"Katniss!" He burst into the house and called her name frantically as he moved down the hall.
"Katniss? Are you here?" Please, he prayed in his head. Please, please, please…
"Katniss!" He pushed the bedroom door open so hard, the bang echoed off the walls. Katniss sat straight up in bed, her eyes wide.
"Peeta, what's wrong?"
"Thank god." He pushed his helmet off and crossed over to the bed, roughly pulling her into his arms.
"Ow, Peeta, that hurts!"
"I'm sorry," he released her and she gingerly rubbed at her chest where she had been pressed into the hard uniform. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
"Why wouldn't I be," she yawned and rubbed at her face.
"Cray is dead." Her hand froze on her cheek and she gaped at him. They didn't waste any emotions over the man, but it was still shocking to hear.
"What?"
"I think Thread had him killed." He quietly told her what the young soldier had told him, and her eyes widened.
"Why would he do that?"
"It's possible someone in the Capitol ordered it to be done."
"Someone...like Snow?" Peeta bit his lip.
"I've heard rumors that President Snow is displeased with Cray's way of running things. The Minister of Security has been looking to replace Cray for awhile now, and that's why he sent Thread. He thinks 12 is...going to be trouble."
"What kind of trouble?"
"Duartyr told me there is rebellious activity around this region."
"So Snow thinks District 12 is in on it?"
"Possibly. Thread will enforce the laws we have long since forgotten, or let slide. It's why we have to be careful. In the meantime, I need you to visit Gale and make sure he and his family understand what is at stake here. They won't listen to me, but I know they will listen to you."
"But-"
"Listen to me," he took her hands. "Things could get very bad for us. Or, as Duartyr said, things could turn out well and I'll be promoted. I honestly don't know."
"Promoted? He thinks you'll be promoted?"
"He hinted at it. I don't know. There's something else."
"I'm not sure I can handle any more news," she said grumpily.
"I promised I wouldn't lie to you, Katniss. So I'm going to tell you the truth, against Duartyr's wishes. We are going to visit the Capitol next week."
"Who's we?"
"My wife is expected to accompany me." She jerked backwards and shook her head.
"Why," she asked suspiciously.
"I'm supposed to tell you it's for the President's granddaughter's sixteenth birthday party and all of the higher rank Peacekeepers are invited."
"But that's not the real reason?" He looked uneasy.
"The President wishes to meet you."
"Wait, what? Why?"
"I wish I knew."
"Peeta, I'm just a Seam girl from District 12. Why in the world would the President of Panem want to meet me?" Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth.
"Do you think he knows? About...going into the woods?"
"I don't know how he could," he said softly. "I honestly think it's because General Duartyr has talked about you."
"Why would he talk about me...or even know about me?"
"You were a...a hot topic, when I lived in 2. Ryen was the only one who knew why I really wanted to be stationed in 12 but Duartyr was fond of me and took an interest in my personal life. I wasn't like the other soldiers. I mean, I didn't bring girls back to my barracks and I didn't show any interest in any women when we visited the Capitol or 1. He found this odd, so I told him I was in love with a girl back home... but didn't tell him anything else," he took a deep breath and shook his head. "Well one night, Duartyr insisted we all go to this...they call it a nightclub but it was really a high-end brothel. And everyone got piss drunk and Ryen started blabbing. I caught him telling our commander about the girl I had fallen in love when we were kids, and how I'd sworn to marry her one day. He talked about...separation of class in 12, and how Merchants and Seam rarely married and how I mooned over you… I just, I had to punch his lights out to get him to stop talking. Of course when he woke up, he remembered nothing. But Duartyr announced the new stations later that week and I have a feeling he knew I just wanted to get back here to you. He asked me on the phone if I had gotten married."
"So why would Snow have any interest in me?"
"He seemed to like me when we met. It might just be that he has heard about you from Duartyr, and just wants to meet you. I honestly don't know. But I won't leave your side. I promise."
"And what is it that we haven't discussed," she asked, remembering his phone conversation and how he had blushed bright red.
"Oh...um, children. That is, he asked if I had gotten you pregnant. I told him...we haven't... discussed it."
"What, because everyone assumes I'll just jump into bed with you," she bristled. Peeta inhaled sharply.
"No, because most married people do have children. And no one except for Ryen knows about the contract I signed. So we will probably get that question quite a bit. Just be prepared." She nodded and he leaned back, running his hand through his hair.
"I wish you would stop picking fights, Katniss." Her head jerked up and she frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around you. You told me to stop looking so wounded when you said something I disagree with, but here you are, doing the same thing. You say you understand my job and then you get angry with me for doing it. You ask me to take a beating for another man and when I say yes, you turn around and yell at me. You ask me to let you into my heart but then you close yours off. It's like you want me to turn out to be a complete ass, so you'll have a reason to hate me."
"That's not-"
"Please respect me enough not to lie to me." She flinched, despite his gentle tone. "I'm tired of defending myself to you, Katniss. Defending my job, defending my decisions, defending my love for you. I'm just tired. If you continue to fight me on every little thing, it's going to be a long and painful 5 years for the both of us." She sucked in a breath and he looked pained.
"I came running home to check on you because the peacekeeper who killed Cray asked where I live. I was terrified that…" he trailed off and Katniss didn't need him to finish his sentence.
"Are you leaving again?"
"I was going to go around and inform the other soldiers of what has happened. Unless you want me to stay." She shivered and imagined a faceless peacekeeper lurking outside with a rifle. And then she imagined Peeta's strong arms around her. How safe he made her feel, how he swore to protect her. How she knew that he would do anything for her. He was right; she was picking fights and she didn't even understand why she was doing it.
She moved forward and wrapped her arms around his waist. The plastic was cold on her skin but she rested her cheek against his shoulder and his arms automatically wrapped around her.
"I don't know what I would do if...you mean everything to me," he whispered against her hair.
"I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you," she echoed his thoughts. And she meant it. It wasn't just for protection or survival. She knew her feelings for Peeta ran deeper than anything she had ever experienced. He sighed heavily and his arms tightened around her. Never mind that she was confusing the hell out of him; he just wanted to hold her and forget the world.
"Stay with me," she said, moving into his lap.
"Always Katniss," he breathed as he moved into a more comfortable position so that he could hold her properly. He kissed her temple and she closed her eyes.
"Don't leave me again tonight." He nodded and leaned back a little. It was getting late and the day had completely drained him.
"Then let me change and we can go to bed." She nodded and he extracted himself from her arms so he could climb off the bed and strip off the uniform.
She watched in fascination as he peeled the layers off. When he had removed the plastic guard pieces from his legs, shoulders, and chest, Katniss moved off of the bed and over to stand in front of him. He watched her curiously, his hands frozen at his sides. Her hands slid under his shirt and he shivered as her fingers briefly traveled up his chest, before she pushed the plain shirt over his head. She knelt down to unlace his white boots and he stumbled a little, trying to kick them off. Her eyes locked on his, she worked at the white belt and pants. Everything about the uniform screamed Capitol, too much white in her opinion. It didn't suit him and she happily stripped him of everything that, in her mind, represented oppression and devastation and power. He gasped as she yanked the pants down his legs and his hands flew to her shoulders to keep from falling over. He swallowed heavily as her eyes gleamed up at him, reaching down to rake his thumb across her bottom lip. He stood before her in nothing but green shorts, his chest almost gleaming in the moonlight. He felt freer, like she had just released him from some sort of prison.
"That's better," she breathed as she stood, his eyes following her every move. "Now the Peacekeeper is gone. It's just my boy with the bread here with me." His heart hammered at the mention of him being her anything.
"Your...what?" She leaned in and kissed his jaw, her palm flat over his heart, as if she was trying to keep it from flying out of his chest.
"My boy with the bread. It's what I have always called you in my mind. Ever since that day that you saved me. It's why it's so hard to see you in that uniform, because to me you'll always just be the sweet baker's son who saved my life." He tilted her chin and nuzzled her cheek. He tried to be wary...he tried to listen to her words closely and not focus on how warm her skin felt. But his heart had always lead his actions, and she was his heart. So he closed his eyes and rested his other hand on her back.
"When you put that uniform on, it's like...like you become someone else...someone who is cold and calculated and works for the man I despise. I have to find a way to separate the two, to remember that it's really you in there and not a cold-hearted monster. I told you that you're good and just, and I still mean that but it's strange to see that side of you. I will try, though," she added hastily, placing both of her hands on his chest. "I know that this is who you are too, or at least, who you have to be now. I know you sometimes struggle between your duties and your gentle disposition. I know I don't make it too easy for you either." He chuckled lightly at that; she didn't make anything easy.
"I don't mean to make you feel like you have to defend everything," she continued hesitantly. "I don't want to change you or make you feel like I'm disappointed in you...you got that enough with your mother. You don't need it from me too." He squeezed back tears, and her hand rested on his cheek.
"I'm proud of you for what you have become, Peeta," she said softly and his eyes flew open. "I know it doesn't seem like it...and I won't tell you it's easy to see you as a Peacekeeper...but I also know that it wasn't really your choice. You took what someone did to you, and you made the best of it, and you haven't lost yourself in the process. I'm sorry that I thought you did. Life has always been a constant struggle but you're right, we just have to make the best of it if we can." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him hard on the lips. He started to speak but her tongue on his lips made all his thoughts disappear and his arms slid around her waist, lifting her up so he could deepen the kiss. But she leaned her head back sooner than he would have liked, a serious look on her face.
"I would never ask you to take Gale's punishment as your own," she said firmly. "Especially since it was his brother who did it. I appreciate you saying you would but I wouldn't ask that from you. But I hope we can find some way to save him."
"Oh, I forgot to tell you," he said softly, setting her back down and going over to his discarded uniform.
"Tell me what?" He pulled the pockets out and withdrew a folded paper, holding it out for her to take. Her brow furrowed curiously as she took it and read aloud.
"Official Pardon for convicted vandal, Gale Hawthorne of District 12. Clemency granted by Commander Alistair Cray, Head Peacekeeper of District 12 and
Commander of Panem. Fine collected from convicted, debt paid, case closed." She looked up at him with wide eyes.
"Cray didn't write this."
"I found it on his desk. Must have had a change of heart before he died." She shook her head and moved closer to him.
"You could get into trouble."
"I won't. Cray said he would have let Gale go if he wasn't so worried that the Capitol peacekeepers would think he was being too lenient. I don't altogether believe that but now he doesn't have to worry anymore."
"What about the others? That man, Jacobson?"
"Don't worry about him, Katniss. This is an official pardon with Cray's seal. He can't do anything about it now." She dropped the paper and flung her arms around his neck, her lips crashing down onto his. He released a small groan as he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. He lowered her onto her back but she pulled him down on top of her, their lips melded together. It was then that he noticed the short satin gown she was sleeping in and he leaned back to survey her with wide eyes.
"I like this," he fingered the edge of the silky material.
"Madge gave it to me," she breathed.
"Remind me to thank her." He bent to kiss her again, his lips dipping low to trace along her neck and throat. She threw her head back onto the pillow and moaned his name, his hips jerking against hers. His hand moved up from her stomach to palm her breast, and she whined when he tweaked her nipple through the gown.
"Peeta," she panted and with a growl, he pulled the gown down so he could lavish her breasts with his tongue. She gripped his hair as he took her mound in his mouth, his hand closing around the other. Her panties were uncomfortably wet and she squirmed underneath him. He quickly flipped them over, so that she was straddling his lap, and he wrapped her legs around his waist. She was uncertain for only a moment until he pulled her for another kiss. She leaned forward and they both gasped as their centers aligned.
"Oh shit, Katniss, do that again," he groaned against her lips. She wasn't sure what she had done, only that she wanted it to happen again. She rotated her hips and felt his erection hit her in just the right place.
"Fuck," he said through gritted teeth, his hands moving to her back and impatiently pushing the gown over her head. His palms sprawled across her shoulders, they moved to caress every inch of her back until they moved lower to cup her ass. She jumped and moved so quickly that she felt a jolt and a high-pitched whine escaped from the back of her throat. His hand slid into her panties and gripped her cheek so tightly, she knew there would be a mark. The thought secretly thrilled her. She leaned forward and sucked at his throat, relishing the feel of his adam's apple bobbing up and down beneath her tongue. One hand still gripping her ass, while the fingers of his other hand moved to clench her thigh, he gently pulled her forward to grind against him while he thrust up into her. The sensations made both of them moan and he repeated the motions, pulling and pushing, bucking his hips, increasing the pace, as their pleasure heightened. He pulled her in for a rough kiss and she was shocked at how much she enjoyed his assault on her mouth. His hand fisted in her hair as she clutched his shoulders, feeling herself chasing that wonderful feeling she had come to associate with Peeta.
"Oh my...shit! Katniss! Shit!" He stilled underneath her and she tossed her head back as the waves crashed. She fell forward, resting her forehead on his shoulder as she panted and struggled to find her breath. His arms wrapped around her, while his hand slowly trailed up and down her back. When she was able to move again, he cleared his throat.
"I should, um...I should probably clean up."
"'Kay," she said tiredly, moving to the side. She felt sticky and sweaty but she didn't want to get out of bed. When he moved to the edge, she saw a large wet spot on his shorts. His eyes followed hers and his cheeks reddened.
"Sorry about that."
"Why are you sorry? That was supposed to happen, wasn't it?"
"I just mean, I didn't mean to lose control like that. I wanted to get you off and I wasn't thinking… it just felt good and I couldn't stop. I didn't mean to be rough with you."
"If it felt as good for you as it did for me, Peeta...we will have to do it again sometime." His ears turned red as well but he gave her a grin that was both sweet and incredibly sexy.
"I'd really love that, Katniss." He leaned forward to kiss her forehead before he hurried into the bathroom. Sighing, she collapsed against the pillows and stared at the ceiling. Would they become more intimate as time went on? Sex lead to babies, she knew that. And he had constantly told her he didn't expect anything like that, yet he was obviously fully agreeable to everything they had done thus far. Would he expect to go further? She wanted to. She wondered if he had access to Capitol birth control, like condoms. They were discouraged in the districts but she knew where to find some in the black market, if she was careful. Of course it probably wasn't a good idea, now that Cray had been killed and the new Head Peacekeeper was said to be worse than Cray.
Did she want that with Peeta? She had never thought of doing this with Gale, or anyone else for that matter. So yes, obviously she wanted to explore that with him. And he had confessed that he was fairly inexperienced himself. They could learn together, she supposed.
"I can hear your thoughts racing from here," he said teasingly from the doorway. She jumped at being called out and watched him remove the towel from his waist to slide on some clean underwear. He dug around in his drawer for some pajamas and gasped when he turned to find her right behind him. He sucked in a breath and shook his head.
"The Huntress approaches," he chuckled nervously. But her eyes were lowered, focused on his underwear. She reached out and dragged a finger down his stomach; his muscles clenched and contracted and he bit his lip to stay in control.
"I've never seen you wear these before."
"Oh...yeah, um, they gave us some in training. It's supposed to be...easier to wear under our uniforms. Keeps…" he cleared his throat loudly. "Keeps things in place."
"I like it," she said softly and his hands clenched by his side. He silently decided tomorrow, he would order twenty more. She stood in front of him, her hands splayed over his thighs and slowly moving up, admiring his strong legs. The waistband rested low on his hips and her fingers drifted along the band, her eyes resting on the V shape of his abs. He steadied his breathing but shook his head and reached down to grasp her wrists.
"Katniss," he said through gritted teeth. "Since I seem to lose all control around you, you might not want to touch me like that right now." Her hands froze and she tucked them under her arms, her face burning. He moved forward to cup her chin.
"Do not mistake that for me not wanting you to touch me. I just figured... we should probably get some sleep tonight."
"Yeah. Yeah, you're right," she mumbled, moving past him. He gripped her arm and pulled her in for a kiss before she could protest.
"Tomorrow night," he whispered against her lips, making her shiver, "I'll welcome your explorations and wandering hands. But tomorrow, I'll need to leave at sunrise to welcome the Capitol men." She nodded and silently continued on her way to the bathroom. Peeta bent to pick up her gown and softly knocked on the bathroom door.
"Thought you might want to put this back on," he passed it through the small crack and with a smile, he returned to the bed. By the time she was finished, he had pulled the covers back and had pushed the window open to allow the cool night breeze to enter the room. She settled on her side and he reached over her to turn out the light.
"Sleep well," he said in her ear, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. He settled behind her and she allowed him to slide his arm underneath her so she could rest against his chest. She backed her head up so that she was sharing his pillow and closed her eyes at the feel of his warm breath on the back of her neck. She determinedly chased all of her unpleasant thoughts out of her head and out the window; she knew tomorrow might bring trouble and she tried not to think about what the Hawthorne family would say when she told them that Gale must stop hunting. She knew Gale was planning to teach his brothers how to hunt and trap as well. But she had to do what she could to keep them all safe.
The thoughts would not leave, she huffed as she moved her head. Peeta unconsciously pulled her in closer, burying his nose into her hair. She relaxed at the feel of his arms tightening around her, his bare chest pressed against her back, and the steady flow of his breathing. Soon enough, his soft snores became her lullaby and her brain finally allowed her to close her eyes and join him in sleep.
Peeta was gone by the time she woke up. There was a brief note on the pillow that told her he had made breakfast, to stay inside until he returned home, which would be soon, and not to open the door to anyone.
We will take some bread to the Hawthornes together when I return.
Katniss doubted very much that the Hawthornes would accept anything from Peeta. Hazelle might be reasonable but if one of the boys was painting crude words about her, she didn't think they would be very hospitable towards her. Still, they needed to know what Peeta had done for them. And he could reinforce the importance of her warning: Stay out of the woods.
Would Gale listen? Probably not. They had both been defying the Capitol since they were young. It was that or watch their families starve to death. Katniss still felt bitter toward the Capitol for making life difficult, almost impossible, but she realized that even if Peeta worked for them, he did feel differently about the regime than other peacekeepers might. And why shouldn't he? He had grown up in 12, where they had nothing. Even life as a Merchant was difficult and uncertain. Katniss knew that but she knew Gale, as well as many others from the Seam, saw things differently. Still, she had to try. She couldn't just sit by and watch her friends be whipped, or worse.
She trudged to the kitchen and her spirits lifted when she saw cheesebuns on the counter. Her husband certainly knew how much she loved these. Feeling slightly restless, she walked around the living room with a cheesebun in hand, until she grabbed a book from his shelf and plopped down on the couch to read. She'd never had a lot of free time so she wasn't sure how to handle it or what to do with herself. But she did her best to relax, as she read and munched on the rest of her breakfast. Peeta would be back soon, she told herself. Stop worrying so much.
Peeta rose before the sun did and quickly dressed in his uniform. He spent longer in the bathroom than he usually did, tending to his appearance. He knew several of the Peacekeepers had complained about being in 12, saying how filthy everything was and how disgusting everyone smelled. He wanted to make a good impression with the new men and he styled his hair as he had done on important days back in 2. Glancing in the mirror, he remembered Katniss's words about how he became a different person when he put on this uniform. He didn't want to believe it but he knew she was right. His eyes locked on his reflection as he tried to hold onto the baker's son that she had said she waited for. Her boy with the bread, she had called him. That was it. That was the part he would hold onto, no matter what happened. If Katniss could love him for the monster he had become, he must not be all bad, right? No. She said she still saw goodness in him, that she knew her boy with the bread was still inside the peacekeeper. She said she was proud of the man he had become.
It was the first time he had heard those words since he had returned home. He didn't expect any kind words from his mother, of course, but his father had barely mentioned Peeta's new position. At first Peeta thought it might just be too painful… he had essentially lost two sons and didn't know if he would see them again. But now Peeta wondered if his father was ashamed of what he had been trained to do. He knew things needed to change; he acknowledged the pain and suffering all over the country, how the Capitol used citizens of Panem to satisfy the sickening bloodlust that had emerged within the Capitolites. He hoped one day things would improve, and that their next president would help the people, rather than hurt.
But Peeta prided himself on loyalty and he learned at an early age that duty was everything. It's what his mother taught him when she started dragging him from his bed at the crack of dawn when he was only 4. When he was put to work in the bakery and learned that life was about hard work. He didn't often get to play with his friends after school, because he had to rush home to help his family with the bakery crowds. Only after she discovered that he might earn a scholarship for wrestling did his mother allow him to attend wrestling practices in the afternoon. Ryen and Peeta were the best but if it came down to it, Mrs. Mellark would allow Ryen to stay for practice and insist that "someone" had to help at the bakery. That someone was always him.
It was the same lesson in District 2. Their commanders had hammered into their heads that the Capitol cared for them and each district supplied the Capitol, like blood to a heart. In return, the Capitol provided order and security. To refuse work was to put the entire system in danger. The Capitol was the beating heart of Panem and nothing can survive without a heart. Which is why Peacekeepers were needed, to protect the order and to regulate the system. It was the speech Peeta heard every day at training, before the Commanders and Captains sent them to break up any rebellious activity, or punish wrongdoers who were traitors in the Capitol's eyes. For nearly four years, Peeta considered himself a Loyalist.
But if he was being honest with himself, he would always have district blood in him. He would always remember how his own district struggled, how his friends and his family worked themselves to death, and how the love of his life had to resort to illegal activity just to keep herself and her family fed. And it was all "for the good of Panem", they had told him repeatedly. His commander had liked to pretend that Peeta and Ryen were from District 2. There was one other young man from the districts, taken from his family the same night Peeta and Ryen were. Shuck had been the strong-silent type, according to their superior. He had dark skin and hard eyes and never spoke more than two words. But his strength had impressed even the Capitol Peacekeepers. Peeta well remembered a day when Commander Duartyr had ordered Ryen and Shuck to face off against one another. Peeta had to carry his nearly-unconscious brother back to the barracks that afternoon. But Shuck had disappeared not long after he had arrived. Duartyr never told them what had become of the man from District 11, and no one ever asked. Peeta had put him out of his head so he could concentrate on becoming an excellent Peacekeeper. After Shuck vanished, Duaryr started telling other soldiers that Ryen and Peeta were born in 2. They never corrected him.
To question how things were was treason, so Peeta never mentioned it. He'd wanted to know Duartyr's real feelings on things. Was all of 2 like the Capitol and truly believed 23 children deserved to be slaughtered each year? Or were the people of 2 like everyone else in the districts; waiting for better days?
Peeta was lost in his thoughts as he approached the Justice Building. Two of his men immediately saluted him and he nodded to them as he passed. Inside he
found several men he did not recognize, though only one was taller than he was.
"Good morning. I'm First Lieutenant Mellark. Welcome to District 12."
"Our Commander would like to speak with you, Lieutenant," one of them gestured to the room behind him. With a tight grip on his helmet, Peeta nodded and knocked on the door. He heard a soft 'enter' and pushed the door open.
He had only met Romulus Thread once and luckily, it was very brief. A few days after his 17th birthday, he had been pulled out of training for a meeting with Commander Duartyr. Ryen was there, as well as several of his bunkmates that he got along well with. Another man stood in the corner, his hands folded in front of him and a large rifle strapped to his shoulders. He had cold blue eyes and thinning grey hair, with the build of a Career tribute. Peeta wondered if this was a Hunger Games Victor, come to meet the new peackeepers. Did Victors do that? He had no idea but the man's eyes had studied them intently while he'd remained silent.
"I'll be brief, soldiers. This is Commander Romulus Thread, of District 1. You might recognize him from several years ago, when his brother won the 72nd Hunger Games and the year after when his sister came in 2nd place in the 73rd Hunger Games. Commander Thread's family has brought pride to District 1 and to Panem, and now Commander Thread is Head Peacekeeper in District 1. He wishes to speak to you all now."
"Thank you, Commander Duartyr," the man said in a raspy voice. He stepped forward and his icy eyes swept the room. "President Snow himself appointed me and I maintain order by whatever means necessary. Now Commander Duartyr has recommended you five for a particular mission, so I expect to see the best from you. Debriefing will be at zero four hundred hours. We will leave soon after that. That is all." Without another word, Thread stalked out of the tent and Duartyr cleared his throat.
"Alright men, return to your training."
"Are we supposed to take all of our possessions with us, sir? He didn't even tell us where we are going," Carl said uncertainly. Peeta's eyes darted from Carl to his commander.
"It's not your job to ask questions, soldier, only to follow orders." Carl bowed his head, his jaw clenched.
"Dismissed." The men started to file out of the tent, when Duartyr cleared his throat.
"Soldiers Mellark. A word." Peeta and Ryen froze and Duartyr folded his hands behind his back.
"Commander Thread wishes to speak to you both." He disappeared from the tent and Peeta felt himself starting to shake.
"Breathe," Ryen muttered out of the corner of his mouth. Peeta took a deep breath and closed his eyes until he heard the tent flap opening.
"So these are our soldiers from District 12." Peeta opened his eyes and found Thread taking them in. "You're a subject of interest in the Capitol, you know."
"Why is that sir," Ryen asked and Peeta wanted to stamp on his foot. No questions. Duartyr was big on that rule and he imagined that Thread was even worse. Luckily, Thread made no comments about Ryen's impertinence.
"Surely you know that, boy," Peeta could tell that Ryen was holding back a retort; he hated to be called 'boy' by anyone, and everyone in 2 either called him 'Soldier' or 'Peacekeeper'.
"District 12 is notably one of the more unruly districts in Panem," the commander went on to say. "It was a controversy when you two were accepted into the peacekeeper ranks. President Snow is anxious to meet with you. He is curious what you two possess to make you worthy of being here in District 2, as am I. Your Commander Duartyr, however, speaks very highly of you. Which one of you is called Peeta?" Peeta swallowed and stepped forward.
"I am Peeta, sir."
"Your father is a baker?"
"That's correct, Commander." Thread sniffed.
"Perhaps I'll have you boys bake me some bread sometime, to see if you measure up to Capitol bakers." Peeta remained silent although he could tell Ryen was having trouble. Be quiet Rye, he tried to reach his brother telepathically.
"Well, PeetAH, Commander Duartyr has much to say about you especially. He says your strength is unmatched and your skill with a blade is impressive. I wonder why you haven't volunteered for the Hunger Games." When Peeta didn't answer, Thread sneered.
"Ah I forgot. District 12 has never had a volunteer before. You all cower before the power of the Capitol. Your escort, Effie Trinkett, has begged to be reassigned to another district. Reapings in 12 are a sight to see, from what I hear." Thread moved around the two brothers, sizing them up.
"You have decent builds. But I have seen much stronger. I hope I'm not making a mistake by choosing you for this mission."
"We will not let you down, Commander," Peeta said firmly. Thread nodded.
"Good. You're both dismissed." Peeta and Ryen moved stiffly and quickly and did not speak until they were back in their barracks.
"Where do you think he's sending us?"
"The Capitol," Carl whispered, glancing at the door.
"Why would there be a special mission the Capitol?" Ryen shook his head. "What do you think, Peet?"
"Probably somewhere East, like District 5. Or further than that."
"You don't think they'd send us...home, do you," Ryen mumbled. Peeta shrugged.
"It's not our job to ask questions."
"Just to follow orders. Ok Peeta, you're starting to sound just like them." Peeta didn't speak; instead he focused on cleaning his rifle and thinking about the upcoming mission.
They didn't see Thread again after that. Apparently, he had left right after the meeting and Duartyr said he was needed in the Capitol. Duartyr was the one who revealed the mission; a group of rebels hiding near District 11. Peeta felt his throat tighten; it was so close to home. Duartyr said that the 5 soldiers would join a top secret operative to execute the rebels and join the peacekeepers in District 11 to squash any rebellious activity.
The mission went off like clockwork. District 11 peacekeepers lead the soldiers to the rebels' supposed hideout and they attacked when the men were sleeping. Peeta was sickened to see that some of the rebels were younger than he was. The soldiers from 2 opened fire on the sleeping men and no one even had the chance to fight back. They spent several days in 11, listening to their Mayor talk about the dangers of rebellion and how the Capitol protected them. When they returned to 2, Duartyr awarded them Defense Medals and praised them for their timely actions. He also issued them invitations to the Capitol, from President Snow himself.
Peeta cried into his pillow the whole night.
Thread looked older, with the same intense cruelty in his eyes. He peered at Peeta over the paper he was reading.
"Ah, Soldier Mellark."
"Welcome to District 12, Commander Thread," Peeta stood straight-backed with his hands behind his back.
"I'll get right to it, Lieutenant. General Duartyr says you can be trusted and after your actions in Districts 6 and 11, I feel that you can too. I did have my doubts when I first met you, but you can't help where you come from. I have read reports of your leadership and you have received high praise from your superiors in 1, 2, and the Capitol. So well done."
"Thank you very much, Commander."
"You have undoubtedly heard about Commander Cray?"
"I have, sir. As I understand it, the Minister of Defense has not been pleased with him for some time." Thread looked a little surprised.
"You are correct. Minister Antonius instructed me to dispose of him and to reinstate certain laws that we have been neglecting to follow in certain districts. Have you heard of any kind of illegal activity occurring in your district, Lieutenant?"
"No Commander. Nothing that I am aware of."
"But you have just returned from 2 not long ago, isn't that right?"
"Yes sir, that's correct. I have not seen or heard anything since my return, though. Has there been a report?"
"Military operatives have picked up radio signals with rebellious content. It's just past the district line so it could be someone in 12, or someone in 11. We need to find them and dispose of them. I understand there is an electric fence on the border?"
"Yes sir, but to my knowledge, is has never worked."
"It does now," Thread said with an evil smile. "It was turned on shortly after my arrival."
"Good," Peeta nodded. "That will make the people feel safer for certain."
"Some of the soldiers have reported to me of several people who often go past the fence and hunt illegally. Do you have any knowledge of this?" Peeta felt his throat tighten.
"No sir. I have never seen anyone past the fence."
"One of them is a young woman. She is said to be quite stealthy. I want you to set a trap for her."
"Of- of course, sir. What kind of-"
"Be creative. I want these people caught and made examples of. I have added a new whipping post as well as a pillory. And a gallows is being erected in the center of town. I understand public execution is not common in 12?"
"No sir. Most of the executions are carried out in the jail." In fact, Peeta did not know of an actual execution in at least ten years. Whippings were rare and when Cray was sober enough to punish someone, he sent his peacekeepers to rough up the convicted a little bit. Despite the harsh conditions 12 lived under, they didn't have to fear a lot of retaliation as far as the military went. People primarily died from starvation or illness due to lack of proper diet.
It seemed that was about to change.
"Did you ever whip anyone in 2, Lieutenant?" Peeta felt it getting more and more difficult to breathe.
"Yes sir." Thread nodded in approval.
"Good. I feared no one in 12 would understand torture."
"General Duartyr taught me well," Peeta replied in a hollow tone.
"Glad to hear it. I have some files I need to review this morning and then I would like for you to show me around the district."
"It would be my honor sir. I have some paperwork I need to attend to as well. Would you like for me to escort you to your office, or would you prefer to take this one?"
"This one works just fine. Where is your office?"
"Right across the hall, sir. The Mayor is down that way to the right, if you need to speak to him at any given time." Thread nodded and picked up another file.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Mellark. I will let you know when I am finished." Peeta nodded and was almost out the door when he heard Thread clear his throat.
"Just a minute, Lieutenant." Peeta froze, his hand on the door knob.
"Sir?"
"I have a report here of vandalism of Capitol property. Gale Hawthorne, it says. Convicted and sentenced to being whipped in the square. Has this been carried out?"
"No sir," Peeta calmly walked back to the commander's desk and reached into his jacket. "Commander Cray gave this to me yesterday, to deliver to you. The convicted was fined but the sentence was revoked. We collected the debt yesterday and let him go." Thread took the paper with a frown.
"Why would Cray pardon him?"
"I don't know the details, Commander, I just follow orders." Thread's mouth was a thin line as he folded the pardons and slid it into a file.
"Very well. I presume the vandalism has been tended to?"
"Yes sir. Gone completely, from what I hear."
"Fine. We can't exactly ask Cray why he suddenly decided the guilty party doesn't deserve a lashing but you said you have already collected the debt?"
"And presented him with official pardons. I'm afraid there could be trouble if we decided to act differently at this point." Thread scowled.
"Very well. Keep an eye on him though. I'm sure he's trouble. You will have to fill me in on this...class divide in the district since I am sure you are more familiar with it than anyone." Peeta's fist clenched in his pocket.
"Of course, Commander." Thread nodded and went back to thumbing through the files so Peeta excused himself as quickly as he could.
"Morning Lieutenant," Ryen said hesitantly, peering into his brother's office.
"Come on in, Soldier Mellark." Ryen closed the door and bit his lip.
"Well you're still in one piece so I guess Katniss didn't rip you apart last night."
"We're ok, Rye. I may need your help on something though." He dropped his voice as he told Ryen about his conversation with Katniss, the forged pardons, and Cray's death. Ryen's jaw dropped.
"Cray is dead?"
"On Antonius's orders, it seems."
"Why would the Minister of Security be so concerned about District 12?"
"There is something happening in Panem, Rye. Something big. Duartyr being promoted to General, Thread coming here, rebellious radio activity nearby. Something's going on."
"You think...rebellion is starting up again?"
"Shut up," Peeta said hurriedly, his eyes darting to the door. Ryen clamped his mouth shut.
"You know better than to talk about that. I don't know what's happening, but these things can't be coincidences."
"So Thread accepted the pardon? Have you told Katniss?"
"Yes and we are going over to the Hawthornes to inform them. The little shit who committed the crime should understand that his brother very nearly escaped a beating far worse than any we have seen." Ryen winced and Peeta's face fell.
"I only meant-"
"So do you think Hawthorne will heed your warning," Ryen cut him off.
"Thread said the fence has been turned on. And I know he wouldn't hesitate to torture anyone he finds out of bounds. We just have to make sure everyone understands that."
"And you said he knows about her?"
"He knows what some of these scumbag soldiers have told him. That there have been reports of people crossing the fence to hunt. He doesn't know anything about them though. Names, appearances-"
"The fact that you married one of them," Ryen said with a grin. Peeta scowled in return.
"I made sure to stress this to Katniss, and I'll do the same with the Hawthornes. I don't know how long Thread will stay in 12 but they can't go near the woods while he's here."
"What about Jacobson? You said he knows that Katniss hunts. Think you have to worry about him?"
"Duarty'rs recommendation of me is my saving grace right now. Thread says he feels like he can trust me and you know that he likes people in power. He hasn't made any comments about my station but I feel like he will be more inclined to listen to me over Jacobson."
"Just be careful, Peet. I know you want to keep Katniss safe but you have to look after yourself too."
"Don't worry about me, Rye," he shook his head. "How's toasting plans coming along?"
"Oh man." Peeta smiled as his brother launched into the newest complications (courtesy of Madge's mother, again) and was grateful for the change in topic.
"So now she is saying we need two cakes...two! Peet, most people in 12 barely have one cake. Just some bread and maybe a danish or something."
"I'm sure the Mayor's family is used to things being fancy. A smaller cake for you won't be hard."
"It's not necessary either," he protested. "People are starving in 12. Why would I use more flour and sugar for something we don't even need?"
"What does Madge say about it?"
"She wants to appease her mother but she agrees one cake is enough. I might just say we forgot about it. We do have a lot to do before Friday." There was a knock at the door and Ryen froze. Peeta stood and gestured for him to stand against the wall.
"Commander Thread," he nodded respectively, opening the door wider.
"I've finished with those files, Lieutenant, and was hoping you could show me around? Peacekeeper Murphy said you were planning to leave early today."
"Oh...yes sir, my mother-in-law is feeling ill and we had planned to take her some soup."
"I didn't know you were married," he glanced around Peeta's office. "Do you have a picture of her?"
"We were wed just last week. Actually, Commander Cray granted me some personal time to stay at home with my new bride."
"I would like to meet her sometime."
"Of course, sir. You remember my brother, Commander?"
"Soldier Mellark," Thread nodded to Ryen. "General Duartyr said he was impressed with your high test scores and your skillset."
"Thank you, Commander," Ryen bowed his head. "I will see you later on, Lieutenant." Peeta nodded and Ryen saluted Thread before lowering his hand and exiting the office. Peeta cleared his throat and collected his helmet from his desk.
"After you, Commander."
Thread's nose remained wrinkled for the majority of their tour. As they approached the Seam, he actually held a handkerchief to his nose.
"How do you stand the smell, Mellark?"
"Oh you get used to it, sir," Peeta shrugged. "I grew up not far from here. In town."
"What is this area called?"
"This is the Seam, Commander."
"District 12 does not seem that big."
"I suppose not, compared to District 2 or the Capitol. But this is the border. The fence you spoke of is just up there."
"So whoever hunts illegally must come from the Seam. Are all of your troublemakers from this area?"
"Not necessarily, sir. In fact, most of the fights we have intercepted have been in town. People from the Seam are hard workers. You see there? Those are our coal mines. Most people around these parts are coal miners."
"So I suppose it's lucky that you became a peacekeeper?"
"Oh my family owns the bakery in town. On the other side of the district is where the Merchants live and work." Thread frowned and gestured to a row of houses.
"What are those?"
"Houses, Commander. People often sleep three or four to a bedroom," he remembered being inside Katniss's house for the first time, just days ago. He hadn't seen the whole thing but he could tell it was run down and tiny. Thread scowled and Peeta briefly wondered if the peacekeeper would say something about how he would speak to President Snow about these miserable living conditions.
But Thread just sniffed and held the handkerchief over his face.
"Disgusting. How people live this way is beyond me." Peeta clenched his fists behind his back. They don't choose this you son of a bitch, he cursed in his mind. But he tightened his jaw and his eyes sort of glazed over. He had perfected this in 2, when he quickly learned the difference between the people there and the people back home in 12.
"Let's continue. Have your living quarters been assigned, Commander?"
"The Minister of Security said I am free to move into Cray's house. Where is that?"
"It's actually quite close to my family's bakery. Would you like for me to take you there?"
"Actually, you can take me to your family's bakery next. I'm eager to try District 12 bread." Peeta's mother would probably throw a fit if he brought the Head Peacekeeper into their shop, but he didn't have much of a choice, so he nodded and changed direction.
"Our Peacekeeper quarters are right over that hill. My house is just there at the end of the path. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to knock."
"You are more hospitable than people in the Capitol, Lieutenant," Thread remarked, his brow raised. Peeta shrugged.
"It's the way I was raised, sir." Thread merely 'hmmed' and followed Peeta toward town.
"This is Merchant Circle, where most of the shops are. Merchants typically have a trade, like baking or making shoes."
"Where do people go to eat around here?"
"We only have one restaurant, Commander, and it just recently opened. Typically we eat our meals at home."
"Strange," the peacekeeper shook his head. Peeta knew Cray had frequented the Hob but he didn't want to mention the black market to Thread until he absolutely had to.
"Does your wife work in one of these shops, or does she just stay at home?"
"My wife helps my family in the bakery a lot," he lied quickly. "But lately she has been assisting the Mayor's daughter with her wedding plans."
"Madge Undersee is getting married?" Peeta didn't bother asking how Thread knew Madge's name. He assumed as the Mayor's daughter, most officials would know of her but it still surprised him. Sometimes their districts seemed worlds apart, and Peeta couldn't ever see himself as selfish and unfeeling as some of the people he had met.
"She is indeed, sir. To my brother, Ryen." Thread's brow quirked.
"Indeed? Well I will have to pass on my congratulations to him. When is the wedding?"
"Friday. Here is the Mellark Bakery, Commander." Peeta held the door open for Thread and stood aside.
His eyes widened when he saw not only his parents behind the counter, but also Madge, Katniss, and Prim inside. Katniss looked shocked and her eyes darted to the ground anxiously. Peeta inhaled sharply, trying to keep his temper in check but damn it, could she not follow a simple task?
"Peeta, what a surprise," his father called. His mother eyed Thread's uniform nervously.
"Good morning, everyone. This is Commander Romulus Thread, our new Head Peacekeeper."
"Welcome Commander," his mother said softly, her eyes darting from her son to the new Head.
"Lieutenant Mellark has been telling me about how delicious District 12 bread is," Thread said with a slight sneer, as if he didn't believe it could be appetizing. "I asked him to show me around the district and thought we would stop in for some."
"Of course, sir," the baker bowed his head. "Step over here and tell me what kind looks best to you." Katniss sucked in a breath as Peeta approached them.
"Peeta-"
"What part of stay inside until I return was unclear to you," he hissed, his lips barely moving.
"Hey, don't talk to her that way," Prim whispered angrily.
"I'm trying to keep you safe. All of you," Peeta said with a sharp glare.
"Peeta it was my fault," Madge said, glancing over at Thread, who was talking with Peeta's father. "I wanted to discuss cake options with your father and went to your house to ask Katniss to join me. Mrs. Everdeen had left Prim with her so I asked both girls to come with me. She said she'd better not but I wheedled. Don't be angry with her." Peeta glanced back at Thread and sighed.
"Fine. Katniss, Commander Thread wishes to meet you." Katniss looked terrified as Peeta's hand remained steady on her back. "Commander Thread, this is my wife Katniss, her sister, Primrose, and Mayor Undersee's daughter, Madge." Thread's eyes swept across the women and narrowed on Katniss.
"Your wife?"
"Pleased to meet you, Commander Thread," Katniss bowed her head in respect. Thread stared at her as if expecting her to curtsy or bow or kiss his hand. Peeta watched the two of them with baited breath.
"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Mellark."
"Here is your bread, Commander Thread," his mother said quickly, placing the wrapped loaf on the counter.
"Shall we continue our tour, Commander?"
"Yes. Thank you for the bread, Mr. and Mrs. Mellark. I shall see you soon, I expect, Miss Undersee. And you as well, Mrs. Mellark. And it was a pleasure, Miss…?" He looked at Prim expectantly.
"Everdeen, Commander," Prim bowed her head. Thread's eyes narrowed and he glanced at Katniss, then back at Prim. Peeta could see comprehension in Thread's eyes and he hastily pushed the door open.
"I will be home soon, sweetheart, and we can go check on your mother together." Katniss's brow furrowed in confusion as Peeta lead Thread from the bakery.
"Check on Mother," Prim asked Katniss in bemusement. "What is he talking about?"
"We should probably get home," Madge said softly. "Mr. and Mrs. Mellark, perhaps it would be better if we came back later. With Peeta and Ryen." Mr. Mellark's eyes went past them and out the window as he nodded.
"Yes, dear, I think that would be best." Madge grabbed Katniss's and Prim's hands and pulled them out of the bakery, not releasing them until they were locked back inside Peeta's house.
Ok, so some people are probably going to comment on how cordial Thread is being- since we only see Thread briefly, he is an interesting character to write. Hopefully I dropped enough hints though that this will not be a good thing for District 12- or for Peeta. Sorry about the long wait but I already have the next chapter partially finished so will def try to post again next week :)
have a great week everyone! XOXO
