has long but overlooked me and all of my cousins, my own dear sister included, have been married off and I am left here alone? Where shall I go?"

Mrs. Sae studied Katniss closely as she sipped her weakened tea. "I am uncertain as to what could have brought this about, but it is not something which one of such youth should fret over."

"But where would I go?" Katniss finally turned to face Mrs. Sae and was surprised to be met with sympathetic eyes. An irrational anger and resentment began to boil beneath her skin and she forced herself to take a deep and calming breath. "I can not stay here forever, although nothing would bring me more joy and happiness, if I could remain here and see to this estate for the rest of my days."

"Oh my dear one, I know for a fact that if your uncle could somehow leave his property to one of his beloved daughters, it would be you."

"But I am not his daughter! I no longer have a father! I am an orphan!" Katniss regretted her words as soon as she spoke them and turned away from Mrs. Sae, shameful for her sudden outburst. She heard the elderly woman take a deep breath but did not flinch when she felt a strong, steady hand on her shoulder. "Besides," Katniss continued in a softer tone, "even if I was, I would hold no claim to this, to any of this."

Without a male heir to bequeath his estate, Mr. Abernathy was in a most frustrating predicament, with no means of barring the entailment of Seamfirth in favor of supporting his daughters or nieces. It had been his wish, to break the entailment to allow his daughters their share of the estate and bestow his nieces the land their father had owned, which he believed was rightfully theirs.

The estate still lies in ruins from the fire, but he could not bear to rid himself of it, even if it had proven to be a nuisance over the years. Because he took ownership of the land, it too was subject to be passed on to the next living male relative upon his death, not to his nieces. The moral dilemma had never sat well with him, and the fact that his hands were tied in the matter made the circumstances even more unfortunate.

The thought of not being in control of her future troubled Katniss deeply. She had no income of her own, and there was no guarantee that the roof over her head would remain her home indefinitely. When she was younger, she dreamt of returning to her home—her true home—but with age came the reality of her situation. Her home might not as well exist, for she would never set eyes upon it again. Even if for some reason she was able to inherit it, what good was a pile of rubble? With no income to restore it or staff to keep it, what use was it? No, she would never be able to return to her home.

"If I do not marry, and marry well in my aunt's eyes, then what will become of me? I cannot rely on the good nature of my aunt and uncle and remain a burden to them forever, and once they have pass from this world to the next, what then? With no roof over my head or a penny to my name…," she trailed off and shuddered at the possible prospects of her future, and that of her sister's.

At least Primrose was in a much more desirable position than herself. There would not be a lack of wealthy gentlemen to call upon her, and her striking beauty and amiable nature would be an advantage, for she was loved by all. There would be no need for Primrose to ever settle; the prospect of finding both a well-off and kind partner was well within her reach.

"If only I had but a brother," Katniss said with a defeated sigh. "Or better yet, I had been born a man."

"Come now; let us not dwell on such ridiculous thoughts. You were given this life for a reason, and it is now your responsibility to make what of it you can. I know how hopeless you feel, as though you have no hand in your future, but you do—more so than you realize. You have the power to make your own choices. No one can take that away from you."

Katniss sipped her tea as she let the words sink in. Mrs. Sae was the closest person she had to a mother, someone whom she'd grown to trust and rely on. As earnest as her aunt was in seeing to that Katniss had a bright and happy future, it was Mrs. Sae and her sincere opinion and advice that Katniss took most to heart.

"As for your pessimistic view on marriage," Mrs. Sae continued with a cheerful smile, "I truly believe with all my heart that a rare beauty such as you shall not have but a long line of suitors, just you wait and see."

"A happy notion." Katniss laughed sardonically. "Yet not likely for someone as tolerable as me."

"Nonsense! You are too hard on yourself. You are a lovely and vivacious young lady! But the true beauty that I witness everyday is what lies in here." Mrs. Sae lifted her hand and placed it over Katniss' heart. "When you do find a gentleman who captivates your heart and your mind, which I know you someday will, I pray that he will nourish and respect your genuine nature and spirit."

Mrs. Sae patted Katniss' hand as she rose from the table to discard her empty cup and saucer in the washbasin. She wiped her hands on the front of her apron and lifted the bowl of peas to rest on her hip. She placed a hand on Katniss' shoulder again and squeezed it reassuringly. "For there would be no greater tragedy than to witness the free bird that you are to have her wings clipped and be forced to live a caged life."


"Are you nervous?" Primrose asked as they waited in the extravagantly furnished drawing room for the rest of Sir Elliot and Lady Undersee's guests to arrive. Katniss did not realize that she had been anxiously chewing her bottom lip as her foot tapped furiously against the carpet.

It was a simple question which under ordinary circumstances Katniss would have answered with a curt 'no'. She had mastered long ago the art of concealing her apprehensions and worries behind a hardened scowl, but this evening was proving more difficult that she had anticipated.

"I can assure you I am quite fine," Katniss said. She stilled her foot and straightened her posture to convince her sister that she was indeed calm and confident. "As I have said before, I will happily dismiss my qualm with Mr. Mellark for an evening if it means bettering Annie's chances for a match with Mr. Odair. She deserves to be happy more than anything, and I would never forgive myself if mine own personal strife was in some way a hindrance to their pairing. Besides, we both need to be on our finest behavior if we are to make up for any embarrassment our dear aunt would choose to grace us with this evening."

Primrose nodded mindfully at her sister's words, but Katniss' tone troubled her. "I truly believe she means well when it comes to our happiness, even if she does manage to go about it in the most peculiar of ways."

"Of course she does." Katniss sighed as she fidgeted with the sparse beadwork of her dress. "I did not mean to cause offense to Aunt Effie; my resentment was wrongfully misdirected."

"Kat, my offer still stands true. If I could but help to make the evening more bearable for you, I would gladly stay by your side at all times."

Katniss gave her sister an appreciative smile. It was Primrose's empathy that she believed was her sister's most admirable trait, a trait she had inherited from their exceptionally nurturing and attentive mother. Katniss, however, did not believe she had inherited an ounce of their mother's femininity, but rather the unyielding determination and headstrong will of their father. "Thank you, but that will not be necessary. I shall be capable of handling myself," she answered with as much self-assurance as she could muster.

Unfortunately though, the moment Mr. Odair arrived with his party, all of the courage that Katniss had so valiantly gathered was for naught. The sheer sight of Mr. Mellark's unruly blond curls that he could not bother to tame was enough to set her blood ablaze beneath her skin.

He remained silent and did not even meet her gaze when he bowed to his hosts and greeted the remainder of the guests.

Upon the realization that her confidence was waning, Katniss begrudgingly sought refuge in her sister to make good on her offer. Between the two of them, they managed to avoid the company of Mr. Mellark prior to dinner by engaging Portia and Johanna at the card table in a few rounds of Whist. Before long, she had become so engrossed in the game that she had forgotten her worries and laughed candidly when she tossed down the ace of spades to win the trick.

"Kat," Primrose whispered as Katniss gathered up the cards in her hand to deal a new round. "I believe you have captured the attention of one whom you would find most…interesting."

Katniss pursed her lips into a tight line as she dealt out the cards. As she arranged the hand she had dealt herself, she turned her head ever so slightly to peer over her shoulder as though to admire an urn on the fireplace. At the last moment, her eyes flitted across the room, only to be met by a pair of intense and scrutinizing blue irises.

The selection of dishes at the meal was plentiful and delectable; however, Katniss could not bring herself to enjoy a single bite. She remained withdrawn, only speaking when she required a particular dish to be passed to her. Not once did her attentions shift to the end of the table where the gentlemen were seated. Mr. Odair was certainly the life of the party, with his colorful commentary on his enjoyment of the town ball and how pleased he was with the outdoor pursuits present at Seaforth Park. He was a polite and gracious guest, complimenting Sir and Lady Undersee for their generous hospitality, but it was quite apparent on whom he preferred to let his gaze and attentions linger.

Once her plate had been cleared, Katniss excused herself from the table and took refuge anew in the drawing room. She stood by the fireplace and watched as the hungry flames licked up the bricks. A sudden movement from the corner of her eye caught her off guard.

"Oh!" She startled as her hand moved instinctively to her chest and her heartbeat quickened beneath it. Seated on the bench behind her was Mr. Mellark, his beseeching blue eyes watching her intently, but the rest of his face was unresponsive and indifferent. It was evident that she was not the only one desperate to seek solitude of late.

She took a moment to observe him since she had been relentless in her task of avoiding him since his arrival. The creamy white complexion of his skin was a stark yet pleasing contrast from the midnight blue waistcoat and intense orange cravat tied loosely around his neck. She had never seen silk dyed in such a rich and vibrant shade; it was striking against his cerulean eyes. Careful not to let her gaze linger too long, she regained her composure and forced a terse smile. "I was unaware the room was already occupied. I shall leave you to your business, Mr. Mellark."

"My apologies, I did not mean to alarm you." Katniss watched as he rose to his feet and crossed his hands behind his back. The way he moved with such grace and elegance was not lost on her. The breadth of his chest and his ample shoulders led her to believe he was not one to shy away from outdoor pursuits unlike most gentlemen of his rank whose waistlines tended to increase with age and income. Katniss forced her attentions away when he crossed the room to join her by the mantle. "Please do not leave upon my account. You appeared quite taken with your thoughts that I did not want to disturb you."

They stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity as they both watched the embers and flames. What alarmed Katniss most was that she did not find his silent company as uncomfortable as she would have thought it to be. In a peculiar way, it was pleasurable not feeling the pressure to fill the silence with meaningless conversation just for the sake of propriety.

However the comforting feeling was short-lived and the ugly head of retribution settled over her once more. She knew she should bite her tongue and not engage him in any conversation beyond the weather or how he was enjoying his stay at Seaforth Park, but her pride was impatient for an answer and her temper flared. She turned to him with hardened eyes.

"Are you a proud man, Mr. Mellark?"

He looked up from the fireplace immediately, his eyes widening slightly at the unexpected question and harsh tone with which it was delivered. "I'm afraid you will need to be more specific in which area of my life you are inquiring, Miss Everdeen."

Katniss remained silent as she considered his face, which was disappointingly unyielding of any hint of interest towards her or her question. She could not help but notice though, given their close proximity, the slight furrow that seemed ever present between his brow and a faint scar just below his chin which was only visible when the muscles of his jaw tensed. The longer she scrutinized every inch of his face, as though committing each feature to memory, the more she came to realize that Mr. Mellark was undoubtedly one of the most handsome men she had ever beheld.

The notion did not sit well with her.

As though sensing her inner turmoil, Mr. Mellark narrowed his gaze mischievously as the corners of his mouth twitched in a surprisingly pleasant manner. His response took Katniss off guard for it was the closest thing to a smile that she had yet to witness.

If only he chose to smile, what a becoming sight it would be to regard. She scolded herself at the thought and stubbornly narrowed her eyes to match his. She had not addressed his inquiry. It was no matter, for Mr. Mellark continued as though he had never requested clarification of her question.

"If you are inquiring whether I am proud regarding my estate and place in society, then my answer is 'no.' I take no pride from either. It is more a matter of circumstance, for it was not upon my doing, but rather that of my father and his father before him. I was merely born into this life without say."

His eyes did not leave hers and Katniss' lips tightened into a disapproving frown. Not upon his doing? Was Sir Undersee's recollection of his heroic reputation with his father's business false? Was he not responsible for reclaiming his family's reputation after the dishonest actions of his uncle?

Mr. Mellark's piercing stare was indecipherable, but in that moment, something unusual began to stir in her chest. She felt the rush of heat to her face before the tinge of pink began to creep across her cheeks.

"However," he continued. "If you are inquiring whether I am proud with regards to my countenance then again my answer is 'no'. I take no pride in my appearance for yet again, I had no hand in it. It can only be attributed to the outcome of good breeding."

Katniss caught herself and stifled a laugh. How ironic it was that he believed his appearance was the result of "good breeding" when just days ago her aunt had attributed his foul manners as the result of "bad breeding." Did he not confirm his vanity through his noble attempt of modesty? If he attributed his looks to "good breeding" then surely he beheld himself with high regard.

"Do I amuse you, Miss Everdeen?" Mr. Mellark asked tersely. "For I am simply trying my best to answer the vague question you so eloquently posed."

Katniss could not hold back her laugh this time but managed to cup her hand over her mouth in hopes of retaining some decorum. "More so than you realize," she eventually answered once her laughter had subsided. Her eyes were drawn to his lips once more as she watched the corners of his mouth twitch again. Had she offended him? A part of her had hoped so.

"Then I am glad of it," he answered, both his eyes and his tone surprisingly earnest. "For when you smile, I find it improves your looks very much."

Katniss' eyes rounded and her mouth gaped in astonishment. Was that meant as a compliment? Or was it another malignant slight to her appearance?

Before she could determine which it was, he turned from her and retreated to the back of the drawing room where Mr. Odair and Mr. Undersee had gathered without her notice. She was unsure of how long she stood there, frozen in place as she watched Mr. Mellark converse with their host. He did not turn to look at her again, no matter now hard she willed him to.

"Kat?" She startled when Madge placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to break her from her thoughts. "Are you alright? What happened? Did he upset you?"

"He…I…I am unsure," she stammered as she tried to recall his exact words. "But if I am not mistaken, he may have complimented me."

"See!" Madge exclaimed with a hopeful tone. "I was right! Prim and I watched as the two of you conversed, and the amusement in both your faces was unmistakable." Katniss frowned at her friend's appraisal, for she was anything but amused throughout most of their conversation—expect of course for when she had laughed at his expense.

"I do believe he finds you fascinating," Madge continued. "Did you not notice how his attention was on you all throughout dinner?"

"Why must you torment me so?" Katniss groaned. "No, I did not notice, but at the slight chance that you are correct, I do not understand!" Katniss sighed in frustration. "One moment he is insulting me in public and then the next he is complementing me in a most obscure manner. One moment he ignores me as if I do not exist, then the next he stares at me as if I am the only person in the room. Was it not but days ago he insisted that I held no worth to be looked at? It is most tiring trying to keep up with his ever-changing disposition."

Madge smiled back playfully in hopes of lightening her friend's mood. "I do not believe I have seen you this distressed before, my dear, especially not because of a gentleman."

"Because I have never met such a man before. His..." she trailed off as she searched for the appropriate word to describe him. "His temperament…it…it unnerves me."

"Could it be?" Madge whispered as she leaned in close. "Is it possible that someone has finally found a way to penetrate that thick skin of yours?"

"What?" Katniss scoffed, meeting her friend with a disapproving look. "I do believe you are gravely mistaken."

"Please, Kat, it was not my intention to offend you, I just…I thought that when I saw you laughing with him, that…never mind, I was mistaken." She took Katniss' hand in her own and patted it gently. "Come, let us see how Annie is faring, shall we?"

Katniss followed Madge hesitantly to the back corner of the drawing room where Annie appeared to be deep in conversation with Miss Odair. When they joined the two on the bench, Miss Odair turned to Katniss with a pretentious smile.

"Ah, Miss Everdeen! How wonderful of you to join us. I was just in the midst of telling your dear cousin how much I do enjoy the country air. I find it is doing wonders for my health."

"Yes, indeed," Katniss agreed, forcing a polite smile. "The country air does wonders." She did not find much interest in engaging in small talk, not especially with such contemptuous company.

"And what exhilarating music at the ball the other night," Miss Odair continued, "it was quite the sight to behold. Now do tell me, are all dances from the country so lively and…free-spirited?"

The condescending manner with which Miss Odair spoke did not go unnoticed. It was apparent that the ball was not to her liking, lacking the sophistication and fashion she was no doubt accustomed to from those held in the Capitol. Katniss reluctantly bit her tongue for fear of enlightening Miss Odair with her own lively free spirit.

When Katniss did not answer her, Miss Odair simply turned her attention elsewhere. "Madge, I could not help but notice your piano forte," she mused as she gestured with her painted silk fan to the instrument tucked into the opposite corner of the room. "Do you play?"

Madge smiled back nervously before she cleared her throat to speak. "Yes, but dreadfully so, I am afraid."

"Oh, what a shame, I would love to hear a lovely country tune," Miss Odair sighed in disappointment. "Do you play the piano forte, Miss Everdeen?" she asked as she resumed fanning herself. "Please say you do, for I do wish for some entertainment."

"No, I am afraid I do not."

Katniss watched as Miss Odair's lips curled in disappointment, but when she felt a pinch at her elbow, she turned abruptly to meet Madge's pleading eyes. Katniss sighed deeply, fully aware of the favor her friend was trying to silently convey. "However, my younger sister Primrose is far more accomplished with the piano forte than I could ever hope to be. Perhaps she could be persuaded to delight you with her talents?"

Primrose looked up at the mention of her name and smiled at her sister with a gleam in her eye. "Only if you accompany me," she challenged.

"Oh yes, that would be such a treat for use all!" Mrs. Abernathy beamed. "My nieces are to be rivaled by no one when it comes to their duets."

It had been quite some time since Katniss and Primrose had performed a duet in front of an audience other than their family, but it was something they both enjoyed when the opportunity arose.

Primrose took her seat on the cushioned bench and shifted it forward until she was at a comfortable distance from the array of ivory and ebony keys. She straightened her posture and let her fingers slide across the keys as if reacquainting with an old friend. Primrose had performed on the Undersees' piano forte on numerous occasions before, but not for an audience of this size.

Katniss smoothed her dress as she stood and took her place next to her sister. She placed a steadying hand on Primrose's shoulder as she leaned in close to her ear. "What song shall we choose?"

"Papa's lullaby? It has been too long since I've last played it."

Katniss' chest tightened at her sister's request. "Prim, are you sure? I…I am not certain it would be a proper choice for this occasion. Perhaps something more lively would be better suited?"

"No, Kat, Papa's song is my favorite. Please?"

Katniss took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She was unsure of how her aunt would react to their choice of song, but not wanting to disappoint her sister and the awaiting guests, she closed her eyes as the haunting melody filled the room. She imagined her father as he sang her to sleep, hoping to pull strength from the memory to recall the words and keep her voice from trembling.

Deep in the meadow, under the willow
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow
Lay down your head, and close your eyes
And when they open, the sun will rise.

Here it's safe, and here it's warm
Here the daisies shall guard you from harm
Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings anew
Here is the place where I love you.

Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes and let your troubles lay
And when it's morning, they shall wash away.

Here it's safe, and here it's warm
Here the daisies shall guard you from harm
Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings anew
Here is the place where I love you.

The room fell eerily silent after Primrose released the final note with a delicate finger. She folded her hands in her lap and looked up to Katniss, unsure if she had indeed faltered with the song choice. Katniss gave her sister a reassuring smile and was pleasantly relieved when the room suddenly filled with applause.

Primrose rose to her feet and the sisters held hands as they curtsied to their audience. Katniss leaned in close to her sister's ear, "You were remarkable, Prim. Father would be proud." Primrose beamed at Katniss before she turned back to the rest of the guests and curtsied yet again.

Once the praise had died down, Miss Odair sighed loudly, gaining the attention of the room. "Well, that was a…peculiar song choice. I'm surprised we're not all asleep after that!" she said sardonically. She turned her attention to the back of the room towards where the gentlemen had been standing. "Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Mellark?" she asked with a smirk.

Mr. Mellark blinked rapidly, as though he had just awakened from a dream. He straightened his posture and clasped his hand behind his back. "Yes, quite peculiar indeed." Miss Odair giggled lightly, hiding her face behind her fan, but her amusement was short-lived when Mr. Mellark cleared his throat and spoke again. "Peculiar, yet hauntingly beautiful."

Katniss looked up shyly only to be met by Mr. Mellark's blue eyes, yet this time there was something unusual about his gaze. Her chest tightened again, but differently from earlier when she was reminded of her father, and she had to steady herself upon her sister's shoulder to keep from stumbling. Had he complimented her a second time this evening?

"I am curious though, Miss Everdeen," Mr. Mellark continued, "where did you learn that arrangement?"

"From my father," she whispered. "He used to sing us to sleep when my sister and I were children, it was his favorite."

Mr. Mellark looked away as he contemplated her response.

"Prim!" Mrs. Abernathy called out. "Why don't you play us another tune, perhaps something more lively this time, to appease Miss Odair? Come now, my dear, something we can dance to!"

Primrose nodded at her aunt's request and soon the air was filled with an energetic melody. With an excited look upon his face, Mr. Odair dismissed himself from the gentleman and approached Annie with a pleasing smile. He extended his hand in invitation to dance and she accepted graciously. As they took to a dance at the center of the room, Portia and Johanna joined them and giggled as they danced circles around the couple.

Katniss was about to return to the company of Madge and Miss Odair when Sir Undersee called out and beckoned her to join him and Mr. Mellark by the fire. She begrudgingly obeyed and made sure to not draw too much attention to herself as she approached them.

"Mr. Mellark, your friend, Mr. Odair—he performs quite delightfully upon the dance floor, does he not?" Sir Undersee asked as he gestured toward Mr. Odair and Annie who were obviously enraptured as they moved sinuously about the room.

"Yes, he is quite skilled in such matters, especially when paired with such an agreeable partner."

"But how about yourself, Mr. Mellark? Do you not find enjoyment in dancing? If I am not mistaken, I did not have the pleasure of seeing you dance at the ball the other night."

"I very rarely find enjoyment in such social gatherings and therefore try to avoid them when all possible."

"But perhaps if you were matched with an accomplished partner you would find dancing more pleasurable, would you not agree, Kat?" Sir Undersee turned to Katniss with a teasing grin.

"Yes sir, perhaps," Katniss replied. "But alas, I am afraid a dance partner of such esteemed caliber is not present amongst us, wouldn't you agree, Mr. Mellark?"

"Oh come now, my dear," Sir Undersee intervened as he took Katniss' hand in his own and reached out for one of Mr. Mellark's with the other. "Mr. Mellark, please do me the honor of dancing with my dear Kat, for how could you deny one of such youth and beauty?"

Katniss held in a breath as Sir Undersee placed her petite hand in Mr. Mellark's, noting the apparent contrast of her tanned skin against his. She was surprised when he did not hesitate to take it willingly. His hand enveloped hers with an unexpected yet pleasant warmth and was taken aback at how his slightly calloused thumb sent shivers down her spine as it grazed her knuckles.

"You have not answered Sir Undersee's question," Katniss declared in a roguish tone. "Do you dance, Mr. Mellark?" she inquired, echoing Sir Undersee's original question.

"Not if I can help it." His voice was void of any emotion, but his eyes shone brightly as though they were concealing a different answer.

It puzzled her when he did not release her hand. Did he not just openly deny her company as a dance partner a second time? She began to pull away from him, but his grip around her hand tightened, preventing her from leaving his side. Was there more he wished to speak to her about?

Katniss raised her eyebrows questioningly, but she was met with silence as Mr. Mellark stood unmoving before her. She released a perturbed sigh as she slowly retracted her hand from his firm grasp, her fingertips lingering upon his for a brief moment more before dropping her hand to her side.

"What a shame, for I do love to dance."


The change in the weather was most definitely upon them; the cooler nights from the spring rains had ended and a hint of the warm breezes that came in from the west signaled the arrival of hotter days and warmer nights. And with the warmer days came increased time spent outdoors.

It was common for the ladies of the Abernathy household to occupy their free time by walking the short distance to town. It was a pleasant journey to make when the weather was agreeable; however, the most recent source of excitement for visiting the bustling little town had been the arrival of the military regiment. Akin to the waterfowl that returned from the south each spring, the militia would depart from their most northern post and march south to establish camp just outside of town.

Since the beginning of spring, Portia and Johanna had traveled into town no less than three times per week to pay a visit with their aunt and uncle who lived nearby and to call upon the officers during their leisure time. Within the few weeks, Johanna had most recently become well acquainted with a handful of the officers, a few with which she candidly conversed on many occasions. One of these officers was a Mr. Aldred Darius, who had grown fond of the youngest Miss Abernathy's lighthearted yet juvenile nature.

One morning, Mrs. Abernathy had asked Annie, Katniss, and Primrose to pay a visit to the milliner's shop in town to purchase some ribbon and lace for a number of bonnets that required mending. Not wanting to waste an opportunity to converse with the officers, Johanna and Portia eagerly volunteered to accompany them.

As they neared the milliner's shop, the ladies were approached by two officers. Johanna squealed in delight and smiled brightly as the one with fiery red hair that rivaled the coat of his uniform lowered his head in a bow.

"Ah, Miss Johanna Abernathy, what a pleasant surprise that we should meet on this fine day," Mr. Darius greeted them cheerfully. He turned to the rest of the ladies with a grin. "May I introduce to you my very good friend, Mr. Cato Cray. He has only just recently joined our commission this past week and I have taken it upon myself to ensure that he is settling in properly."

Mr. Cray graced the women with a polite smile and bowed to each one as he asked for their names. When he bowed to Katniss, she could not hold his gaze as she managed a small curtsey.

"Miss, your name please?"

"Miss Everdeen, sir. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she replied as she felt the heat from cheeks as she blushed.

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Everdeen," Mr. Cray smiled as he offered his hand.

She hesitated, taking a moment to appraise his appearance. His eyes were a steely blue with just a hint of grey and his hair the color of freshly cut straw. His overall stature and sun-kissed skin were quite pleasing, especially against the red and black of his lieutenant's coat. There was a peculiar air to him, a hint of refinement that she found uncommon amongst the officers who frequented the town. Impressed by his gentlemanly nature, she accepted his hand and his eyes did not leave hers as he leaned in and brushed his lips gently across her knuckles.

Mr. Darius continued to engage Johanna and Portia in conversation regarding the purpose of their trip while Annie and Primrose walked to the storefront to peruse the ribbon and lace on display in the window.

Mr. Cray's agreeable appearance and equally agreeable countenance was not lost on the younger ladies, and they hung on his every word as he regaled them with tales of his journeys with his prior company. Even Primrose—who was not particularly fond of officers for their stereotypically vulgar manners—was caught listening in and sneaking glances at the comely officer.

"And what is the purpose of your visit to town this afternoon, Miss Everdeen?" Mr. Cray inquired as he leaned to rest his shoulder against the post behind him. He reached into his coat pocket and produced a cigarette and matchbook.

Katniss watched as he lifted it to his mouth and lit the match. Mr. Cray suppressed a smile when he realized that Katniss had been keenly watching him so he glanced up at her again and raised his brow with an archly look. The flush on Katniss' cheeks deepened as she smiled back at him timidly.

"My aunt, she asked that we—"

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the neighs and snorts of two approaching horses, the riders none other than Mr. Odair and Mr. Mellark. Johanna could not contain her excitement and grabbed hold of Annie's arm to gain her attention before she greeted them.

"Mr. Odair! Mr. Mellark! How wonderful it is to see you! What brings you to town this fine afternoon?"

"We are on our way back to Seaforth Park. I had a bit of business to attend to in town, but your presence has made the trip ever more worthwhile." Mr. Odair winked before he quickly shifted his gaze to Annie as they both smiled at each other and he tipped his hat to greet her properly.

Katniss watched as Mr. Mellark's eyes readily sought her out, the brief flash of a smile hinting at his lips. But she leveled his greeting with a scowl and hard eyes. When he realized whose company she had been keeping, his eyes turned cold and his lips flattened into a disapproving, thin line.

It was with great interest that Katniss watched the interaction between the two men. It did not go unnoticed that Mr. Cray looked upon Mr. Mellark with the same, if not more, coldness and hostility. Were they acquainted with one another? If so, what could possibly be the cause for such a disgruntled greeting?

Mr. Cray was the one to finally give way and tipped his hat slightly with a curt nod, but Mr. Mellark made no attempt to acknowledge him or return the gesture. Mr. Odair, oblivious to the exchange that had just taken place, turned to Mr. Mellark to inquire about something, but was met with a grunt.

Without a word, Mr. Mellark tightened the reins in his hand, turned his horse away from them, and hurriedly took his leave.


Author's Note: So, what'd you think? I hope you enjoyed some sassy Katniss and Peeta interaction ;) And then there's Cato…uh oh, better watch out, you have some competition Mr. Mellark!

Fun Facts from Jane Austen's Time:

- Tea was such an expensive and coveted commodity during the Regency Period that the master of the house would keep under lock and key. Servants were not allowed to handle it and were definitely not allowed to drink freshly brewed tea. That is why Mrs. Sae offers Katniss weak tea during their talk, for the leaves had already been steeped and was no longer wanted.

- A milliner is a person who designs, makes, trims, and sells products to mend hats and fascinators. Millinery shops were typically run by female shopkeepers and their main clientele were also female, but they also sold children's clothes and undergarments. Due to their status and income, the Abernathy's would not have been able to afford to send their hats and bonnets to the milliners to be mended; they would have to do it themselves. That goes for mending and making dresses too.

- Last but not least, entailment. It was a way landowners prevented their land from being broken up and prevented female descendants from inheriting land. Ouch. If a property was entailed, by law it was only allowed to pass to the nearest male descendant of the original owner. That would of course leave Mrs. Abernathy and her daughters with no home when he passes. If Mr. Abernathy had a male heir, they two of them could have entered into an agreement and broken the entailment if they wished because you needed permission from both parties. Entailments did not last forever though, typically three or four generations.

I'd like to say a big thank you to my wonderful beta Court81981for her continued support and feedback. You should check out one of her new stories, it's from THG Fairy Tale Challenge and it's called Spellbound, you won't be disappointed!

Any feedback is greatly appreciated because I love hearing from you all! Also, I'm on tumblr (pookieh) if you want to come by and chat!

Thanks for reading!