Katniss couldn't just focus on one thing. People milled about, wearing the strangest clothes she had ever seen. Not even Effie Trinkett's Reaping outfits were this outrageous. She gaped as a woman walked by with a pink poodle on a leash. She jumped as she felt Peeta's hand slip into her own, squeezing comfortingly. She tried to smile but her attention was grabbed by something else and her head whipped around. The train station was noisy with multiple trains coming and going. People were calling to their loved ones and in the distance, she could see buildings rising high into the sky. She vaguely noticed Peeta speaking to the conductor but she didn't pay attention to what was being said.
They collected their bags from the back of the platform and Peeta wrapped his arm around her waist. Thread was up ahead, speaking to two Capitol peacekeepers.
"Lieutenant Mellark," he spotted Peeta and gestured toward the Capitol men. "This is the First Lieutenant of District 12."
"Sir," they both murmured simultaneously. Peeta nodded to them and gripped his and Katniss's bags.
"Could you gentlemen direct me to the Defense Building? I need to meet with the Minister of Defense."
"It's only fifteen minutes away by car, Lieutenant. We would be glad to escort you there."
"Thank you very much," he nodded. "Katniss, I will see you when I am finished with my meeting, yes?" She nodded nervously, glancing sideways at Thread. He wore a cold smile and Katniss wanted to ask Peeta how he was going to allow her to leave with him.
"Thank you for assisting my wife, Commander," Peeta bowed his head respectfully.
"Of course, Lieutenant. Your hotel address is on that paper I gave you." Peeta gripped the paper and tucked it into his shirt pocket.
"I'll see you soon," he kissed her forehead and handed her her suitcase. Her jaw dropped in confusion. He turned toward the Capitol peacekeepers and they asked him if they could help him with his bags. He didn't even glance back at her. She grew more and more panic-stricken as she watched him put his bags in the back of the car.
"Oh, Commander Thread! Lieutenant Mellark!" They all whirled around as Haymitch and Chaff strode toward them. Haymitch nodded to the peacekeepers and set his suitcase down.
"Did you have a pleasant trip, Victors Abernathy and Chaff," Thread asked in a low voice.
"President Snow's generous hospitality never ceases to amaze me," Haymitch said with a smile. "We are just on our way to our hotel. Are you staying near us, Commander?"
"I'm not," Thread said coldly, unable to hide his disgust. "The President always invites me to stay in his mansion."
"Oh I would hate to be such an imposition," Haymitch said, waving his hand. Thread looked confused, trying to figure out if Haymitch was taunting him or not. "Our assigned rooms are right next to the Mellarks. We would be happy to escort Mrs. Mellark so that you don't have to, Commander." Katniss's eyes widened and she turned back to Peeta. His expression hadn't changed but she could see the stiff way he held himself, his hands tight on the car door.
She exhaled and gripped her suitcase.
"That's kind of you, Mr. Abernathy, thank you. Commander, I would hate to be a bother so I'll just go with them."
"That's a wonderful idea," Peeta nodded. "Thank you for the offer, Haymitch. Commander, I will see you at the party then?"
"Yes," he said, looking displeased. "I expect I will see you all there."
"See you tonight, Katniss." Her eyes met his and he gave her a small smile. Her heart raced as she gave him a little nod and watched him climb into the car.
"This way, Mrs. Mellark," Haymitch gestured toward the next waiting car.
"Thank you for the offer, Commander Thread. Have a good day." Thread nodded stiffly as Chaff helped her load her bag into the car and she sat between the two Victors. She actually felt them deflate as the car pulled out of the station and drove away.
"Thank you," she muttered in a low voice. She didn't know if either of the men had heard her and she kept her eyes straight ahead.
Chaff's room was on a different floor but Haymitch's was in fact three doors down from Katniss's and Peeta's. The bellman unlocked the door and set her suitcase down in the entryway.
"Will you be requiring anything else, ma'am?"
"No, thank you." He bowed low and closed the door behind him. She opened it again and popped her head out. The bellman was helping Haymitch with his door key and Haymitch grumbled that he could do it himself. The bellman hurried off and Haymitch kicked the door open.
"Haymitch," she called. He paused, his brow raised.
"Thank you," she said again.
"Take care of yourself, Mrs. Mellark," he said with a solemn nod. She swallowed as she closed the door and locked both locks. She sighed as she picked up her bag and went to inspect their room.
It was more of a suite than anything else and Katniss was dumbfounded by the size. There was a kitchen, a bathroom, and a little dining area. There was also a little bench in the window big enough for her to sit on.
She loathed it. This hotel room was bigger than her house back in the Seam. She wished she had asked if Prim could come along. Then again, she would never want Prim to be so close to the monster who ruled over the country. She chewed her lip nervously, wondering when Peeta would return.
Deciding she needed to do something to keep from going insane, she wandered into the bathroom and her eyes widened. Peeta had told her about the luxurious tubs he had seen in 2 but she had never seen one before. This one took up nearly all of the space of the bathroom. The faucets were gold and the shelves were stocked with dozens of small bottles. She bent over to turn the faucet and watched the water pour into the tub. She frowned as the water disappeared down the drain and she searched for a way to keep the water in. She pushed and pulled until finally the water seemed to fill up the tub. She flicked the bottles open and sniffed gingerly, gagging at the strong scents.
"Oh god that's awful," she shook her head, putting the bottles back. Many had the strong scent of roses and other fragrant flowers. She liked the lavender scent and set it aside. She found a green one that smelled sort of like the herbs her mother used. She poured a tiny bit of the purple in and watched it swirl around the water. She quickly pushed her clothes off and stepped into the tub. Her eyes widened as she slid into the hot water and leaned against the wall.
"Peeta's right. We need this at home," she muttered to herself. But her head shot up and she scowled. Do not get used to this kind of luxury, she scolded. Not when your little sister is bathing in a bucket with cold water.
The warmth and the pleasant fragrances caused her irritation and her worries to melt away. She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, her legs stretched out in front of her. She shifted and slipped, grabbing onto the shelf for support. The bottles all tipped over and spilled into the water and she gasped.
"Damn it!" The heavy scent of roses lingered in the air and she wrinkled her nose.
"Ugh, whatever," she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the rest again, waving her hands through the water.
She had no idea how long she had stayed in the bath but she heard the door open and Peeta calling her name.
"In the bathroom," she called back, then she realized she had left the door standing wide open. Peeta appeared in the doorway and his eyes widened.
"H-hey." His eyes traveled over her body before flying back to her face. Her face reddened as she realized he could clearly see all of her on display.
"Hi," she sat up and tucked her legs in, hiding herself. "Um, I wasn't sure when you would be back so I thought I would take a bath."
"Yeah, I can see that," he smiled. "What do you think?"
"It's really great. Except for the scents."
"Yeah, you used a lot of that stuff," he made a face.
"Not on purpose! It all tipped over and spilled. I think a pound of rose wash got in here with me." He chuckled softly.
"I'll let you finish up. It's almost dinner time, are you hungry?"
"I must have been in this bath longer than I thought."
"I've been gone several hours. You didn't fall asleep in there did you?" She bit her lip, realizing she had.
"First rule of bathtubs. You can't fall asleep. Why don't you dry off and I will order some room service?"
"Ok." He nodded and pulled the door closed, leaving her to step out of the tub and dry herself off. She sniffed her arm and grimaced. She guessed she would just have to take another bath tomorrow and scrub the stuff off. She wrapped the towel around her body and peered out. Peeta's back was to her as he was unpacking his suitcase. She spotted her bag on the shelf and tried to reach it. Her fingertips grazed it and it tipped over onto the floor. She let out a loud huff and Peeta turned around.
"What are you doing," he laughed, bending to retrieve the bag.
"I forgot to take clothes in there with me," she gripped the edge of the towel to her body. He looked bemused.
"Katniss, it's not as if… I mean, you don't have to be shy. We've seen each other plenty of times."
"I know that, I just feel… more exposed here." She shrugged as his bemused look deepened. "Never mind. I'll just change in here. Be out in a minute." She closed the door and Peeta shook his head as he went back to unpacking. She came back out a few minutes later, braiding her hair to the side.
"Did you find out where they took Darius and Rosalie?"
"They said Rosalie has a room here in the hotel so I think Haymitch is going to check on her. As for Darius, he's been transported to the medical facility down the street. Thread ordered the maximum amount of medical care that he can receive. Hopefully we can go see him tomorrow."
"Poor Rosie," she shook her head.
"There's not much we can do right now, Katniss. We will find out who attacked him, though. They won't get away with it." She nodded and finished the braid, sitting on the bed with her legs crossed.
"So what would you like to do for dinner? We can go out, if you'd like to see the Capitol. We can have dinner with Haymitch and some of the other Victors down in the lobby. Or we can order room service and stay up here. Your choice."
"What do you want to do?"
"It doesn't matter to me, Katniss. Whatever you're comfortable with."
"I guess we should go eat with the Victors."
"But that's not what you want to do." Her eyes flew up to meet his and she saw nothing but patience and understanding.
"Ok. Can we just stay up here? Is that alright?"
"Of course it's alright. Here, find something you like from this menu." Her eyes widened at the choices.
"They just...bring this stuff to our room?"
"I barely left my room last time I was here, I was so enraptured by this service," he joked. "I'm going to change while you pick some food." He kissed her head as he passed and she sat on the bed, crossing her legs and staring intently at the menu. She heard a knock at the door and she glanced at the closed bathroom door.
"Peeta, someone's at the door."
"I'm a little...ah, would you answer it please? It's likely Haymitch." She moved toward the door warily and pulled it open. Haymitch and Chaff were on the other side and Chaff smiled.
"Well good evening, gorgeous. We were hoping you would join us for dinner."
"Take the flirting down a notch, Chaff," Haymitch shook his head. "We were hoping you and your husband would join us, Katniss."
"Um, Peeta mentioned just ordering room service. He's in the bathroom at the moment."
"Drinks then. You can join us after you are finished eating." Haymitch didn't wait for her to respond and Katniss had a feeling it wasn't a request. She watched as he and Chaff headed down the hall and toward the elevator. She swallowed as she closed the door. She sat back on the bed and studied the menu.
"Who was at the door," Peeta asked as he came out, wearing soft grey pants and a white tank that made Katniss's eyes lock on his arms.
"Haymitch and Chaff. They invited us for dinner but they said we could join them for drinks after we eat."
"Since neither of us drink, I think we can skip that," he said with a smile as he picked up the menu.
"I don't think he was really giving us a choice," she said softly.
"We will see him tomorrow. It's not a big deal. Ooh, I love these little dumpling things. I had them on my last visit here. Did you figure out what you want?"
"I think so." She pointed to one thing and he frowned.
"Katniss, I know you're hungrier than that. Please order whatever you want."
"That will be fine with me." He sighed and went to place the order. When he came back, she had changed into a threadbare gown to sleep in and was sitting on the bench in the window. He sat on the edge and she pulled her knees to her chest to make room for him.
"Food will be here soon. Are you ok?"
"I can't get over how big and colorful everything is," she shook her head.
"It takes some getting used to. I can take you exploring tomorrow if you like. Some parts of it are really pretty." She didn't say anything and he studied her night gown.
"Maybe we can go shopping while we are here. I'd love to get you some pretty things to wear."
"I don't need pretty things," she shook her head.
"Ok but this thing...it's falling apart. I have money, Katniss. I told you, I'd like to spend it on you."
"As long as you buy some things for yourself too," she said sternly. He grinned and nodded. She pressed her forehead to the glass and Peeta studied her reflection.
"Katniss, about earlier…" She glanced at him quickly before her eyes flew back to the window. "I meant what I said. I never did anything with Johanna Mason."
"Ok." He cupped her chin and turned her toward him. Their gazes locked, he smiled as he pushed a lock of hair behind her ear.
"I didn't know if I would make it back to 12. I had no idea if I would ever see you again. But I never stopped dreaming of you. Of kissing you, holding you, hearing my name on your lips. I never wanted any of it with anyone else. That's why I paid no attention to Johanna."
"I'm sure she put the idea into your head."
"I don't even remember what was said between us to be honest. All I know is that I was always thinking of you." She sighed and leaned her head against the window.
"What is happening to me, Peeta?" His brow furrowed.
"What do you-"
"Why do I get upset so easily? This hasn't happened before. Why now?" Peeta tried not to smile.
"I'm no expert but I'd say you get upset because you're jealous." She scowled and he choked back his laughter.
"I know. There's absolutely nothing to be jealous of. But can you think of any other reason?"
"Maybe you just annoy me."
"Nah, I don't think that's it. I think you like me more than you want to admit. And it burns you up when you think I've done something with another girl. Something that should be reserved just for you." Katniss rolled her eyes.
"What kind of something?"
"Like… this?" He bent low to blow softly in her ear and she gasped as his tongue raked along her lobe.
"Or maybe this," he said in a husky whisper, his hand moving to her knee and gently sliding up her thigh. She started to squirm, huffing when he chuckled lightly.
"You don't have to worry, love. You're the only one I'm thinking about when I have my hand wrapped around my cock." She gasped and fell forward but his strong chest supported her. She wondered if it was possible to cum just from the sound of his voice.
One of his hands squeezed her breast through her gown while the other moved to cup her through her underwear.
"Oh shit, you're so wet. And I haven't even touched you."
"Peeta."
"Yes, my love. Your body is the only one I dream of touching and kissing and making love to. No one else. You own every part of me, Katniss. I told you, I'm completely and utterly yours." He rubbed her through her panties and was on the verge of moving them to the side when there was a knock at the door. She fell forward, groaning in frustration and he chuckled as he kissed her hair.
"Later," he promised.
"I'm getting sick of getting interrupted by the damn door." He laughed and gave her a quick kiss before jumping up to answer the door. She tried to make herself presentable as the man pushed the food cart in. Peeta nodded as he lifted the lids off the food.
"It all smells great, thank you." The man nodded but Katniss could tell he was holding his jaw differently, a little stiffly actually. The man opened his hands and Peeta swallowed.
"No sir, I think this will be fine for right now. I'll call the desk if we require anything else." The man bowed low and let himself out of the room. Peeta's hand rested on the door for a moment, his breathing heavy.
"Peeta?" He turned and found her just inches away. He wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting on her head.
"Was he-" her voice was muffled but he winced and pulled away.
"An Avox," he finished for her. "They're servants here in the Capitol." She swallowed and he cleared his throat, moving to the tray of food. "Here, help yourself."
"Are you really going to eat all of that?" Her wide eyes traveled over the steaming dishes.
"Well I was hoping you would help me. My eyes were bigger than my stomach, I suppose." Katniss was no fool; she knew he had ordered more on purpose. But she shook her head and grabbed her plate, scooping a little bit of everything to try. Peeta hid his grin as he helped himself to the food and followed her to the dining area. They ate quietly, her eyes trained on the table and Peeta's eyes on her.
"Don't fill up. I ordered dessert too."
"Ugh, I don't know if I can eat another bite."
"Here. Just one bite." He held up a spoonful of a blue concoction with a yellow dollop or something. She closed her eyes as the sugar attacked her taste buds and she licked her lips.
"Wow. What is that?"
"Blueberry cream cheese mousse with passion fruit and whipped cream. One more bite," he asked with a knowing smile.
Katniss devoured the entire dessert. Peeta didn't mind in the slightest but she still stammered an apology.
"I ordered it for you," he assured her. "I want to completely spoil you, Katniss. I told you that when I showed you the contract." Had that only been a few weeks ago? When he turned away, she used her finger to clean the plate.
"So, um, how did your meeting with the Minister of Defense go?" Peeta's lips tightened.
"Minister Antonius was too busy to see me."
"What? But he sent for you!"
"I waited around for an hour and a half. The Head Gamemaker showed me around a bit but I was told to come back tomorrow."
"That's rude."
"That's the Capitol, love." He smiled as he smoothed out the lines between her brow.
"It's getting late. Shall we head to bed?"
"Ok." He covered the remaining dishes and set them aside before pushing the cart into the hall. Katniss was settled under the covers when Peeta stopped beside the bed. She couldn't see the expression on his face but his eyes reflected the bright moon. He pulled his shirt over his head and crawled onto the bed, giving her a sly smile. She bit her lip as she sank into the pillows, her hands over her head.
"So where were we earlier?"
"You were...oh!" Her hips jerked as he sucked at her throat. He cupped her breast with his palm and he moved his lips to the edge of the gown.
"I was what? Oh yeah… I was about to bury my tongue deep in your pussy." She released an aroused little squeak as he kneed her thighs apart. His warm breath on her belly made her moan and she arched her back as he rubbed his thumb over her panties.
"God I need to see you, Katniss." He pulled her panties down and sat back on his haunches. She twisted on her side, feeling far too exposed for her liking and his hand moved from her breast down to grip her hip. His hair tickled her pelvis as he lowered his head and she closed her eyes, her head tilting back. Suddenly her eyes flew open and her hand flew to his hair.
"Stop!" His head shot up, his eyes wide and anxious.
"What's the matter? Did I hurt you?"
"No, no, you didn't. It's just…" she couldn't explain the strange feeling that they were being watched. She knew it wasn't logical but she felt her skin crawl and wanted to burrow under the blankets.
"I'm sorry. I'm just… I don't feel so good. Maybe all that rich food."
"Can I get you anything? Do anything for you?" She smiled at his innate goodness and rubbed his lip with her thumb.
"I'll be fine. Let's just get some sleep." He didn't look convinced but he handed her her underwear and waited for her to get situated before he pulled the covers over the both of them. She noticed he had twisted his lower half away from her and she felt a pang of guilt. He kissed her temple and she rested her cheek on his chest.
"Sleep well, my love." She drifted off to his loving caresses and hoped his arms would ward off the nightmares.
Of course the odds had never been in her favor. She dreamed of her father; at first it started out as a pleasant dream. He had taken her to the lake and he was pointing to a bunch of katniss roots in the water.
"See that, little Katkin? Katniss roots. As long as you can find yourself-"
"You'll never starve," she finished his sentence with a smile. "I know, Daddy. You've told me a hundred times."
"And do you remember everything else I have taught you about edible plants? About hunting? And fishing?"
"Yes Daddy, I remember. Why do you look so worried?" He forced his face into a smile and shook his head.
"I just want you to be prepared, Katkin. Just in case anything ever happens."
"What could happen, Daddy? You're scaring me."
"Not to worry, my flower. Daddy just worries about you and Primmy and Mommy."
"You're not going to leave us, right Daddy?" Her stormy eyes were wide and terrified and Ash Everdeen felt like an arrow had pierced his heart. For the first time in his life, he lied to his precious daughter.
"Of course not, Katniss. I'll never leave you. I promise."
Suddenly, there was a loud explosion and Katniss turned away, squeezing her eyes shut. When she opened them again, her father was missing.
"Daddy?" She looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.
"Daddy! Daddy, come back!"
"Daddy! Daddy, come back, please!" She felt tears stream down her cheeks but a warm hand cupped her face and she vaguely registered soothing words in her ear.
"It's alright. Katniss, wake up, you're having a nightmare! It's alright. You're alright." Her eyes shot open and she saw Peeta leaning over her, his face twisted with worry.
"There you are," he pulled her into his arms and smoothed out her hair.
"I've got you. You're safe," he kept saying as he rocked her back and forth.
"He promised," she sobbed into his bare chest. He started at her cries, bending to kiss the top of her head.
"Who promised what?"
"My dad...he promised he would never leave me. He left me, Peeta. He left us and I had to take care of my family all by myself! He left when we needed him!"
"I know. Sweetheart, I know," he rested his cheek against her hair and closed his eyes as he listened to her loud sobs. He didn't know how else to help her except to let her cry. He left sweet kisses on her head and temple but other than that, he didn't say anything and let her cry until she fell right back to sleep. Peeta gently pulled the covers over her and wrapped her in his arms. His face was inches from hers, their noses touching and every time his eyes started to close, they snapped open again to make sure she was still safe and peaceful. Finally he couldn't hold them open any longer and he tightened his hold on her as he joined her in sleep.
They woke up just like that. Peeta was shocked they hadn't moved but her lashes tickled his cheek as she started to wake and he smiled, a little dazed.
"Good morning."
"Mmm. Morning." Her stomach growled loudly and he started.
"Was that your stomach?"
"It's lying," she shook her head. "No way I can be hungry after all that we ate last night."
"Your body is playing catch up," he said seriously. "Let me order some breakfast for us." She allowed him to unwrap his arms from around her so he could jog over to the phone. He placed the order and moved the curtains aside, peering out.
"It's actually a beautiful day. I need to find out what time I should be at the Defense Building but other than that, I'd like to spend the day with you."
"I wasn't really thinking of going anywhere without you."
They ate their breakfast in silence. Although the eggs and sausage and pancakes were delicious, she ate with a furrowed brow. He pushed the trays aside and reached for her hand.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I'm sorry that I woke you last night."
"Don't be. If I can help you escape from a nightmare, I'll gladly do it. Do you have those often?"
"Lately, they come every night. I don't know what they mean."
"Perhaps your father is trying to tell you something." She frowned at him.
"Like what?"
"I'm not sure but you can't dwell on it or you'll go crazy. Let's get dressed and we will get out of this room for awhile." She wasn't overly thrilled about exploring the Capitol but she did want to leave the room so she nodded and hurried into the bathroom to change clothes. Peeta quickly dialed the Defense Building and was told Minister Antonius was in a meeting.
"General Duartyr is here, though," the man told him. "As well as Colonel Haemon." Peeta's blood ran cold and he almost dropped the phone.
"Commander…um, Colonel Haemon is here in the Capitol?"
"Yes, Lieutenant Mellark. Would you like to speak to one of them?"
"If General Duartyr is available I would like to speak to him."
"Certainly, sir. One moment." Peeta waited, glancing back at the bathroom's closed door.
"Good morning Lieutenant Mellark," a cheery voice greeted him.
"General Duartyr. How are you today?"
"Doing fine, Peeta, doing fine. How are you? Is the Mrs with you?"
"Yes sir. We checked into our room yesterday afternoon."
"Good, good. And how is she finding the Capitol?"
"We actually stayed in our room for dinner last night. We discussed doing a little exploring and shopping today but I understand the Minister would like to speak to me and I wasn't sure what time he is available."
"Ah, Minister Antonius is in meetings all day. I'm just about to go into a meeting with him and the Head Gamemaker as well as a few of the Colonels from 1 and 2."
"Yes, um...I understand that Colonel Haemon is here. Do pass on my congratulations...when you see him."
"Rest assured, Peeta, he hasn't asked about you. I'm not sure if he even knows that you are here. I will do my best to keep him ignorant."
"I appreciate that, General."
"Peeta, remember what I told you. Things are happening and they could mean very good things for you and your family, or very bad things."
"Obviously I am hoping for the first one, General."
"You and me both. Tonight's party is important. You and your wife need to make an impression."
"Tonight's party? I thought Miss Snow's birthday was not until later in the week."
"You're correct. Tonight, President Snow has invited an elite crowd to his mansion to watch a performance and just mingle. It has nothing to do with Miss Snow. The President has asked to meet your wife at tonight's event." Peeta swallowed and noticed his palms had grown rather damp.
"Of course, sir. We are looking forward to it."
"Take your wife to the boutique on 5th. Do your best to fit in. And if you find yourself in trouble, know that you do have friends around you."
"Sir?" He frowned into the phone.
"I must go. I look forward to seeing you again, Lieutenant. And to meeting your wife."
"Thank you, General. Good bye." He stared at the phone and nearly jumped out of his skin as soft hands touched his shoulders.
"I'm sorry," she stammered as his hand covered his heart.
"It's fine, it's just… my god, you're silent. It's like you just walk on air."
"And you have the loudest footsteps I've ever heard," she smiled. "How did you pass your training with that lack of stealth?"
"I made up for it in other areas," he said quietly, his face somber. Her smile fell and she mentally kicked herself for mentioning it.
"Is everything ok? You look really pale."
"I'm fine. I'm going to change and then we can get out of here. There is a party at the Presidential Mansion tonight and we need to find something to wear for it."
"Another party? Do they just party all day in the Capitol?"
"Feasts and masquerades and luncheons. It's a life of luxury here, Katniss."
"It's despicable," she said under her breath as he passed. He squeezed her hand and headed into the bathroom to get ready.
They were walking hand in hand past the front desk when they heard someone clear their throat. Haymitch approached them, his hand wrapped around a brandy glass.
"Good morning Lieutenant. Mrs. Mellark."
"Good morning, Haymitch."
"We were disappointed that we missed you last night." His eyes narrowed.
"Katniss wasn't feeling too well after dinner so we went to bed early. I hope we can catch you another time."
"Ki- Lieutenant Mellark, mind if I have a word with you? In private?" Peeta glanced at Katniss and nodded.
"I'll be right back." She nodded and watched them round the corner. Katniss glanced around then followed them down the hall until she was pressed to the wall outside a tiny room.
"You can't follow simple instructions can you?" She was shocked at Haymitch's tone and how he was speaking to a Peacekeeper.
"She didn't want to leave the room and I didn't want to push her! What is your problem?"
"My problem is that we didn't have time to inspect your room! It's probably bugged. So I hope to high heaven that you two haven't been talking about anything dangerous! I can't believe you told her everything in the first place."
"She knows only the slightest details, Haymitch, so calm down. You really think Snow would have my room bugged?"
"You're a fool if you think he wouldn't. For god sakes, Peeta, you're like a little Capitol lapdog right now!"
"You're the one who put me on the leash," her husband snarled. "Maybe you overestimate me! I don't even know if I can convince them I'm still a loyalist."
"I know you can. I haven't overestimated anyone! Except maybe Finn. That boy is so wrapped around her finger that he can't see past his nose. I don't know how much help he will actually be."
"I told you before, Haymitch, I won't do anything that puts Katniss in danger."
"Kid, Katniss is already in danger! She was in danger the moment Thread found out her name!"
"What does that m-"
"And to make things worse, I can't find Rosalie." Katniss's hand clapped over her mouth.
"What do you mean you can't find her?"
"Just that! She isn't registered in this hotel. I don't have clearance to call the medical facility and ask about Darius. I already risked a lot by poking around the front desk, asking about Rosalie."
"I'll call the facility and ask them where they are."
"Do not call attention to yourself, Peeta. Thread is already watching you closely. You saw how pissed he was when he saw me on the train. I don't think he expected to be surrounded by Victors. But we got lucky that we were able to add you to the passenger list at the last minute. Thread wasn't expecting that."
"He's clever, Haymitch. And his wrath will be unspeakable if he finds out."
"We'll keep your girl out of harm's way. You've heard about tonight?"
"He said Snow wants to meet her tonight. He told me to take her to the boutique and make sure we blend in."
"Take this card. Tell her I sent you and I need a favor. I know your Seam girl will hate it but she needs to fit in."
"The whole charade?"
"Down to the last golden tattoo on her face. We don't need to give them any reason to question where she is from."
"You said to keep her name out of it. Why?"
"Don't worry about that. Just focus on being a real Capitol couple for a few nights and then you can go back to 12 together."
"I'm from 12 too, Haymitch. Why do you think I don't need the extra help?"
"You've always been so reliably good, Peeta," she heard Haymitch reply, his voice much softer. "So smart about how you present yourself. I didn't want to disrupt that."
"As I said before, I think you've overestimated me."
"I haven't. We should go. Your wife will be suspicious."
"Can you please try not to irritate her so much? I'd like for her to like you."
"Her scowl reminds me of him. It's like seeing my best friend alive again." Katniss's eyes widened and she just barely came to in enough time to duck around the corner before Peeta and Haymitch strode out. Her breathing was heavy and she leaned back against the wall. She knew Peeta would be looking for her and she frowned, glancing this way and that. She rounded another corner and straightened her clothes, patting her hair down, and making sure she looked as normal as she possibly could.
Peeta's brow raised when she entered the lobby and he hurried toward her.
"I wasn't sure where you had gone."
"Sorry, I had to use the bathroom while you were talking."
"Ok. Are you ready?" She nodded as he steered her out of the hotel, his hand placed firmly at the small of her back.
He helped her into the back of a black car, then climbed in beside her.
"The Boutique on 5th, please," he told the driver. He grasped her hand and stared out the window. Katniss's mind was spinning but she knew it was no place to talk so she pretended to be fascinated with the sights of the Capitol.
The car stopped in front of a building that looked like another hotel. Peeta thanked the driver and passed him some money before getting out and offering his hand. Katniss stared up at the golden building with wide eyes. Peeta smiled at her expression and held the door open for her. It seemed to be bigger on the inside. She couldn't help craning her neck as she twisted around, trying to see everything at once.
"Come on," he muttered, his hand on her back once again. She heard him speaking to a woman, asking for someone, but didn't pay any attention until he gently nudged her.
"Katniss Mellark, this is Elena Trinkett."
"Ellie, please," the young woman laughed. "And you must be the First Lieutenant I have heard so much about. My sister complains about the lack of man-candy in 12 but she says you are the exception." Peeta blushed and laughed good-naturedly.
"My wife, Katniss," he gestured to his wife who finally looked at the Capitol woman. She looked much like her sister, with the same garish hair and make-up and long fingernails that reminded Katniss more of talons.
"It's so nice to meet you, Katniss," Ellie squealed. "Are you here for the Presidential Party tonight?"
"We should probably find something for Miss Snow's birthday festivities this week as well."
"Oh of course. Portia, why don't you assist Lieutenant Mellark? Katniss, let me take you to my number one stylist. You will adore him!"
"Oh but-" She glanced over her shoulder as she was dragged away from Peeta.
"It's ok, I'll be right out here when you're finished," he said a reassuring tone. She bit her lip but nodded and allowed the young woman to steer her across the boutique.
Ellie was talking but something was wrong with Katniss's ears because everything just sounded fuzzy. She noticed when they stopped and she saw a tall man turn away from a rack of dresses. It struck her how normal he looked. Compared to the rest of the Capitol people she had seen, he looked like he could have come from the Districts. He wore only a little amount of makeup, his eyes lined with gold. His suit was stylish and he had a warm smile.
"Katniss, this is my favorite stylist here at Capitol Boutique! He's been a stylist for Hunger Games tributes, the most elite fashion stars, even Victors! Everyone who's everyone is wearing him."
"Well not everyone," he said with a smile and a wink. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Katniss. I'm Cinna."
