As I said guys, I will be on a business trip and then on vacation for about 2 weeks but I will try my best to post at some point on vacation! Til then, enjoy all of the drama this chapter holds! XOXO
A blaring siren woke them up with a start and he winced as her head knocked into his chin.
"Ow! Sorry Peeta."
"It's fine," he rubbed his chin. "What the hell is that?" He reached over and slammed his fist against the clock, the offending source of noise. It silenced immediately and he rolled his eyes.
"Shit. Well I'm awake."
"Me too. I'm really hungry, want me to order us some breakfast?"
"How about we get dressed and I take you out? There are some delightful little pastry shops right around the hotel." She nodded and he threw the blanket back. She blushed as she realized he had fallen asleep without putting his underwear back on, and he grinned at her pink cheeks.
"See what I mean? Pure and innocent." She scowled and jerked away from his lips.
"I am not. Just… cover up."
"Oh I don't care if you see me," his grin broadened as he crossed his arms behind his head. She rolled her eyes and hit his chest.
"Just get dressed. We have to go back to that boutique too, don't we?" His smile faded.
"Yes. Ellie said she expects us after lunch."
"Fantastic. Another afternoon of beauty torture."
"At least we sort of have our outfits chosen," he shrugged. "That part took forever yesterday."
"Do we? Cinna wasn't sure."
"Well Portia decided on that suit she was talking about, so I'm hoping they'll find something for you to match me."
"I don't suppose we can fake an illness?" He sighed and wrapped his arms around her.
"I wish we could. After last night though, I know President Snow is going to want to meet you...us. Want to meet with us." She leaned back and bit her lip.
"Peeta?"
"Mmhm?"
"I'm scared." He pulled her hand to his lips, then to his heart.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he promised. "I will die before I let any harm come to you."
That was what scared her the most.
Katniss noticed Peeta turning in front of the mirror and checking on his injury and she bit her lip. She was pretty sure that all of the intimate stuff, fun as it may be, was not good for his injured ribs.
"Are you sore this morning?" He looked up and shrugged.
"A little bit. It's not unbearable. Before you say anything, no, what we did last night did not make it worse." Her lips curved upwards.
"How do you know?"
"Because your kisses hold healing power. Every time you kiss me, I feel a little bit stronger."
"Is that so?" He nodded and tugged her toward him. "Well at this rate you should be stronger than a Career by now."
"I haven't gotten enough kisses for that yet," he said seriously. She stood on her toes and kissed him, their smiles identical.
"You're sneaky."
"I have no shame in sneaking extra kisses from you. I feel no guilt whatsoever."
"Oh get dressed you annoying thing. I brought some medicine with me so after the party tonight, we can put some on your bruise." She started to turn away but he held her arm.
"I'm feeling really weak all of a sudden, Katniss." She rolled her eyes.
"That's a shame." He gave a mock cry of indignation as she flounced away.
They didn't see Haymitch in the lobby so Peeta offered her his arm and they headed outside. He had a quick word with the doorman before he was leading her around the corner.
The city was bustling, even so early in the morning. People were dressed in suits and dresses and held briefcases in their hands. Katniss had never stopped to think about what they actually did for work in the Capitol. She supposed they had to work. Surely they didn't just sit at home and count their money?
Peeta looked to be in a good mood as they dodged the crowds and crossed the street. Katniss didn't want to do anything to wipe the smile off his face; she liked how it looked and how much more care-free he looked with it on. She slipped her hand into his and he squeezed before pulling her into a little shop.
They sat at a table in the corner with their paper cups and their danishes. Peeta had convinced her to try a new drink, something she couldn't pronounce. She thought it was a little bitter but she didn't say anything. He picked at his danish, muttering that his dad's were so much better. She grinned as she ate hers. They kept their hands entwined on the table as they ate, not saying much. Neither of them wanted to talk about last night, it seemed. Katniss wanted to bring up Darius and Rosalie but she was afraid of bringing the conversation to a screeching halt and she was actually enjoying their time together.
After they finished breakfast, Peeta took her a few blocks down to what was supposed to be a park. There was one real tree in the middle of it, and it was beautiful. There were marble statues all around, and the grass obviously was not real. People were spread out on blankets, however, reading their books and eating their lunches. Peeta glanced sideways at her, unsure of what she would think of the place. He liked the peace and quiet of it but she was used to real trees back home.
She gave him a smile and pulled him over to one of the fountains, where children were running back and forth through the water. She grinned as she cupped her hands and threw a handful of water at him. He cried out in indignation and proceeded to splash her right back. She squealed and tried to run from him, when he pulled her through and soaked her feet. Their laughter filled the air as they ran through the water, splashing each other like children. Katniss wondered if this was how it was for children in the Capitol. Completely care-free and always having fun. Never having to worry about starvation or the Reaping. Utterly content with life.
Peeta could tell her thoughts had taken a dark turn and he sighed, pulling her away from the park. They walked a little ways, as he pointed out various stores and restaurants. They didn't seem to have a destination; he just wanted to spend some time with her without having to think about what tonight might hold.
After they shared some lunch from a cart on the street, Peeta hailed a car and asked to be taken to Ellie's boutique. As soon as they walked in, Ellie dropped what she was doing to tend to them. Katniss wondered what Haymitch had said to her to have them be treated like this. Surely it wasn't just Peeta's station.
Cinna gave her a smile as he lead her off to the back room again. Katniss noticed Peeta's eyes on her as they walked, Cinna's arm around her waist.
"Peeta says you have our outfits already picked out."
"Portia chose that black suit for him. I've been making some adjustments to this dress all morning. Tell me what you think." He stopped in front of a gown that seemed to be made of jewels. Her eyes widened and he took it off the rack.
"It looks heavier than it is. Let's try it on you."
Cinna had his own team working on her hair and makeup, while he knelt at her feet to make sure the length was right. She was grateful that she didn't have to go through the whole mess she'd endured yesterday, although Ellie did say they would leave the nails on and paint them a different color. Another evening of not eating with silverware then.
"Alright, stand up for me." She did as he asked and glanced down at her feet. The red jewels caught the light and made it look like she was engulfed in flames.
"Give me a little twirl." She obeyed and he nodded, his smile widening.
"Perfect."
"Why red? Peeta's suit is black, isn't it?"
"It has red flames along the trim. And we turned you into the Sun last night, I think this is appropriate for tonight. I heard that you had fire last night." She turned quickly, frowning.
"What? Who said that?" The stylist shrugged.
"People talk."
"About me?"
"Oh Katniss, don't worry. People love to gossip."
"So you heard what happened last night." Cinna glanced sideways at his team.
"Will you three excuse us for a moment? Katniss and I need to find shoes to go with this."
"We found shoes," the women with green hair shook her head.
"She can barely stand in those. We won't be long."
"We don't have a lot of time before the party," the man wiggled his finger at Cinna. "Don't dawdle."
"We won't." The team left and Cinna closed the door behind them.
"Cinna? You heard what happened?"
"I heard," he said softly. "I'm so sorry, Katniss." She bit her lip and turned back to the mirror.
"I have no idea what to expect tonight."
"Just stay close to your husband. Smile politely and curtsy like I taught you. I'll do my best to make you look…"
"Not like me?" He sighed and crossed his arms.
"Your skin tone and your dark hair reveal that you're from the districts, Katniss. The president may know who you are but I don't want to call attention to it. That's why
I put you in so much last night. I'm trying to hide you in plain sight."
"I think it went the opposite, actually," she fidgeted. "People were staring at me all night. Johanna Mason said people wanted to rip that dress off of me and I felt like...like people were leering at me all night. It was creepy. And then at that horrible show…"
"I'll never understand how a person can treat another person in the worst ways," he shook his head, his lips thin. "The history books are full of atrocities and yet we seem to just hit rewind on history, and we repeat those mistakes again and again. Nothing will ever really change."
"Well you're a little ray of sunshine. Your girlfriend must love your company." Cinna gave her a wan smile.
"Shall we continue?"
"Ok. With any luck, people will stay the hell away from me tonight, lest they get burned."
"The girl on fire," he nodded. "I like the sound of it."
Once again, Peeta was left waiting for his wife, feeling more anxious by the second. Portia had kept his hair and makeup minimal, compared to last night, and for that, he was grateful. His hair was slicked back again and he tried not to scratch at the several red jewels they had glued to his face. He paced the room, checking his watch. He had called the Minister earlier that day to apologize for not being able to meet with him but he was told the Minister was in meetings all day and he wouldn't be able to see him anyway. Peeta felt uneasy about seeing his superiors tonight without much of an idea of what to expect.
"Lieutenant Mellark," someone said behind him. He turned and his eyes widened.
He had hardly recognized Katniss last night. Tonight, he could pick her out of a crowded room. Cinna and Ellie lead the way, with Katniss and her prep team bringing up the rear.
Her dark hair was streaked with red and tumbled down her back in waves. The red dress was stunning and ended in flames at the bottom; it looked like she was standing in the middle of a fiery inferno. One shoulder was left bare, and was covered in red jewels, similar to what they had glued on Peeta's face. Her eyes had been painted orange and red, with long red eyelashes glued on. Her nails were red and orange with hints of yellow toward the edges. When she moved, it looked like the dress was sparking! Peeta stared, his jaw agape. Katniss noticed his reaction and bit her lip.
"The, um, the shoes… I feel like I'm going to fall over. They're huge."
"I'm sure they won't notice anything but you," he said faintly. "You should wear flames more often. They suit you." She couldn't help but to smile.
"We're calling her the Girl on Fire," Ellie said with a proud nod. "Isn't the dress perfect?"
"It looks amazing," his eyes traveled up and down her frame. "I just… hope it's not too bold of a statement?"
"You both look like you belong in the Capitol, Peeta," Cinna said kindly. "And you look like a powerful couple. A force to be reckoned with." Peeta wasn't sure that was what he wanted. What if Snow thought that too?
"We'd better get going," Peeta showed her the watch. "Are you ready?" She nodded and took his arm, while he thanked Ellie and her team again. Katniss glanced backwards at Cinna, who gave her a reassuring nod, and she exhaled.
"We'll get through tonight," Peeta muttered in her ear. "Together."
When they arrived, the mansion looked much as it had the night before. Lights danced on the mansion walls, fire displays were all over the lawn, and people were dressed in the grandest of fashion. They went straight inside and hovered in the foyer.
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"Sure, thank you." He kissed her cheek and went off toward the refreshment table. Katniss tried not to fidget but she felt uncomfortable and far too exposed. She had almost asked Cinna to put more makeup on her face and to cover her hair. The garish Capitol fashion was like a mask and she needed something to hide behind right now.
"Well, surprised to see you back here after what happened last night." She turned quickly at the sound of the sneering voice. She frowned as two Victors swept into her view.
"Oh don't mind Johanna," Finnick Odair said cheerfully. "She's that pleasant to everyone. You look splendid, Mrs. Mellark. Fire. I quite like it."
"Cinna is a genius," she said, waving toward her dress.
"Oh that he is. Interesting choices, though, for someone who wants to blend in so badly. First the Sun, now Fire. Cinna isn't a master of subtlety, is he?" Katniss was about to respond with something nasty when Peeta returned, carrying two glasses.
"Miss Mason," he bowed his head. "Mr. Odair. You both look fetching."
"This old thing," Johanna batted her eyelashes. "And you got me a drink too? You're so kind." Peeta smiled as he handed her the other glass and Katniss tried to roll her eyes as discreetly as possible.
"So what can we expect from tonight?"
"Oh don't you worry. No more previews of Victors Unleashed any time soon."
"Johanna," Finnick hissed, shaking his head.
"He's asking if his little wife is in any danger of being called up to the stage again," she shrugged. "I'm just putting his fears to rest."
"That wasn't what I was asking, actually," Peeta said calmly. "Everyone said this was the party for a sixteen year old girl and I see no birthday girl anywhere."
"She's off choosing her birthday gift." Peeta noticed how Finnick stiffened at Johanna's words.
"There you are Finnick!" Finnick whirled around and his face softened. Peeta could not miss how the Victor's expression changed, from aloof and flirty to, well, one of deepest admiration. He knew that look. He, after all, had seen it on his reflection for years.
The Victor was infatuated with the newcomer.
And she was quite lovely indeed. She was tall and slender, with flowing red hair and sparkling green eyes. Katniss thought she looked vaguely familiar. Finnick tugged her hand to his lips.
"Annie, you're a vision tonight." The young woman, Annie, giggled and shook her head.
"I don't believe we've met," she extended her hand toward Peeta.
"Lieutenant Peeta Mellark of District 12, ma'am," Peeta kissed her hand. "And this is my wife, Katniss."
"Katniss. A plant that grows near the water, isn't it?"
"That's...right," Katniss nodded slowly.
"Well it's lovely to meet you both. I'm Annie Cresta. I'm sorry to interrupt but Finnick, someone was looking for you."
"Alright. Would you like to join me, Annie? I see a plate of cake with your name on it." She took his offered arm and smiled.
"Have a pleasant evening, Lieutenant and Mrs. Mellark," Finnick bowed before he lead Annie off. Peeta had almost forgotten Johanna still standing there with them.
"Love is weird," she muttered, shaking her head.
"Pardon?"
"Oh. Nothing. I think Haymitch was looking for you earlier, Lieutenant. I see him right over there."
"I actually needed to have a word with him. Katniss, do you mind?" She didn't want to be left alone with Johanna Mason but she nodded and Peeta kissed her hand
before striding across the room.
"Nice buns," Johanna mumbled.
"Sorry?"
"Your husband is a baker, isn't he? I'm sure he makes nice buns. In the bakery."
"Uh huh," Katniss's eyes narrowed. "His family owns a bakery. He doesn't have a lot of time to bake though, being First Lieutenant."
"Yeah I'd heard he was one of Haemon's little projects in 2. Surprised he's not too fucked up to join polite society, to be honest." Katniss scowled.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well it's not my place to tell you, sunshine, if he hasn't already told you."
"Told me what?"
"Ah shit, here comes the rabble." Johanna rolled her eyes and Katniss looked over her shoulder to see Porter, Arcadia, and Cecilia approaching. She had no problem with any of them and she offered them a smile.
"Hi there."
"Katniss, you look stunning," Arcadia's eyes widened. "Wow, is that a Cinna original?"
"Why would Cinna make something special for a Peacekeeper's wife," Johanna scowled.
"Don't mind her," Cecilia leaned in close. "She's like that with everyone."
"So I've heard," Katniss glanced at Johanna with a disgusted look. How this girl had survived in Capitol society for so long was beyond her. Cinna had told her to be polite and mild-mannered. Johanna was crude, loud, and quite obnoxious.
She guessed when you were a Victor, you could get away with anything.
She quickly reminded herself what she had seen last night. Johanna was just a slave to the Capitol, like the rest of them. Katniss's eyes traveled over Porter and Arcadia and Cecilia and she wondered how they could be sold. Porter and Arcadia looked worse than many of the Seam children she had seen back home, thin and frail and barely even there. Cecilia had told her about her children back home in District 8. Did their families know what they were forced to do?
Johanna scowled at her as if she could read her thoughts.
"So, have we heard who little miss birthday star has chosen?"
"Not yet," Cecilia said quietly. "Her grandfather was giving her...more options the last I heard." Johanna's brow raised and her eyes moved about the room.
"And what about the one we discussed earlier this evening?"
"Undetermined," Porter said stiffly. Katniss had no clue what they were talking about, and her eyes sought out Peeta. He was standing with Haymitch, Finnick, Annie, and another man Katniss had never seen. He was fairly round, with a clean-shaven face and striking grey eyes. He was talking to Peeta, gesturing animatedly. Peeta smiled but looked slightly uncomfortable. Katniss wondered if it would be rude to excuse herself so she could join him.
"Please tell me Annie is not on that list," Johanna hissed to the others. Katniss frowned and turned to face them. Cecilia was shaking her head sadly and Porter chewed his thumbnail.
"Everyone made the list. Even those who have been out of commission. It's why he's ordered everyone to be here tonight."
"What are you all talking about?" Arcadia's eyes were unnaturally wide.
"Oh don't worry about it, Katniss. It doesn't affect you."
"Doesn't it? I'd heard she was added to the list too," Johanna said, her nose wrinkled as if she smelled something foul.
"Johanna," Cecilia said through gritted teeth.
"I've been added to what list? What's going on?"
"I think you should go have a word with your dear hubby," Johanna jerked her chin towards Peeta. "He is the one you should be worried about right now."
"Damn it, Johanna," Cecilia said angrily. "Why do you have to do that?" Katniss didn't wait for them to reply. She turned on her heel and almost ran across the room before she remembered not to draw any attention. Still, she hiked her dress up and hurried over across the room.
Peeta's eyes widened when he saw how quickly she was moving and he held out his arms, for her to run right into them.
"Are you alright?" She nodded but said nothing as she ran her hand up his arm. Annie gave her a kind smile but for some reason, it unnerved Katniss.
"Katniss, this is Plutarch Heavensbee, Gamemaker to President Snow," Peeta gestured to the man at his side.
"Pleasure," she said, nodding. It wasn't and she wasn't about to make it sound like it was. The Gamemaker, however, gave her a bow.
"An honor, Mrs. Mellark. I was just telling your husband about a singing show I will be producing soon. I hear you have quite the voice."
"I-"
"She does," Haymitch nodded, cutting her off. "She reminds me of a mockingjay."
"Truly remarkable creatures," Plutarch said cheerfully. Katniss's brow furrowed in confusion. She had always seen mockingjays as something of a slap in the face to the Capitol. After all, the jabberjays, one of the parent species of the mockingjay had embarrassed the Capitol deeply and were not considered good omens. The districts, however, loved them. And Katniss liked them even more because the Capitol disliked them so much.
"Oh Katniss, your dress even has a cute little mockingjay on it," Annie squealed, pointing. Katniss's frown deepened, studying her dress closely. Cinna had to have pinned it on. It wasn't a part of the dress and it was slightly hidden. Haymitch frowned and stepped closer.
"Could I have a closer look at that, Mrs. Mellark?" Before she could answer, he had unclipped the bird from her dress and held it in his palm.
"That's lovely. But it doesn't really match your dress all that well, does it? Here," he slid it into Peeta's palm, who looked surprised and confused.
"Hold onto that for your wife, won't you?" He gave Peeta a pointed look and still frowning, Peeta slipped the pin into his pocket.
"Well, how about it, Mrs. Mellark? Would you care to treat us to a little music tonight?" Katniss glanced at Plutarch then at her husband.
"I'm really...not all that comfortable with singing in public. Thank you though," she added graciously, lowering her head.
"Ah, a pity. If you change your mind, I would be eager to include you on my show. The Capitol people would love to see district people represented."
"Why," she asked before she could stop herself. She could have sworn Finnick was stifling a laugh.
"Why, to give them a chance to see how you all live in the districts! And really, it's a wonderful opportunity for your hometown. We would come and film you right at home and have a grand feast, which everyone is welcome to! You should really consider it." A feast. The only time they'd had anything resembling a feast was Parcel Day, when Haymitch had won the Hunger Games. She was too young to remember but she knew the Capitol provided food once a month, for a whole year. She was almost tempted to agree just so that her district could receive some food.
"I'll consider it sir," she said softly, giving him a flirtatious smile. Heavensbee was about to speak when loud music echoed around the room. Annie jumped, her face pale but Finnick lay his hand on her arm and whispered something in her ear. She seemed to relax but Katniss saw how her eyes still darted around the room.
"The presidential welcome," Heavensbee explained. "I'm sure I shall see you all later in the evening." He bowed low to the women, shook hands with Haymitch, and excused himself rather quickly. Haymitch cleared his throat and directed his attention to the stage in the front of the room. An elderly man stood there, one hand on his chest and the other behind his back. His hair and beard were both white, his face pale and gaunt, with eyes that were black as obsidian. His blue suit was fashionable but what caught Katniss's eye was the single white rose on his lapel. He smiled at the crowd and beckoned for someone to join him.
His granddaughter looked nothing like him. Aurelia Snow was lovely, with long blonde curls and big green eyes. She wore diamonds at the corner of her eyes that matched her diamond-studded dress. She smiled and waved to someone in the front.
"On behalf of my beloved granddaughter, we would like to thank you all for joining us here at the mansion. And I would like to wish Aurelia a wonderful sixteenth birthday. May it be one that you will never forget, darling." The old man brushed his knuckles across the girl's cheek and Katniss shivered at the gesture. Aurelia giggled and hugged her grandfather. Katniss couldn't understand how a child wasn't terrified of him. He looked like a snake, ready to strike his prey and drag it back to his hole before anyone could counter attack.
"Enjoy the festivities," Snow yelled, spreading his arms before lowering them and turning to say something to his son. Aurelia stood next to her father, her eyes traveling around the room.
"Excuse me. Lieutenant Mellark?" Peeta jumped as a man appeared out of nowhere, holding a silver tray with a white envelope.
"Yes, I'm Lieutenant Mellark."
"Here you are, sir." Peeta took the envelope with a frown but nodded to the man in thanks. Haymitch's wide eyes locked on the envelope. Peeta shook it open and studied the loopy handwriting.
"Um. President Snow is requesting a private audience with me before dinner." Haymitch looked wary.
"Your wife isn't included?"
"No. It says for me to come alone." Haymitch and Finnick traded looks. Katniss frowned at the letter, as if it would start smoking at any minute.
"Would it be possible to ask you gentlemen to keep my wife entertained while I have a word with our President?"
"Of course, Lieutenant. She can sit with us until you are finished." Peeta nodded and kissed Katniss's hand.
"I'll be right back," he promised. She nodded, her eyes following him across the room.
"Shall we, Mrs. Mellark?" She reluctantly took Haymitch's arm and he steered her in the opposite direction.
Peeta was uncertain about approaching the president. He had only met the man once and he was afraid it would be too bold to announce himself. Aurelia had excused herself to talk to friends and Snow was in conversation with a few men from his Board. Luckily, Snow saw him coming.
"Ah, Lieutenant Mellark. How good to see you again."
"An honor sir," Peeta bowed low. "You honor me with the invitation to join the festivities. Tell your granddaughter I wish her a very happy birthday."
"I will pass on the well wishes. Walk with me, Lieutenant." He gestured for Peeta to follow him into another room. There were considerably less people in here and Snow folded his hands behind his back.
"I must address several issues, Lieutenant Mellark."
"Sir?"
"I understand there was a bit of drama at the party last night." Peeta swallowed but did not speak.
"My son has a flair for the dramatics," the president rolled his eyes. "He should not have included your wife and I want to apologize for any distress toward her or you."
"Oh… I mean, thank you sir, I didn't… um-"
"I understand that you are both celibate, is that correct?" Peeta swallowed again. He really did not want to discuss his sex life with anyone, let alone the president of Panem.
"That's correct, sir."
"Well that changes things, then. My son should have delivered that news to me much earlier in the day."
"Um, sir?" Peeta was baffled.
"A virgin Peacekeeper is difficult to believe but not completely unheard of. I suppose you have no reason to lie to me. Most gentlemen would be grateful for the opportunity, after all."
"Sorry, sir, but what opportunity are you speaking of?"
"Why, to bed my granddaughter on her birthday, of course." Peeta felt like he would pass out. He hoped he didn't look as stunned as he felt.
"It's tradition," the president continued, seemingly oblivious to Peeta's discomfort. "For young girls to lose their virginity to a high-ranking official of certain wealth and stature. I have allowed Aurelia to choose for herself, unlike many families in the Capitol." He was going to be sick, he was sure of it. She's 16, he said to himself. Parents choose their 16 year olds' lovers? How sick is that?
Snow seemed to be waiting for Peeta to say something but he was lost for words.
"Um, sir, it would be a… a tremendous honor, but-"
"You are a virgin," Snow finished for him. "And that does present a problem. I wouldn't want my sweet girl to be mishandled her first time. She needs someone who knows what they are doing. No offense. My foolish son should have revealed this to me before the party. Only now does he choose to tell me. I must make alternative arrangements immediately." Peeta gaped in horror. Aurelia Snow had chosen HIM?! A mere Peacekeeper from District 12, hardly impressive in size or looks.
"This is disappointing but as I said, it is not your fault. I shall have words with my son. You may return to your wife, Lieutenant. I apologize again for what happened last night."
"Th-thank you, President Snow," he bowed to the man and tried not to seem too eager to flee from the room.
"I should like to meet your wife after dinner," Snow said casually. "I have heard much about her."
"She would be honored as well, sir."
"You may return-oh. Aurelia. My darling."
"Grandfather," she swept into a curtsy before giving Peeta a wide smile. Peeta felt his heart hammering.
"My sweet, there has been a miscommunication," Snow said softly, looking uncomfortable. Aurelia glanced at Peeta, her smile fading.
"I don't understand."
"Your chosen prize is not suitable, I have learned. You will need to choose someone else."
"What do you mean, not suitable? Here he stands in front of me and I'd say he is very suitable." Sweat poured down Peeta's neck. Why couldn't Snow excuse him and discuss his lack of bedroom skills in private?
"You honor me, Miss Snow," Peeta bowed low. "But I'm afraid I would disappoint you. I have no real experience and aside from that, my heart belongs to only one woman, as it has since I was five years old. On that special occasion that I decide to give away a part of myself, it will be to her and no one else. I hope I haven't offended the lovely birthday girl with my honesty." He bowed low, chewing his lip anxiously. Aurelia's eyes softened and she let out a little sigh.
"What sweet words! Your girl is a very lucky one indeed! But please, learn how to please her before you give yourself to her. It will make it less embarrassing for you," she giggled, shooting him a wink. When did I become "girl friends" with the President's granddaughter, he asked himself in a daze.
"Lieutenant, please return to the dinner table. We will talk more later in the evening." Peeta bowed low to both Snows and briskly walked back to the table.
Katniss nearly leaped to her feet when she saw him and he saw Haymitch's curious looks. Finnick, Johanna, and Annie were staring at him, confused. Had they all known? If Haymitch had known what almost happened, he would slit the man's throat. No, he reminded himself of the Victor's surprised look when the envelope had arrived, he couldn't have known. He had no idea when Aurelia had chosen him but he had a feeling the Victors were just waiting to hear who it was.
Feeling sick to his stomach, he took his seat beside Katniss and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She looked at him, confused, but his eyes said later. Snow had asked about both of them. Did that mean Katniss was on Aurelia's list as well? He was definitely going to be sick.
He pushed his chair back and gripped his stomach.
"Peeta? Are you alright?"
"I need some air," he stammered as he jumped to his feet. Katniss watched, terrified, as her husband scurried across the room and out into the night air.
"I'll check on him, Mrs. Mellark," Finnick said softly, setting his napkin aside. He squeezed Annie's hand before following Peeta outside. Katniss sat back in her seat, pushing her food around her plate. In 12, Peeta was a commanding force, sometimes cold and indifferent sure, but she had seen the real man inside. Here, he was nervous and scared. Almost like the little baker's boy who took beatings from his own mother when he was younger. What was it about this place that seemed to drain her husband of his strength? What had happened to him, that everyone else seemed to know about except for her?
"What did that man say to him," she whispered in Haymitch's ear. He didn't even glance her way.
"I wouldn't know, Mrs. Mellark."
"Cut the bullshit, Haymitch," she hissed. "You know what is going on. What were the Victors talking about, a list? Why did Snow want to meet with Peeta privately?"
"Later Katniss," he said through gritted teeth. It was the first time he had actually used her first name and she was stunned. She returned to playing with her food, hoping that Peeta was alright.
Peeta gripped the balcony rail in front of him and stared up at the stars. They were similar to the ones back in 12 but Peeta couldn't relate the two places. The Capitol was like being in another world completely and he couldn't understand how they lived so differently from people in the districts. Not even District 2 had horrified him so.
"Nice night, huh," he heard a deep voice behind him and nearly jumped. What was wrong with him?! Why was he so jumpy here, all of a sudden? Finnick Odair's green eyes gleamed in the night and he leaned over the balcony next to Peeta.
"Yeah. It's… well, I was just thinking it feels the same back home."
"Have you ever been to 4, Lieutenant?" Peeta glanced at the Victor.
"Beautiful views. The smell of the sea wherever you go. Sand under your toes. And falling asleep to the sound of the waves." He sighed and closed his eyes, as if picturing his home. Peeta was sure he was.
"I've never seen anything like that."
"No, District 12 is all trees and coal, isn't it? Well, you'll have to visit sometime. Annie and I would be glad to have you and your wife."
"Annie is… your wife?"
"In all but name," he sighed. "I'm not allowed to marry. But when we are in 4, it's just her and me."
"Why can't you marry?"
"After what you saw last night, do you really have to ask that?" Peeta fell silent. He hadn't mentioned the Victors' show to anyone, wanting to forget all of it completely. But here, being so close to the young Victor, he could see Finnick's life was clearly not what he had originally thought. In the crowds he looked healthy and flirtatious and mysterious. Here under the moonlight, he looked exhausted and his eyes were sad and dull. He slumped a little, as if he had been struggling to hold himself straight all evening. His hands twitched, Peeta noticed, as if they needed something to do.
"You're a slave," he finally spoke.
"We're all slaves. I take it you discovered that when President Snow asked to speak to you?" Finnick turned and lowered his head.
"I'm sorry about last night. I hope she wasn't too traumatized."
"You saved us," he said weakly. "You stood up to the Senator."
"I did what I could. The Capitolites love to see their Victors in the spotlight but they get uneasy whenever a newcomer arrives. Like they realize that they could be next. I just appealed to them rather than the Senator. And I figured if I couldn't get you both out of it, well, I would at least try to keep you together."
"Thank you," he nodded. "She was… we're ok."
"And the conversation with President Snow? Judging by your expression, it went as I expect it did?"
"Not exactly." In a low voice, Peeta told Finnick what Snow had said about his inability to take care of a young virgin and Finnick whistled.
"Man you lucked out. I have never heard of Snow making an allowance for someone like that. Many of the Victors are virgins when they come to the Capitol. He doesn't seem to care when he sells them to the highest bidder."
"Is that… what happened to you?" Finnick glanced at Peeta but didn't answer him. Peeta couldn't blame him. It was a very personal question.
"So birthday girl has to choose someone else now?" Peeta bit his lip. He suddenly realized they both knew who Aurelia Snow would probably choose. Peeta felt terrible.
"Finnick, I'm so-"
"Oh don't get sentimental, Peeta," the Victor faked a smile. "Sentimentality has no place in the Capitol."
"Still, it's not fair."
"None of this is," the handsome man shook his head. "Still, here we are. I'd better go check on Annie. And your wife was looking pretty worried about you."
"How do you do it, Finnick?" Finnick stopped and raised his brow. "I mean, how do you bear it?" Finnick gave the peacekeeper a look of disbelief.
"I don't, Peeta! I just drag myself out of nightmares each morning and find there's no relief in waking." Peeta's horrified expression made Finnick pause.
"Better not to give in to it. It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart. The more you can distract yourself, the better. Enjoy every second with your love that you can. Bask in her smile, bathe in her loving gaze. When you leave the party tonight, don't think about this place once while you are with her. Focus all of your energy on making her happy. And just be with her, in mind and body alike. Can you do that, Peeta?" Peeta stared at him, unsure of what to say. Finally, he nodded. With a heavy sigh, Finnick turned and walked back into the mansion. Did Finnick know that Peeta was hoping to make love to Katniss tonight? How could he?
Perhaps he'd seen how much Aurelia Snow's decision had terrified him. How close he'd come to being forced to give himself to someone else, before he had a chance to experience that with Katniss.
She had said she was ready. After tonight, so was he. He no longer cared about the place. Just that he would finally be with her in the most amazing way. His palms grew damp just thinking about it.
He impatiently wiped his hands on his pants and returned to the party. Inside, his eyes landed on Katniss, who was staring at her plate with a worried expression, and he swallowed. A servant offered a tray of drinks and he took one with a nod.
"Thank y-" his eyes widened in horror as the glass slipped from his hand and shattered. The servant's eyes narrowed in recognition and Peeta stood there gaping at his former soldier. The Avox servant was Jacobson!
