As her mother spooned out some very thin soup, she gazed across the table at her daughter. Katniss had helped her spoon-feed Prim and she was pleased to see that she was already showing signs of improvement.
"So, Peeta Mellark, hm?"
"Mmhm," Katniss said as she sipped her dinner.
"I should have known. When you showed up with Ryen Mellark, I should have known about Peeta." Katniss started.
"You…you knew it was Ryen?"
"I'm a little surprised you didn't recognize him."
"So why did you know who he was and I didn't?"
"Katniss, I've never told you the story about Bran Mellark and I, have I?"
"Peeta's father? No. What story?"
"We were engaged," she says quietly. Katniss nearly spit out her soup. "It was a long time ago but he was always so sweet. He would bring me a cookie when I was working in my parents' apothecary. He asked my father for my hand two years after we met. He was very old fashioned that way," she laughed softly.
"Anyway, we were set to marryand well, one day, this handsome young man came into the apothecary for some medicine for his sister. He admitted he had no money but he looked so desperate. I asked him if he had anything to trade and he offered a song. My parents would have thrown me out if they'd heard I agreed to such a thing. But that moment I heard your father sing…oh Katniss, I swear, even the birds stopped singing to listen. I was completely taken by him. I had to tell Bran I couldn't marry him. My parents threw me out and the Merchants turned their backs on me. Bran made me a small cake for our toasting. He knew your father hunted illegally, he could have turned him in when Ash started to ask him to trade. But he didn't. Bran has always been the kindest soul I have ever met. Clearly his sons have inherited that trait."
"Ryen said he... bought me...saved me for Peeta and Peeta…well, he told me he's loved me since we were kids."
"I wondered who had left those pastries on the porch years ago.I thought it was Bran, trying to help but I should have known Peeta was trying to help you."
"You were too out of it to notice," Katniss said, a little too sharply. Her mother nodded sadly.
"I didn't do right by you girls and I'm sorry for that. But your life could be better than I ever imagined for you. At first I was terrified that you were entering such a contract but to be married to Peeta Mellark. That boy will love you more than anyone could. And a high-ranking Peacekeeper too. You'll have luxuries you've never dreamed about."
"I don't need luxuries. I just want to keep Prim fed and away from the Games."
"She has three more years. You and Peeta can save her life."
"Doesn't eliminate the entries she already has," she muttered.
"No, but you can keep her from entering more. Mind you don't take advantage of Peeta."
"I won't take advantage of him," she snapped. "He's offered me an allowance for both Prim and I, and I accepted. In return, he wants friendship. That's it."
"That's it?"
"That's it! He doesn't want anything else."
"He loves you, Katniss."
"And he can do so much better than a skinny girl from the Seam. I'm just wasting his chance of a normal wife and a family."
"Peacekeepers' children are exempt from the Reaping. You have always been more of a mother to Prim than I have. I would love to see you have children of your own and this is the only way to have them safely and in freedom. You don't have to be afraid of watching them die in the Games, Katniss. Just think about it."
"Think about what? Peeta has already said he doesn't expect anything else from me. And I don't want to fall in love with him, Mom. I don't want to become you." It came out before she could stop it and her eyes widened in horror. Her mother set her spoon down and set her hands on the table.
"Katniss. Love isn't something to be afraid of. It isn't. It can be the greatest thing in the world. It can also be the most terrifying. But every second is worth it."
"But you lost Daddy," she said in a small voice. "And then you left us."
"I loved your father with my whole heart. When he died, I felt like I died with him. I was too selfish to realize I had two beautiful daughters who still needed me. But when I look at you, I know Ash is still here. You're like him more than you know. And you kept us alive, just as he did. Now it's time to let someone take care of you, for once. Don't be afraid to let him in, Katniss. Don't be afraid to let yourself love him." Katniss was silent as she ate the rest of her dinner. What if she had children and something happened to Peeta? She would be all alone to take care of them and what if the Capitol decided to Reap them after all?
But her morbid thoughts were invaded by a rather sweet sight. A little boy with the curliest blonde curls and the brightest blue eyes she had ever seen. She smiled, in spite of herself. She tried to imagine a world, somewhere in the future, with no Games, no Capitol. A place like the meadow in the song she sang to Prim. Where Peeta's children could be safe and healthy and happy. But could she ever give him that? Would they ever be…intimate?
She shivered. Cray had her made her do things but as contraceptives were so limited in the District, he chose to leave her a virgin. At least until their wedding day, when he would officially become her husband and therefore could exercise "all his marital rights", he had said with a lustful smile. He had taught her things, things that he said would please a man. Would they please Peeta, or would they disgust him?
"Katniss, are you alright?" She jumped and blushed. Thinking these things at her mother's dinner table made her face burn.
"Yeah."
"I know we've never really talked about sex before-"
"Mom! I learned about it in school!"
"Ok but do you have any questions? I am a Healer you know. You can pretend that I'm not your mother for a few minutes." Her face burned even more.
"No. No questions."
"Are you sure?"
"If you ask me one more time, I'm leaving."
"Alright, alright, no need to get defensive. Remember you can talk to me any time you like."
She nodded and buried her face in the empty bowl, slurping for good measure. Her mother seemed to find this amusing and shook her head.
Peeta knocked on the door about an hour later and bowed to Mrs. Everdeen.
"Are you ready to head home, Katniss?" Home. It was such a relative term. But she didn't correct him; she nodded to her mother.
"I'll be by in the morning to check on Prim."
"Stay safe, both of you."
Peeta offered her his arm and they started the trek home. Once they were inside, he shrugged off his jacket and stretched his arms high over his head.
"I hate wearing that thing. It's usually only for formal events but I thought I should dress up a little more at the Justice Building," he glanced at Katniss and she merely nodded.
"Did you eat with your mother?"
"Yes. Have you eaten?"
"Not really. I can make a sandwich before I go to bed."
"Let me," she jumped to her feet.
"Katniss, you don't have to do that."
"It's ok-" she stopped when he grabbed her hand and looked into his pleading eyes.
"I know he treated you like his slave. You don't need to do things for me. You know that."
"What kind of wife would I be if I didn't make dinner for my husband," she teased but his eyes lit up and his lips turned up.
"Ok. But make yourself one too." He knew she hadn't eaten much. She grabbed some ingredients from his fridge and looked around for bread.
"Ryen brought over a loaf earlier. In the drawer to your left." She pulled out the brown bag and buried her nose inside. She inhaled the smell of real bread; not the tasteless grain from tesserae. Peeta was watching her, looking slightly bemused and she quickly shook herself and set to making dinner. She tried not to devour the sandwich too quickly but in truth, she hadn't had anything this delicious in years. She tried to savor the rich tastes of the bread and the tangy mustard on her tongue. Peeta offered her a crisp potato chip and her eyes lit up at the strange crunch. Laughing, he passed her the rest.
"Are Peacekeepers as rich as Victors," she blurted out.
"Not hardly. But the Capitol keeps us supplied with certain luxuries and they do provide us extra stipends. It seems that President Snow approves of this new contract thing and has agreed to increase our stipend so that we can give a portion of it to our new wife. I find it…interesting that he approves of it. It means less children for the Reaping. If we had children…not WE, I mean Peacekeepers in general, I mean…" Katniss almost giggled at how red he was getting.
"Is Ryen a Lieutenant too?" He laughed softly, his blush fading.
"No, he didn't show the initiative I did during training. Though he knew what my motivation was, no one else did and he kept my secret. He supported me the whole time and my Commander really liked me. Said I showed real promise. He's one level above a mere Peacekeeper, though he doesn't have an official title. Because he's my brother, though, he enjoys certain luxuries as well. My whole family does."
"Your mother will certainly love that," she said, unable to keep the bitterness out of her voice. His face fell slightly and he nodded.
"I didn't see her today. She was taking a nap and Dad was the only one in the shop. He was crying when he ran to hug me. I always got along best with Ryen and Dad. Bing is Mom's favorite and took after her. I'd like to take you over there tomorrow though. Dad invited us over for dinner."
"That soon?"
"Katniss, I'm not ashamed of you. Nor of our marriage. And we don't have to tell people it's because of a contract, unless you prefer that. Mom knows I've always had a crush on you. Hell, I imagine most of the district knows. This won't come as a surprise. And if it would make you more comfortable, I can ask Ryen if he will bring Madge too." She nodded eagerly and he smiled.
"It might make her even more horrible to you though. Madge is Merchant and Mom was always trying to arrange a marriage between us. Her and Delly Cartwright, who's been my friend since we were like two."
"With any luck, she'll completely ignore me then." He hummed as he sipped from his mug and she watched him for a moment.
"Did you know about my mom and your dad?" His brow raised slightly.
"She told you?"
"How long have you known?"
"I think Dad told me when I was...12? Maybe 13. I can't remember. I was...moaning and groaning to him that I wished I was from the Seam."
"Why on earth would you wish for something like that?"
"Aside from the obvious?" He quirked his brow and smirked a little. "I didn't feel like I fit in here. I had friends but I always felt a little... different. And I always saw you with Gale Hawthorne...I wondered, if I was the Seam, could I make you smile like that." He shrugged and shook his head. "Crazy thoughts from a little boy but there you have it. So yes, I knew about our parents. I was a little shocked at first but it made sense. He must have loved her a lot, to let her go like that."
"I know Mom is still very fond of your dad. He has been very kind to us over the years. And by the way, Gale and I are just friends so you have nothing to worry about."
He laughed as he set the plates in the sink and took her hand.
"Yeah, I'm sure he will be happy to hear you're marrying a Merchant."
"It has nothing to do with him," she says heatedly. He smiled and shrugged, as if it didn't matter to him in the slightest.
"Come on. I'm beyond exhausted."
He paused at the doorway, giving her the choice but she held onto his hand, leading him into the bedroom. She quickly readied herself for bed and found him pushing the window open, wearing ragged sleep pants and a white T-shirt. He yawned and tossed back the covers.
"I didn't get to put in an order for a new bed today. But I'll do it tomorrow."
"Peeta, we're married. Married people share beds."
"You didn't ask for this, Katniss," he said, his jaw set. "And I'll be completely honest with you. Sharing a bed with you is too much temptation. It will be easier this way. For both of us." She frowned and glanced down at herself. What about her could be considered tempting? She climbed up to him and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"Peeta," she said softly and he turned his head to look at her. "I'm your wife now."
"We haven't toasted," he reminded her.
"But we're legally married. So what's stopping you?"
"Katniss." He leaned up, pushing her off and shook his head.
"Katniss, you didn't read your contract thoroughly." She sat up beside him, frowning.
"What are you talking about?"
"The contract you signed…you basically signed up for the highest price with the least amount of rights. You forfeit all your…rights and assets to your future husband. Including but not limited to, your offspring, your diet and regimen, any outfits you wear, your daily activities, and…your maidenhood." Her eyes widened and he stared down at the blanket.
"It killed me when I saw your signature. Giving up your life like that. And it kills me to think about him doing any of that to you. You're not a piece of property, you don't deserve to be owned. But thinking of him taking control of you like that…it's unbearable, Katniss. And I know he made you do things. You may still be a virgin but I know Cray. I remember the stories from when we were kids. I know he did something to you." She was silent, which confirmed his fears.
"Legally I can take what you're offering. But I can't. I just can't do that to you. So please. Don't make this any harder than it already is. You'll move into the guest room tomorrow, we'll have a toasting this weekend, and you won't ever be a slave or go hungry again. I'll make sure of it." And with that, he settled into the pillows, pulled the blanket over his head, and closed his eyes.
Katniss couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned and was determined to put as much distance between them as possible. But when she closed her eyes, Peeta was everywhere. His curly blonde hair falling into his eyes, the way it used to. His plump lips curved into a shy smile. His bright blue eyes, brighter than any other Merchant's she'd seen. The way his shirt stretched taut over his muscles. The way he watched her while she ate. His tongue darting out to wet his lips.
Huffing, she turned over and slid off the bed. Doing her best not to wake him, she slipped a pillow under her arm and padded into the living room. It was clear he was not the only one who was having trouble with temptation, although she'd never admit that to herself. She draped herself over the couch and closed her eyes.
"Take off that ridiculous nightgown." She shivered; she didn't have anything else under the gown, save for a meager scrap of material covering her privates. With shaking hands, she slid the gown over her head and crossed her arms to shield herself.
"Get on your knees." His voice sliced through the air as if it was slicing her in half. She lowered to her knees and avoided looking at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him pulling at the tie of his pants.
"I'm going to teach you how to be a good little wife." He buried his hand in her hair and yanked. Her eyes watered as she looked up at him. Into his eyes. Not at that thing that he was waving in her face.
"Suck me." Swallowing, she opened her mouth and he jammed it down her throat. Her eyes watered as she choked but he didn't release her hair.
"Close your mouth a little. Make it a tight little hole I can fuck."
Stifling her sobs, she did as she was told and he threw his head back, releasing a groan.
"Yessss," he hissed, bucking his hips. His other hand went to the back of her head and pushed her down over him. She choked and gagged but he took no notice.
"You'll make a good little fuck toy, Everdeen. I'm sure of it."
"No! No!" She sat up, covered in sweat and tears. She screamed and writhed on the couch until she actually fell off of it. The light switched on and she frantically looked around.
"Katniss!"
Peeta fell to his knees beside her and reached out for her. She wasted no time in launching herself into his arms; they tightened around her and held her close. He rocked her back and forth, muttering soft words into her hair. After a few moments, she calmed down and gasped. She realized she was wrapped around him like a vine. She released him and pulled back. His brow furrowed at her sudden change of behavior and she crossed her arms over her chest.
"It was…just a nightmare. I'm sorry for waking you up."
"It's ok. I get them too," he said softly, reaching over to push a strand of hair behind her ear. She closed her eyes at his gentle caress and moved closer toward him. "Why were you sleeping in here?"
"I didn't want…I mean, what you said…I thought I should…"
"Oh Katniss." He shook his head and sat beside her. "I didn't mean it in a bad way. In fact, it's more of a compliment. Being near you makes me crazy."
"That's not much of a compliment," she muttered.
"Well you have no idea of the effect you have on people." She whipped her head around.
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing. Do you think you can go back to sleep?" She nodded and he pulled himself up, using the couch. He held out his hand to help her up and she nodded her thanks.
"Peeta?"
"Yeah?" His hair was tousled from sleep, his eyes were hazy, and the freckles on his nose stood out in the light.
"Will you please stay with me?"
He didn't answer but she saw something in his eyes as she waited for his reply. He knelt down and his arms went under her legs. She let out a little scream as her hands flew around his neck; he gave her a shy smile as he carried her to the bedroom. As he set her on the bed, he bent in and pressed his forehead to hers.
"Always." She didn't care about giving him space; her arms and legs were wrapped around him and he didn't dare try to move away. Her head rested beneath his chin and soon her breaths were steady and even. Her heart beat steadily against him and his fingers made soothing motions across her back. He waited until her breathing was steady and she was fast asleep.
"I love you, Katniss," he whispered to the darkness.
The next morning, Peeta woke to the sun streaming into his room. He didn't think he'd ever slept that late before. He tried to move but found a weight draped across his chest. Katniss's head had moved lower down his stomach, uncomfortably close to his VERY noticeable morning arousal.
"Ah shit," he whispered, biting his lip. If Katniss moved an inch, he would poke her in the face. He tried to shift sideways, hoping she would move backwards and therefore would slide off of him. But she moaned and buried her nose in his belly button. His hands went to his hair as he squeezed his eyes shut. Why him? Why was the universe torturing him? His shirt had ridden up and her lips met his bare flesh. He tried to flinch away, to no avail. His erection was now so painful he could barely stand it.
"Katniss," he whispered, reaching down to shake her. She didn't stir and he huffed loudly. Regretting his decision already, he yanked himself away and stood up. Katniss fell to the bed and gasped.
"What the-"
"I'm so sorry Katniss but I'm late for training. I mean, a meeting. With the peacekeepers. I've, uh, got to get going!" Doing his best to hide his erection, he hurried into the bathroom and slammed the door, leaving behind a very confused, sleepy silver-eyed girl on his bed.
Peeta leaned against the door and breathed deeply, running his hands over his face. He quickly turned the knob to the shower and stripped out of his clothes. He nearly sobbed in relief as his erection was set free and he pulled the tattered piece of fabric back to climb in. He stood under the water, not moving. He knew the water was precious and limited but he couldn't bring himself to move. His dick throbbed insistently, prodding his stomach and he cast an irritated glare downward.
"You're going to get me into so much trouble," he growled.
Great. He was now talking to his dick. It had been way too long since he'd had any kind of attention from a female and clearly, his dick agreed. His hand that rested on his flat stomach started to make its way down until his fingers wrapped around his length. He released a low grunt as he tugged upwards, stroking from base to tip. He tilted his head back against the wall and his teeth dug into his lip.
"Katniss," he gasped, picturing her silver eyes and the way she licked her chapped lips. The nightshirt she wore left little to the imagination and this morning, he could see her creamy thighs and just a peek of her plain cotton underwear. He should feel guilty for seeing her like this but at the moment, he could care less. His strokes grew more insistent and his fingers scrabbled against the wall behind him.
"Oh…shit!" His seed washed down the drain and he noticed the water starting to get cold. His chest heaving, he hastily washed his hair and soaped up his body before climbing out.
"Damn it," he muttered when he realized he hadn't brought in clothes with him. He'd been too busy trying to get away from her. He wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the door a crack. She was nowhere in sight so he slipped inside and rushed to his closet. He dressed as quickly as he could, toweling off his hair. He went to the living room and still didn't see her, and started to worry when she wasn't in the kitchen. Had she left for her mother's already? He was about to head over to the Seam when the front door opened and he whirled around.
"Where were you?"
"I was looking for your wash tub. I'd really like a bath soon."
"Wait. Cray didn't show you how to use the shower?"
"The what?" He tugged her hand, leading her to the bathroom. She was astonished to see the knobs turn and water come out of the spout. She didn't even mind how tattered the cloth was nor the lack of space in the stall. Peeta watched her, bemused.
"Didn't he let you bathe…at all?"
"Once. In the bucket behind his house," she said with a shrug. His face hardened and he shook his head. That selfish bastard.
"Use the shower whenever you want to. Just give it a few minutes until you get in because I just got out. The water will be warmer if you wait."
"Warm water?" She looked stunned.
Peeta frowned; he hadn't had many luxuries growing up in the bakery but he had always bathed with warm water, heated from the stove. Had Katniss never had a warm bath before?
He suddenly wished for a large tub, the way they had in District 2. It was a luxurious feeling, being able to stretch out and soak. He swore he would request one with his next pay. He wanted her to feel like the queen that he thought her to be. He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead.
"Your life will be different here. I'll see to that." She blinked up at him and he took a step back.
"I'm going to the bakery and run a few errands. How long do you think you'll be at your mother's?"
"I'm not sure but I want to visit with Prim if she's feeling better."
"Why don't you meet me at the bakery by 4? Dad said dinner will be around 4:30." She nodded and he smiled as he slipped out of the bathroom. Katniss brushed her teeth and worked at the tangles in her hair. She shot the shower curious looks, wondering if there would be a sign as to when it was ready. She brought in the small bag of things she had brought from home, tapping her foot impatiently. Finally she shrugged and dropped her nightshirt. Warm water was rare, a Reaping day treat. Who cares if the water from the spout was cold? When she stood under the spout, she gasped and relaxed immediately.
The water wasn't just warm; it was hot and it soothed her all over. She wanted to lean against the wall and let the water beat her aching muscles. She raised her arms and allowed the warmth to wash away the grime and the filth she still felt from Cray. She wished the bruises would wash away just as easily. She saw how Peeta's eyes lingered on the bruises on her face and she scrubbed at her cheeks. She reached for the little tool her mother had given her; a razor, she called it. She'd never used one in the past but her mother explained that married women kept groomed for their husbands. Did it really matter? Peeta had already made it clear he wouldn't do anything with her. What was the point in being groomed? Nevertheless, she brought the blade to her pit and scraped down. She effectively removed the hair from both pits before she moved down to her legs. The first scrape below her knee, she felt a sting and saw red. She gasped and dropped the razor, clutching her bleeding leg.
"Oww," she hissed, wiping up the blood. Disgusted, she threw the razor aside and shook her head. No point, she told herself. One leg half shaved, the other not at all, she turned the water off and reached for the towel Peeta had left for her. After drying off, she slipped back into the bedroom and pulled out a clean pair of pants and a shirt. She studied her reflection and cocked her head. She was meeting his parents tonight. Her in-laws. Not that she'd never met them before, but she was being introduced as their new daughter-in-law. Perhaps she should actually dress like a girl.
Sighing, she tossed the pants aside and pulled on the red dress he had bought her. She struggled to zip it up and huffed, shaking her head. Why do girls wear dresses? They weren't practical! She quickly braided her hair and gave her reflection one last glance. Shrugging, she pulled on her hunting boots and made her way to the Seam. More than a few boys whistled and catcalled as she neared her mother's house, which she determinedly ignored. When she opened the door, she let out a little cry of relief. Prim was sitting up on the couch, surrounded by blankets and holding a cup of soup.
"Katniss!"
"Prim!" She ran to the couch and threw her arms around her sister. The familiar warmth that surrounded her comforted her and reminded her of why the Seam wasn't home anymore.
"I'm so glad you're ok, Prim."
"Katniss, Mom told me what you did for me! You shouldn't have done that!"
"What choice did I have? I couldn't let you die, Prim! And I'm fine. I promise."
"So are you really married to Peeta Mellark?" Her blue eyes sparkled and she wore a teasing smile. Katniss couldn't help but smile back.
"Is that what Mom told you?"
"Yes. She also said he loves you. You know you're going to have give me the whole story soon."
"Maybe later. Where's Mom?"
"Mrs. Henderson is having her baby so she's already left."
"You mean she left you alone," Katniss replied sharply.
"I'm not a baby, Katniss," Prim said, rolling her eyes.
"But you've been sick."
"She said you would be by this morning. I'm fine, Katniss, really."
"Alright fine. Can I make us some tea?" Prim smiled and nodded.
"Look at you! In a dress and it's not even Reaping Day."
Katniss kissed her head as she hurried over to the stove. The two sisters chatted quietly until Prim fell asleep and Katniss cuddled close to her, keeping a close eye on her.
Their mother returned around 1, clutching a bag of food.
"I stopped by the bakery to speak to Bran," she quietly explained. "And Peeta was there. He sent sandwiches for the three of us. You really lucked out, Katniss." Katniss nodded, her mouth full of roast beef. It was delicious and Prim closed her eyes, licking her lips.
"This is so good. Will he feed you like this all the time?"
"Primrose," her mother said sharply.
"What? It's a valid question. Is he just trying to impress the family or is he going to take care of us like this from now on?"
"He doesn't need to impress us, Prim. The medicine he ordered saved your life. And he's Katniss's husband now. He's also a Peacekeeper Lieutenant. You need to show him the respect he deserves."
It bothered Katniss how nonchalant her sister was being.
"Peeta has always helped us, Prim. I thought you knew that."
"How? How has he helped us in the past?" The story tumbled out before she could stop it. Her mother grew paler as she listened to her daughter's tale. Prim was in tears by the time Katniss got to the part about trying to sell their clothes for food, and had collapsed by the tree behind the bakery. She told them how Peeta had purposely burned bread for her and how his mother had beaten him for it. She reminded them it had been the first time they had eaten in days and they found a way to survive after that. She told them about the countless treats and pastries he'd left in her locker and on their porch. How he had decided, in his training as a peacekeeper, that he wanted to ask her to be his wife, so he could take care of her. How he'd promised to take care of her whole family and he wanted nothing in return.
When she finished, she didn't even realize she was crying until Prim's small thumb raked across her cheek.
"I'm so happy for you, Katty!"
Her sister's affectionate nickname for her made her sob and they landed in each other's arms.
"He'll be so good to you."
"He already is. I can never repay him."
"But he's not asking you to!"
"I know but…I need to find away. You know we don't take charity lightly in the Seam."
"Love isn't charity, Katniss," her mother said firmly.
"Mom," she cleared her throat. "Do you think you could braid my hair for me? I want to look my best when I see Mr. and Mrs. Mellark tonight."
"Of course. I even have a little bit of make up I can put on you. I'll be right back." Prim and her mother crooned over her for the next hour and Katniss practically squirmed away.
"I'd better get going. Told Peeta I would meet him at the bakery soon."
"Katniss can I come visit you sometime?" She bent down to hug her sister.
"You're welcome anytime."
"Take care of yourself, Katniss." Her mother kissed her cheek and she nodded.
She was halfway down the road toward Merchant Circle when someone shouted her name. She turned and her eyes widened. Gale ran toward her, his game bag slapping against his side.
"I thought that was you but I wasn't sure. You're so gussied up."
"Yeah, I, uh…" Her left leg rose to scratch the back of her right leg and she bit her lip.
"So the rumors are true?" She stared at the ground. "You married a Peacekeeper." It wasn't a question but she winced at his cold tone.
"Gale, I-"
"I could have taken care of you, Katniss."
"No you couldn't have. Prim was dying and we needed medicine. Expensive medicine. Entering that contract was the only way to save her. And it did. She's better today."
"And that was worth throwing away your freedom?" Anger flashed in her eyes.
"Of course it was worth it! She's my sister, Gale!"
"I know, I'm…I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. I know how much Prim means to you. But Katniss…I wanted to marry you. We'd be good together. I'll still wait for you, if-"
"My contract is five years," she said flatly. "You won't wait for me."
"But if you-"
"Gale, we're done talking about this. I'm married. And he's…he's a good man." Gale's nostrils flared but he nodded.
"Where are you off to now?"
"The bakery." He snorted.
"Why? Need a toasting cake?"
"I'm meeting my mother and father-in-law." Gale's eyes widened and he took a step back.
"Mellark? You mean you're married to Mellark?"
"His name is Peeta."
"Peeta's been dead for three years! His mother killed him!"
"That was just a rumor. He was taken to 2, to be trained as a Peacekeeper. He returned and asked for my hand."
"You mean he bought you," he snarled.
"Gale-"
"You honestly think I'd be ok with this? Married to a…a…Merchant Peacekeeper?"
"It really doesn't matter how you feel about it," she said coolly. "Peeta and I are married. We're having a toasting tomorrow. I would like it if you attend. And I'll ask you to keep your opinions about Merchants to yourself. Have a good evening, Gale." And with that, she slipped by him and continued on her way.
"You're a Merchant already. Sticking up her nose and walking by the hungry." She whirled around to glare at him but he was already walking away from her. Sighing heavily, she continued until she saw the bakery come into view.
