Katniss shook the man's hand, her jaw stiff.
"Cinna, Katniss is married to the First Lieutenant of District 12! Haymitch has asked for us to step in and assist."
"Of course," Cinna nodded, his voice soft and pleasant. "I'll take it from here, Ellie."
"I'll check on you in a little while. Don't hesitate to inform us if you need anything." Ellie waved and flounced away, leaving Katniss alone with Cinna.
"You can relax," he smiled. "Fashion is supposed to be fun."
"I haven't had much experience with fun," she mumbled before she realized she probably should keep her mouth shut.
"Mmm," he nodded in understanding, although how could he possibly understand? "Well let's try it just for today. You're attending the party tonight?" She nodded.
"And Aurelia Snow's birthday this week?" She nodded again.
"Let's find you an outfit for the birthday party and then we will focus on tonight. How does that sound?" She shrugged, unsure of what else she was supposed to say.
Cinna only smiled and offered her his hand.
"Come with me." She followed him to the back of the store, into a room that looked to be made up of dresses.
"Usually I would prefer to design something made just for you, but I'm afraid we don't have that kind of time. Anything you see here can be altered to fit you perfectly. Why don't you have a look around?"
"I don't really know where to start," she shook her head.
"Katniss," she jumped as he took her hand in his own. His hands were soft, softer than any man's she had encountered. Then again she had only touched Peeta's and Gale's hands and they were hard workers. Her father had been the hardest worker she knew. What did this Capitol man know of hard work?
"If Haymitch has asked for us to assist you then that means it is important. He doesn't make that request often. Not even for his own tributes."
"Probably because he knows their deaths are inevitable," she spat. He raised his brow, looking mildly surprised at her outburst. Katniss yanked her hand away and crossed her arms.
"What chance does a tribute from 12 stand? So what does it matter what kind of impression they make when they get here? Does that sound about right?"
"District 12 has had 2 Victors, from what I recall," he said cooly.
"Oh whooptie doo! 2 Victors! And 150 deaths!"
"Have you lost someone to the Games?"
"That really isn't any of your business! But no."
"But you have lost someone," he pressed her. "Someone close to you."
"You don't… you don't know me. And this was a mistake. I'm just going to tell Peeta I will wear my dress from home. Thanks for your help." She turned on her heel and made to leave.
"You're in danger, Katniss." His words made her freeze but she didn't turn back to face him. He walked around to her front.
"Surely you know that. Haymitch wouldn't be asking for our help if you weren't. I don't know the details and I won't ask for them. I want to help you, though, if you will allow it. You just have to fit into the crowd while you are here." He folded his hands and cocked his head.
"How despicable we must seem to you." She frowned and her eyes darted to the floor.
"Oh I know you're thinking it. It's exactly what I thought when I was first brought to the Capitol." Her eyes flew up, wide with surprise.
"You assumed I was born here?"
"I thought everyone who lived in the Capitol was born here."
"Not always," he said delicately. "Though it's rare, it's not unheard of to find district people hidden amongst the Capitol elite. It does help to know someone."
"So that's what happened to you? You knew someone?"
"I was raised by my grandfather," he bowed his head. "And when he won the Hunger Games, he decided he wanted to raise me outside of District 8."
"District 8," she repeated, her eyes wide. "Textiles."
"I was holding a sewing needle before I learned to walk," he chuckled. "I loved clothes. I repaired Grandpa's and mine clothing and was soon designing outfits. When he won, he brought me here and stuffed me into the fancy clothes. He told me I had to blend in to survive. I've slowly worked my way up the social ladder."
"But you design clothes for tributes," she held out her hands as if pleading with him. "How can you stand it? When your grandfather went through that?"
"I figure it's the only way I can possibly help those kids. If I can help them make an impression, they might stand a chance at gaining sponsors." He sighed and looked around.
"Care to have a cup of tea with me?"
"Ok." He smiled and took her hand, leading her to a small room in the back. He closed the door and gestured for her to sit on the fluffy red couch. She watched, fascinated, as he pressed a button and two steaming cups of tea appeared.
"Are you hungry? I can order us some food."
"I already ate breakfast but thank you."
"You'll forgive me if I eat then?" He pressed another button and grabbed the muffin that appeared. "Go ahead. So...wait, your grandfather won the Games? But the Reaping age is 12 to 18."
"Oh the Presidents can change the rules whenever they want to. And it was a year when the tributes were chosen by their own district. My grandfather wasn't extremely popular, you see. But he showed them all when he won." Katniss stared at her cup. How awful it must be, to be sent to your death by your own friends and neighbors.
"Now," he brushed the crumbs off his shirt and shifted on the couch. "Will you let me help you?"
"You won't make me look like a fool?"
"We all look like fools, Katniss," he shook his head, a sad smile playing around his lips. "This is the Capitol. We paint our faces and pile on the jewels to keep us from thinking about anything that really matters."
"You'll help me? I mean, you'll teach me what to say and how to bow and everything?"
"I'll teach you everything I know," he brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. She would normally never let anyone but Peeta or her sister touch her like that but Cinna's eyes were so warm and caring that she found herself leaning into his touch.
"Then start your teaching."
Peeta glanced away from the mirror and cleared his throat. The young woman who knelt at his feet glanced up and bit her lip.
"Is something wrong? I didn't stick you, did I?"
"No, no, you're fine. I was just wondering if we are nearly finished. My stomach is growling and I think we have been at this for hours."
"Fashion takes time," she laughed. "But you're right, it is past my lunch break. Why don't you change into your clothes and follow me? You can tell me all about your district."
"But my wife-"
"She's with Cinna. He's probably talking her ear off," she waved as she stood and put the box of pins on the table. "Go on and change. I'll be right outside." Sighing, Peeta stepped out of his tailored slacks and grabbed his clothes. He changed quickly, setting everything on the table and smoothing it out.
"Come with me." He followed her to the back of the boutique, through lines and lines of dresses and his eyes widened as he passed it all. Was this what Katniss was enduring? His poor huntress was probably red with anger right about now.
When she pushed a door open and lead the way into a small room, he froze in place and his eyes widened. Katniss was sitting on the couch with another man, and
she was actually smiling!
"I told you he was talking her ear off," Portia smiled. "Cinna, this is Katniss's husband."
"It's such a pleasure," Cinna jumped to his feet and held out his hand. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you." Peeta glanced at Katniss before he shook Cinna's hand.
"It's way past lunch break," Portia closed the door. "Are you almost finished?"
"We haven't even chosen dresses," Cinna said, looking abashed. "We have just been talking."
"It's been hours, Cinna! You're useless."
"I did give him a hard time at first," Katniss admitted, shrugging. Cinna moved to the chair and gestured for Peeta to sit beside his wife.
"Well maybe we can go off of what Peeta has chosen. So they can match."
"That's a good idea," Portia nodded, pressing the button on the table. "Peeta, would you like some lunch?"
"Um," he glanced at Katniss again and she sat up. "Have you eaten, Katniss?"
"No and I could eat. Whatever you're having." Portia pressed the button a few times and plates started to appear.
"Looks like today's lunch is lamb stew," she said, passing the plates around.
"Is this alright? I mean, we don't want to keep you from taking an actual break," Peeta accepted the plate from Portia but Cinna waved his hand.
"We hardly get an actual break anyway. It's nice to talk to someone." Peeta didn't like the way Cinna smiled at his wife and REALLY didn't like the way she smiled back at him.
"Ok so what have you chosen for tonight," Cinna propped the plate on his lap.
"Gold," Portia said with a broad smile. "Which will look perfect on her! Put her in that little gold number that Cashmere wore for her welcome home party a few years ago!"
"I'm not sure if that outfit suits Katniss," Cinna's eyes traveled over Katniss. Portia frowned.
"What's wrong with it? She'll look beautiful in it!" He shrugged in response.
"We can look around. Did you choose something for the birthday party?"
"Peeta picked out a couple of good ones. There is a black one with red trim that I really like. He looks great in it. Makes his ass look delicious!" Katniss's eyes flashed while Peeta's face burned. Cinna snorted and shook his head.
"His wife is sitting right there."
"And she will definitely agree with me when she sees him in it," Portia shrugged, digging into her food. Peeta cleared his throat and took a bite of the stew. He glanced sideways at Katniss and raised his fork.
"It's better than the one we make back home."
"It's good," she nodded in agreement. "But it's really sweet."
"It's the plums," Cinna replied. "They use way too many and it sweetens the stew a little too much."
"Everything in the Capitol is sweet," Portia stated. Cinna nodded in agreement.
"So Peeta, tell me all about District 12! Is it as barbaric as people say?"
"Who says that," he asked softly, his eyes on his food.
"Oh all the Victors drone about how dreadful it is whenever they come into the boutique! It's nothing like the Capitol."
"That's true," Peeta nodded. "We have more trees than buildings."
"No shopping malls?" Portia shuddered. "I would die."
"Well not many of you have to worry about such things," Katniss said in a low voice. Peeta detected the bitterness in her tone.
"What? Dying? Everyone worries about dying! And even worse, aging! Getting old, ugh, can you imagine?" Katniss tried to keep her features as neutral as possible but she wanted to spit with disgust. In 12 it was rare to survive to old age. That's why the older people were usually well-respected and called upon for advice. Greasy Sae, the old woman who ran the trade stall at the Hob, was one of the oldest people Katniss knew and she looked up to the wizened old woman.
"I think our lunch break has been long enough. Let's get back to it, shall we?" Cinna set his plate down and stood up. Peeta and Katniss followed suit and Portia nodded.
"I'll do her hair and makeup once we finalize her outfit."
"Come on, Katniss. There are a few dresses you may like." Katniss took Cinna's outstretched hand, which Peeta did not miss, and she followed him back to the room of dresses.
"Ok, let's get back to your fitting," Portia tugged his arm.
"Actually, can we go with them? I'm curious to see what they pick out."
"If you're worried about Cinna and your wife, don't be," she giggled. "It's not going to happen."
"I wasn't- I didn't say- I'm just interested to see her outfit choices."
"Ok," she shrugged, gesturing toward the door. Peeta nodded and they hurried after Cinna and Katniss.
Hours later, Peeta was sitting in an uncomfortably tight suit made of black silk with deep gold lining. His hair had been styled and pushed back, with one streak dyed gold. His blue eyes were lined with gold and they had painted gold specks on his cheeks. Ellie had assigned her best makeup artists and hair stylists to Peeta and Katniss and they had been working on them all afternoon and evening. Peeta glanced at the pockewatch they had attached to his suit and he sighed. He hadn't seen his wife for hours. They were due at the Presidential mansion very soon. And he hadn't had a chance to speak to Haymitch or anyone else about tonight. He was feeling very anxious and his legs shook nervously.
The back doors finally opened and he jumped to his feet. He actually didn't recognize her immediately. Cinna and Ellie led the way, followed by a number of stylists, with Katniss trailing behind. Peeta's eyes widened as he took her in all in. They had transformed her into the sun.
Her gold gown floated around her as she walked and he could see the dress was completely backless. Her long hair was hidden by an intricate golden headpiece with dangerous-looking spikes on the end. Her neck had been painted gold and her olive skin was covered by white makeup and gold specks, like his own cheeks. They had even turned her eyes gold and used brilliant colors of oranges and golds and a hint of blue around her eyes. Peeta's artistic side appreciated the beauty of it all but he found himself missing his grey-eyed huntress.
Fit in like a normal Capitol couple, he had been told.
But he was afraid they had missed the point. He wanted them to blend in. They had made her stand completely out.
She walked stiffly and her lips were thin. Peeta took her hand and made to stroke her cheek.
"Don't you touch her," Portia shrieked. "That makeup job took three hours!"
"Sorry," he muttered, his hand dropping to his side. She squeezed his hand and shook her head, giving him a look like "I'm going to slaughter the lot of them". He smiled weakly and offered her his arm.
"A car is waiting to take you to the mansion. We will see you back in here tomorrow for Aurelia Snow's birthday party!"
"Thank you for all of your help, Ellie." Ellie nodded and patted his arm.
"It's our pleasure, Peeta! Have fun tonight!" Katniss seriously doubted that would ever happen.
The car pulled up to the front of the mansion and Peeta helped her out.
"Tell me I don't look as stupid as I feel," she muttered, barely moving her lips.
"You look radiant, Katniss." She sighed and he squeezed her hand.
"I'll be right by your side the entire time, ok?" She nodded and glanced up at the mansion. She faltered and his arm went around her waist.
"It's ok. I'm right here." She nodded again and allowed him to lead her inside.
Katniss was instantly overwhelmed by all of the frivolity before her. People were drinking and kissing and laughing. She had never seen anything like it before. Peeta kept a firm arm around her and held her as close as he could (she was briefly afraid that he would be impaled with her headdress).
"There you are, Lieutenant," someone called and Peeta stiffened.
"General Duartyr! It's a pleasure to see you again."
"And you! And this gorgeous specimen must be your wife! No wonder you couldn't wait to get back to 12," the general winked at Peeta. Peeta's cheeks went pink but Duartyr laughed good-naturedly and pulled her hand to his lips.
"I'm charmed to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Mellark."
"I'm delighted to meet you, General Duartyr. My husband has told me wonderful things about you." Peeta's brow quirked at Katniss's respectful tone.
"Don't believe them all, Mrs. Mellark!" Duartyr nudged Peeta.
"Oh but he underspoke your handsome physique, sir," she purred. Duartyr laughed.
"By god, Peeta, you hit the jackpot!"
"Don't I know it, General," Peeta said with a smile, his eyes searching Katniss's. It was strange to see anything other than sormy grey. It was almost as if someone else was staring up at him. With a sly smile, almost flirty, and all of the makeup, he actually thought Ellie had done something with his wife and had placed this Capitol woman in his arms instead. If he hadn't been watching her most of his life, he would have said that exact thing had happened. But he saw through the fake smile, the confident bravado she displayed, and the girlish giggle she emitted on cue. He would never bring her back here if he could help it, he decided. Katniss was everything a Capitolite wasn't and he hated to see her acting the part.
He had lost the conversation between his general and his wife until he felt her fingers on his arm.
"I'm sorry, what was that," he blinked.
"I was trying to convince your wife to relocate to District 2. We could use you back in our ranks and I imagine she would quite love the mountains."
"As much as I would love to return to 2, Katniss has a sick mother and a little sister that she cares for. I couldn't possibly pull her away from her family." Katniss shot a quick glance his way but lowered her eyes again.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Mrs. Mellark. I hope one day in the future you might reconsider." Duartyr stiffened slightly and before Peeta could ask if he was alright, he felt someone else join them.
"It's good to see you again, General Duartyr. Congratulations on your promotion."
"Thank you very much indeed, Commander Thread," Duartyr held up his glass. "I was just congratulating Lieutenant Mellark on his nuptials. And trying to convince the scallywag to rejoin our ranks."
"Mm, yes. You should have your husband bring you for a visit soon, Mrs. Mellark. I'm sure he would love to show you where he was based and the sites of his training." Peeta tried to hide his wince. That was the last thing he would like to do.
"I would be honored," she bowed her head. "This is my first time out of District 12. I am eager to see more of Panem."
"Well perhaps we should have a word with President Snow about that." Peeta's brow furrowed.
"Sir?"
"Oh I just mean, the President often allows Peacekeepers to accompany Victors on their Victory Tours. Surely he wouldn't mind if you and your lovely life joined this year's Victor. He is from District 1, you know. A distant cousin of mine."
"Well congratulations, Commander," Duartyr said jovially. "You must be very proud."
"Indeed. More honor for the family name. In fact I think I see him across the room. Won't you all excuse me?" He nodded to Katniss and strode away. Duartyr cleared his throat and took a sip from his glass.
"Well, I will let you two enjoy the party. It was a pleasure to meet you at last, Mrs. Mellark." She swept into a perfect curtsy and Peeta had to admit he was impressed. Duartyr kissed her hand, clapped him on the shoulder, and left them to refill his glass.
"Let's go get a drink-" he stopped when a group of people stepped in front of him.
"There you are, Lieutenant, we've been looking for you."
"Mr. Abernathy," Peeta nodded.
"You look ravishing, Mrs. Mellark."
"Thank you, Mr. Abernathy," she said quietly, inclining her head.
"Lieutenant, you remember Mr. Odair and Miss Mason?"
"Of course. It's a pleasure to see you both again."
"Likewise," the Victor from District 4 said with a cheeky grin. "And who is this stunning creature?"
"This is my wife, Katniss. Katniss, this is Finnick Odair of District 4."
"Charmed, My Lady," he bowed low and kissed her hand, giving her a flirty wink. Katniss longed to wipe her hand on her dress but she gave him a playful smile.
"Mr. Odair, I'm such a fan."
"And I'm already a fan of yours, Mrs. Mellark. Pray tell, how did a Peacekeeper from District 12 steal the heart of such a work of art?"
"We were childhood sweethearts," she giggled. "It just took him forever to ask me to marry him."
"Funny, he never even mentioned you the last time he was here," the young woman said with a sneer. Peeta swallowed.
"Miss Mason, a delight to see you again."
"It could be, Lieutenant, if you arrived alone as you did last time." Katniss's eyes flashed and Peeta saw her clench her fists.
"Lieutenant, you and your wife are assigned seats next to us at the table," Haymitch said, casting Johanna Mason an amused look. "Would you care to join us?"
"We would be delighted, Mr. Abernathy, thank you." Haymitch lead the way while Finnick Odair escorted Johanna Mason, and Peeta tucked his hand into Katniss's.
"Abernathy!"
"Hello Gloss," Haymitch said in a falsely cheerful voice. "Congratulations, by the way." Katniss knew the Victor from past interviews. Cashmere and Gloss, winners of consecutive Hunger Games and apparently, considered to be favorites in the Capitol. The man's handsome physique was ruined by his cold smirk and his cruel
eyes.
"Yes, thank you. Sterling certainly did a number on your tributes, didn't he?" Haymitch's jaw twitched.
"Least my boy made it to the top 5 this year. It's been years since that's happened." Katniss felt her stomach roil. The Hunger Games was unfortunately required viewing and she'd had to look away when fourteen year old Davy Hynx was massacred by the four remaining tributes. She hadn't been able to look Davy's mother or sister in the eye the next day.
"What was with that girl of yours this year, Gloss," Johanna Mason scoffed. "Seemed like she had a diamond for a brain and not a very large one at that. How on earth did she get to keep that diamond ring she kept mooning over?"
"It was her token," Gloss snarled. "She was engaged to be married. Show some respect, Johanna."
"Oh I'll show you respect. The same kind of respect your little brat showed my girl when she was using the bathroom! No class whatsoever, Gloss. I'd at least hope for a little more dignity for our tributes than that."
"Gloss, where is that lovely sister of yours," Finnick Odair interrupted before the tirade could continue.
"She's around here somewhere, conversing with Caius Snow. He's become very fond of her, it seems." He said this to brag but Johanna and Finnick both winced.
"Well I do hope we see her later. Excuse us, Gloss." Finnick steered Johanna off and the others followed them.
"One of these days I'm going to-"
"Shush," Finnick whispered in her ear. "Just calm down."
"Don't tell me to calm down, Finnick, just-"
"Stop it," Haymitch leaned over and pretended to be re-adjusting her gown. Katniss frowned at the exchange and glanced up at Peeta but saw he was keeping his eyes straight ahead and had not seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary.
Haymitch lead the way to the grand table in the next room and he hurriedly gestured for Peeta and Katniss to sit down. They understood why a few moments later.
Peeta jumped to his feet as another man stalked toward them. Katniss was surprised at the change in her husband's demeanor. He was nervous, she could tell, and he fought to keep the smile on his face.
"Minister," Peeta called out. Katniss's eyes widened as she realized who this was. Minister Antonius, High Minister of Defense and Security of Panem. The Minister shook Peeta's hand and fixed his eyes on Katniss. She felt a chill run through her as Peeta's hands rested on her shoulders.
"Minister, this is my wife, Katniss Mellark."
"Charmed, Mrs. Mellark. Commander Thread tells me your mother is quite the Healer. She managed to comfort our own Peacekeeper Murphy."
"T-that's correct, Minister. I hope he is feeling better."
"I visited him in the hospital this morning and he seems to be doing much better. He is heavily sedated to avoid the pain. Those coal-miners did a number on him indeed."
"We still have not discovered the identity of his attackers, Minister," Peeta said in a low voice. "But he was turned into an Avox and I have reason to believe that means it was a Peacekeeper who committed the crime."
"Indeed? I will need you to report to me tomorrow, then, for a full report. Perhaps there is something in your notes that we are missing. We shall find whoever did this and they will be justly punished."
"Yes Minister." The Minister gestured to someone beside him and Peeta's eyes widened.
"Lieutenant, I believe you know Colonel Haemon of District 2?" Katniss felt Peeta's hands start to shake on her shoulders.
"Of course, sir. It's good to see you again. Congratulations on your promotion."
"Mellark," the older man sniffed, looking down his nose. "Yes, Minister Antonius told me you were promoted to First Lieutenant. I say, congratulations. Looks like all of our fine training did pay off after all." Peeta didn't say anything but the sneering man didn't seem to expect him to.
"Tell me, how is that brother of yours?"
"He's well, sir. He just married the Mayor's daughter, in fact."
"Indeed? Well, do pass on my congratulations. And I hear congratulations are in order for you as well." His eyes flicked to Katniss and she was startled to see how blue they were. Not like her husband's at all but pale, almost white. They terrified her.
"Yes sir. This is my wife, Katniss. Katniss, Colonel Haemon was my Lieutenant while I was in training."
"It's a pleasure, Colonel," she bowed her head and tried to smile.
"Tell me, Mrs. Mellark, what is your surname?" Peeta's hands clenched on her shoulders and she winced. Lie. Lie! He tried to reach her on the same brain waves. He had no idea why Haemon was asking but he knew it wasn't a good reason. Haymitch had told him to avoid using the Everdeen name and though Peeta did not understand why, he trusted the old Victor.
"It was something like Evergreen, wasn't it," the Minister asked.
"Everdeen, Minister." Katniss's hands rested in her lap.
"Everdeen, yes. And your father was a coal-miner, was he not?"
"That's correct, sir," she said, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"He died in that tragic explosion almost 8 years ago," Haemon said to Antonius. "Such a tragedy. President Snow sent medals of honor and food baskets to the victims' families, you recall." Katniss, however, did not recall a food basket from the Capitol. Nor did she remember anyone from the Capitol expressing their condolences. She just recalled feeling hollow and hopeless, as she stood next to her mother and sister at the Justice Building.
"Our condolences, Mrs. Everdeen-Mellark."
"Just Mellark, Minister," she shook her head. "It does us no good to dwell on the past."
"Except when the past can drag you back down, Mrs. Mellark." Katniss's eyes darted from the Minister back to her lap and she felt Peeta positively shaking behind her.
"Well, enjoy your evening, Lieutenant Mellark. A pleasure, Mrs. Mellark." Katniss nodded faintly and Peeta sank into the seat next to her. She reached for his hand and frowned at how cold and clammy his palm was. Haymitch leaned in and whispered something to Peeta. Peeta shook his head but his eyes remained downcast.
"Mrs. Mellark, would you like a drink," he pushed the glass past Peeta toward her.
"Thank you, Mr. Abernathy. I don't really drink much."
"Perhaps you should start," he took a swig from his glass. "Buck up, Lieutenant. Dinner will start soon and the introductions will be put on hold."
"I'm not sure I can handle any more introductions, Haymitch," Peeta said weakly. Haymitch coughed and set his glass down.
"Well then prepare yourself, Lieutenant. Because Caius Snow is headed this way."
