I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! I'm so sorry you guys, I had every intention to post while on my business trip but never had a spare second! I'm busy writing as we speak, so it won't be long before the next one is up, since this is a little bit of a cliffie! Thanks for all your kind words and messages! XOXOX


Peeta dropped to his knees to clean up the mess, avoiding the Avox's eyes.

"I'm sorry," he stammered. "So clumsy."

"Lieutenant Mellark," a voice made him wince and he saw Jacobson nearly drop his tray.

"Commander," Peeta straightened up, discreetly wiping his hands on his slacks.

"General Duartyr was looking for you. Are you trying to do the Avox's job, Mellark?"

"Uh, I dropped- it was my fault. I made the mess-"

"That's what Avoxes are there for," Thread didn't even glance at Jacobson. Peeta wondered if he even knew who it was. "Now come on. The General said it was urgent."

"Yes sir." Peeta cast Jacobson an apologetic glance before he followed his Commander into the banquet hall. The Minister stood in front of the table, motioning to General Duartyr on his left and to President Snow, who sat on his right. A line of Peacekeepers stood next to the President and there was scattered applause as one of the peacekeepers stepped forward, nodded, and smiled. Duartyr caught sight of Peeta and gestured for him to join the line. He caught Katniss's eyes and tried to give her a reassuring smile. His encounter with Jacobson had left him pale and nervous but he did his best to hide it as he stood beside his former commander.

"Continuing with our promotions tonight, President Snow would like to bestow the honor of General to Romulus Thread, former Commander of District 12. Congratulations, General." The President stood and draped a medal around Thread's neck. Thread bowed his head in thanks.

"You honor me, Mr. President."

"And finally," Duartyr motioned to Peeta and he took a tentative step towards Duartyr, who gave him a smile.

"President Snow would like to bestow the honor of Captain to Peeta Mellark, former First Lieutenant of District 12." He hardly heard the thunderous applause or noticed the president pinning a medal to his suit. He searched for Katniss in the crowd and saw her shocked face.

"Many congratulations and well wishes to the promoted officers, soldiers of Panem," President Snow announced. "We look to you all to keep our people and our nation safe." Peeta saluted the president, along with the rest of the peacekeepers, and hurried to sit down beside his wife. Haymitch thunked his glass against the table.

"Congratulations, Captain!" Peeta tried to smile, even nod in thanks, but he was frozen. He turned to look at Katniss, who was staring at his medal with wide eyes. He could see the question in her wary gaze. Why a promotion? He fumbled for her hand and brought them to rest on his knee. She noticed the other Victors watching her, so she lowered her eyes and bowed her head submissively.

"Congratulations, Captain," she said quietly. Peeta leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"It's still just Peeta," he whispered. Her hand shook in his.

He didn't hear the conversation around him. He had no idea of what was being said, his thoughts were racing so quickly all he could hear was the blood rushing to his ears. He was ready for the party to be over. He needed to talk to Katniss.

There was more eating and dancing and Peeta didn't allow himself to be separated from his wife. He politely declined the young ladies who asked him to dance. His grip on her waist tightened when any other men asked to cut in. He couldn't have cared less; he was Captain now and he was pretty sure everyone present knew they were both virgins. Let him appear the love-sick fool who wouldn't let his wife go. He was fine with it.

Until Duartyr insisted on dragging the men away for cigars and drinks. Peeta politely declined the cigar and tried to refuse the drink until it was pushed into his hand.

"Captain," Duartyr said cheerfully. "When you arrived in 2, you were a scared little boy from District 12. It did take awhile but you fit right in with the peacekeepers. And now look at you! Captain! I couldn't be prouder." The General smiled and clapped Peeta's shoulder.

"You're too kind, General," Peeta muttered.

"Now you really can't stay in 12," Thread said as he lifted his drink to his lips. Peeta's brow furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean...sir?"

"Captains and Generals don't reside in outlying districts," Duartyr shrugged. "You'll appoint a Lieutenant, and they will report to you. You have the freedom to move around as you wish. You can actually choose your home."

"District 12 is my home, General."

"Peeta, look, the President wants his best soldiers closer to the Capitol. And you are one of his best soldiers. This is a huge opportunity for you."

"Listen boy, if it's your wife's family you are worried about, they can join you," Thread said, shooting Duartyr a look. "It's only two women, so I'm sure the President won't mind. Of course, you will be responsible for them and that would make me change my mind immediately." He chuckled, nodding to several other soldiers, who joined him in laughter. Peeta looked around and swallowed.

"I've already told my wife that I will be responsible for them. They can't afford to eat where they live, General Thread."

"Well, then I should think they would be happy to move to 2."

"Or here," Duartyr gestured to around him. "Wherever you would like to go, Peeta! Surely anywhere is better than 12."

"I have a family in 12, too, Generals," he shook his head. "I mean, my brother just got married. My parents are elderly and run the bakery by themselves. I can't just leave them."

"Peeta," Duartyr looked uncomfortable, anxious even. "You really need to relocate. It would be...beneficial for all involved."

"And that means that you need to appoint a Lieutenant," Thread nodded.

"I thought any promotions had to be approved by President Snow."

"He seems to trust you," Thread said, shrugging and chugging the rest of his drink. Duartyr cleared his throat.

"President Snow was quite intrigued to hear about your story, Peeta. Before you came to the Capitol the first time I mean. A wrestler from District 12, achieves top marks in all of his training and is promoted to higher ranks. It's quite unheard of, you understand."

"Colonel Haemon didn't want to pass me on," Peeta said bitterly. Duartyr glanced over at the Colonel across the room and cleared his throat again.

"Boy, why do you think the Colonel was not promoted and Duartyr became General?" Peeta stared at his General, while a few of the other peacekeepers shifted uncomfortably. No one else had come from 12. Most of them were from 1 and 2, some of them from 4 and one from 7. No outlying districts to speak of.

"It's because his methods were...questionable, to many. President Snow wanted to see your loyalty in other ways. He disapproved of such methods. Duartyr replaced him and found more constructive ways to test your limits. Duartyr became General while Haemon reports to him." Thread snapped his fingers and another tray of drinks was brought.

"Personally I think all of the training toughened you up and helped you become a fine soldier. You turned one of your own soldiers into an Avox. You have your training to thank for that."

"Peeta's training was not approved by the Capitol first and therefore should not have been carried out," Duartyr said in a low voice. "Thankfully, there don't seem to be any… permanent effects."

"It's approved now," Thread said and it had to be said that the smile he wore was pure evil. "The Minister of Defense is actually testing it out on prisoners right now. We will create more soldiers for the Capitol."

"You mean you'll create weapons," Peeta said, his eyes wide.

"Well, it's what we tried to do with you, after all." Duartyr decided to step in front of Peeta at the same time that Peeta surged forward. The General of 2 knew him well, and he knew Peeta was about to lose control.

"The Minister himself agreed that sort of training should not have been carried out on a soldier. Not even a soldier from 12. And I still believe it was a personal vendetta against Peeta, since no one else was a test subject. If Haemon's theory about District 12 soldiers needing conditioning more than anyone else was correct, then why did Peeta's brother not receive the same training?"

"As I recall, both Mellarks went through the same training." Peeta clenched his jaw.

"In the beginning, that's correct, sir. But Colonel Haemon informed me I would be trained separately and that's when the torture started."

"Training," Thread corrected.

"Torture, sir. No soldier in Panem has experienced what they did to me. You said yourself they are testing it on prisoners now. Prisoners, General, not Peacekeepers. I was under the impression that a Peacekeeper is a Soldier of Panem and is to be treated with a certain level of respect. I received none at the hands of Colonel Haemon. Only pain and torment. For months. He turned me into a…" he trailed off, his hands clenching and unclenching by his sides. Duartyr squeezed his shoulder once.

"I recall this being a celebration. Let us have more drinks, shall we?"

"If you'll excuse me, Generals, I would like to return to my wife." Peeta nodded to the other peacekeepers, saluted the Generals, and set the full glass back on the tray that the Avox held. He couldn't wait to be away from the group. He was grateful the other peacekeepers had no idea what his training had entailed but Duartyr and Thread knew every detail. While Duartyr clearly disapproved of it, Thread seemed to be supportive of it. The conversation with Thread had given him whiplash. One minute the General was supportive of Peeta moving out of 12, almost treating him like an equal, and the next he was calling him boy and reminding him of the torment he had endured. Almost laughing about it.

Peeta paused and reached back to massage his shoulder. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, his nostrils flaring. A soft hand on his made him jump and his eyes flew open.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," his wife stood in front of him, chewing her lip anxiously.

"Just the person I needed to see." He wrapped his fingers around hers and pulled her close.

"Are you alright?"

"I am now," he nodded, pulling her hand to his cheek. "I wish we could get out of here so I can just hold you. I need to hold you in my arms. I need to remind myself that you're real."

"I'm real," she said, looking bemused. "I'm right here in front of you." How many times had he seen her in his mind, struggling to cling to the image of her while his body screamed in agony? There had been too many nights that he was afraid he would forget her, what she looked like, the deep huskiness of her voice, the way she smiled when she was with her sister. He was terrified that in changing him, they would wipe away his memories of her.

"Peeta?" He opened his eyes to see the real thing in front of him. His wife. The woman he loved above all else.

He had no idea if she felt the same but he had to hope that she was allowing herself to love him. Her actions and words lately were softer, gentle, and more loving.

"I'm ok. Why don't we get some food?" She nodded and he slipped her arm under his. They trailed over toward the refreshment table, which was laden with rich foods and extravagant dishes. Peeta put a little bit of everything on his plate and stood in the corner with Katniss. His eyes found Annie Cresta, sort of swaying to the

music, alone. He looked around but did not see Finnick anywhere. His throat closed up and he gripped his plate.

"Katniss, can you take my plate and return to the table? I'll be there in just a minute."

"Al- alright," she looked confused as she took the plate from him and headed toward the dining room. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Peeta approaching the red-headed Victor, Annie Cresta. Frowning, she hiked her dress up so she could walk properly and returned to the table, where Haymitch, Johanna, and Cecilia were in conversation.


Peeta hesitantly approached the Victor, uncertain as to what he would say. Annie spun around and her eyes widened when she saw him.

"Miss Cresta, would you honor me with a dance?"

"My pleasure, Captain," she curtsied and he took her hand. She was stiff and didn't really lean into him as they danced. Not that he could blame her but his mind raced as he searched for the proper words.

"Finnick told me what happened," she said softly, and all of his thoughts disappeared.

"What do you mean?"

"He told me what you talked about. I'm glad it's not you."

"I'm so sorry, Miss Cresta."

"Annie, please. And it's alright. I've known what Finnick is forced to do for a long time. And he's very gentle. He will be… very good to Miss Snow."

"Do they make you do the same?" He hadn't meant to ask but now he had to know.

"I used to," she confessed quietly, lowering her eyes. "But Finnick made a deal and saved me from it. Now I only have to come to the Capitol for special occasions and parties. People call me mad, you know."

"Wait, you? Really?"

"I suppose in some ways it's true. We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

"How do you know I'm mad?" Peeta asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"You must be," Annie sighed, "or you wouldn't have come here."

"I didn't have much of a choice," he reminded her.

"We all have a choice. Do we give in to our fate, or do we resist? That is a choice in itself. You made the choice to stand up and protect Katniss last night."

"She's my wife," he argued.

"Look around you, Peeta. Here, loyalty doesn't mean much. Wives, husbands, fathers, daughters, sons, mothers… Family devotion only goes so far for most people."

"And yet it sounds like Finnick has made sacrifices for you. A girl he can't even marry." He instantly regretted it but his harsh tongue was a curse, one that came from the training camps of 2. One that he couldn't rid himself of, no matter how he tried.

"Yes," she said sadly. "Oh, I see cake. Won't you excuse me, Peeta?"

"Annie-" she was gone before he could apologize and he sighed. He wanted to go home! He wanted to be back in his little house, cooking dinner for his wife. Not here in the grandest house in the Capitol of Panem.

"Hey handsome, want to dance," asked a young woman he had never seen before. Her dress was completely see-through and she wore nothing underneath. His cheeks burned.

"Thank you, Miss, but I should be returning to my wife."

"Oh you can bring her along too. She can watch or join in, doesn't matter to me." His stomach was roiling.

"Excuse me," he said hastily, turning on his heel and fleeing from the room. Katniss was sitting between Haymitch and Cecilia, pushing something around her plate. Cecilia saw him and rose to her feet, gesturing for him to sit down.

"I can just-"

"Sit beside your wife, Captain," Cecilia said sternly, already sitting on Haymitch's other side. Peeta sank into his seat and Katniss pushed his plate toward him.

"My feet are killing me," she complained softly. "How much longer do we have to stay?"

"Not too much longer," he promised.

"So Captain Mellark, who will you appoint as Lieutenant," Haymitch asked, lifting his glass.

"I haven't really had time to think about it," he said quietly. "I mean, I wasn't aware I would be the one to choose someone."

"Your brother is the obvious choice," Haymitch continued. "But Darius has been stationed in 12 a lot longer. Whoever you choose, I know he will represent 12 well."

"Darius would be a great choice, if I knew where to find him."

"Perhaps you should mention it to Minister Antonius, since you would like to make him your Lieutenant." Peeta's eyes narrowed, searching the Victor's. It didn't escape him that they were the same shade as his wife's. Most Seam people had grey eyes but he had often forgotten that District 12's Victor came from the Seam.

"Excellent idea, Mr. Abernathy. I will find him when we finish dinner."


Even though Aurelia had long since disappeared, the party continued late into the night. Katniss yawned into her glass and Peeta's head felt fuzzy. Haymitch had excused himself and Peeta had a sneaking suspicion that he had retreated to his room with a large bottle. He was about to tell Katniss they were leaving, when an Avox approached them. He bowed his head and pointed to Peeta and Katniss. He held a red envelope and Peeta stood.

"President Snow is requesting to meet with us?" The Avox nodded, bowing even lower. Katniss stood, looking panic-stricken. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles.

"It will be alright," he whispered. Straight backed and solemn, Peeta lead them into the next room, where the President was sitting in a comfortable looking white chair. He rose to his feet when he saw the two enter the room and Peeta bowed low while Katniss swept into a curtsy that she was convinced she wouldn't be able to get back up from.

"President Snow, my wife, Katniss Mellark."

"Mrs. Mellark," the old man took her hand. She swallowed the desire to flinch and run away. "An honor."

"The honor is mine, I assure you, sir," she bowed her head.

"Yes, I can see why Captain Mellark is taken with you. You have been the talk of the party, Mrs. Mellark. I do hope the Captain passed on my sincerest apologies for last night."

"Oh...he did, sir, that's very-"

"It was reckless of my son," Snow waved his gloved hand. "But he was taken with you when he saw you enter the room and thought you would be a lovely addition to the show. Boys will be boys, after all. However, it has been dealt with and I do hope you can forget." Katniss was so disgusted she feared she would throw up if she opened her mouth. Luckily her husband, ever the wordsmith, came to her rescue.

"Your graciousness is much appreciated, President Snow. We thank you for your kind words. Neither Katniss nor I were harmed last night, and that's all that matters."

"I had planned on sending champagne and oysters to your room this evening but I was informed you switched rooms last night. Was there a problem?"

"Oh, unfortunately the hotel staff found an… infestation in our room and moved us immediately. I did not think to tell you because I didn't want to inconvenience you."

"My soldiers should be comfortable when they visit my home," the president said lightly. "Is your new room satisfactory?"

"It is, sir, thank you."

"Good. And how are you liking the Capitol, Mrs. Mellark?"

"Oh it's beautiful, sir. So much bigger and grander than I could have imagined. I'm grateful for the opportunity to experience this."

"As Captain, your husband now has freedom to choose where he will reside. You can stay in the Capitol, if you wish. 12 is not suitable for a soldier of his rank."

"General Duartyr just informed me of this tonight," Peeta said quickly, seeing the look on Katniss's face. "I planned to discuss it with my wife when we return to our room."

"Well. I won't keep you any longer, then. You two have much to discuss and I daresay, more interesting activities to be engaged in instead of talking to an old man." Snow chuckled and clapped Peeta's shoulder. Peeta willed his blush away but he could tell Katniss was confused.

"Good night, sir, and thank you again for the invitation."

"Have a pleasant evening, Captain Mellark. Mrs. Mellark." Katniss curtsied again as Snow retreated from the room and nearly fell into Peeta's arms.

"Easy," he said soothingly. "It's over. You did amazing."

"Can we leave now?"

"I need to find Minister Antonius and then yes, we can go." He squeezed her hand and lead her back to the ballroom. His eyes scanned the room but did not see the Minister. He sighed and decided he would try to contact him in the morning to ask about Darius.

"OK, let's get out of here." His hand rested on Katniss's back as he escorted her out. He caught Duarty'r eye before they left and the General winked. Peeta swallowed, nodded to his former Commander, and stepped out into the night air, breathing for what felt like the first time that evening.


Peeta held Katniss's hand the entire ride and she nearly jumped out of the car when it stopped in front of the hotel. She was impatient as he struggled to open their door, and she kicked the shoes off as soon as they entered. One of the heels made a loud THUD against the wall.

"Oops," she said though she looked like she didn't really care.

"I need to wash this stuff off," he shook his head. "How about a shower? Or we can take another bath, if you like?"

"That sounds nice. Let me get out of this dress."

"Need any help?" She nodded and turned, presenting him with her back. He lowered the zipper, his lips meeting her shoulder. She shivered as he pulled the dress down.

"You did amazing tonight," he whispered, moving her hair off her neck.

"And you're a Captain now. All I kept hearing was Captain Mellark over and over."

"I'll always be just Peeta, to you," he reminded her, nuzzling her cheek.

"The boy with the bread," she reminded him. He lifted his head and stared at her.

"Did you really think of me?" She turned to face him and he swallowed thickly. Her corset pushed her creamy breasts up and all he wanted to do right now was bury his face in them.

"I may not have realized it at first but yes, I thought of you. A lot. I hated myself for not thanking you when I had the chance. But now, I can thank you any time." He opened his mouth to say something but he let out a choked gasp as she fell to her knees and worked at his belt buckle.

"Ka-...Katniss, you don't need-"

"What I need, is you," she said, pulling his slacks down his hips and leaning in to kiss his toned stomach. "And I'm sorry it's taken me so long to realize it." He tried to speak but her smooth hand grasped him and pulled him from his underwear. His head dropped back, his mouth wide open.

"I love how fast you get turned on," she went on, studying his cock. His eyes went back to hers and they were soft and hazy. "We can just be talking but if I touch you, you're so hard immediately."

"It doesn't really take much, when you're involved," he said weakly.

"Really? You can just think of me and it… it happens?" He nodded, reaching down to stroke her shoulder.

"You were pretty much the star of every fantasy I had growing up," he confessed. "And like I said, they don't compare to the real thing." He released something between a gasp and a sob as her tongue touched him and he struggled to pull her to her feet.

"Katniss, if tonight is going to go where I think it might go, I can't have you doing that."

"I thought you liked it," she bit her lip.

"Like is an understatement. I lose all fucking control when you touch me. But I don't want tonight to end so quickly. Let's, um… let's take a shower and just… take it slow."

"I want to touch you, Peeta," she pouted. "Why are you wanting to take this slow? Aren't girls the ones who get all emotional about their first time and the guys are just ready to do it?"

"Not this guy," he shook his head. "Don't group me with those asshole Merchant boys who took Seam girls to the slag heap. I'm not like that and I'll never be like that. Excuse me for wanting to treat my girl… my wife, right." He bitterly remembered his first fight in school, when David Kavr was saying crude things about some of the girls in their class. When he started on Katniss, Peeta had lost it. He was afraid he would be suspended but he was signed up for wrestling not long afterwards. His mother, of course, had slapped him until his face was raw.

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I just… never thought about sex. I didn't have time to think about it. I thought it was dumb when I heard the girls talking about the slag heap. Why would someone willingly put themselves through that? But I want it… with you. I don't want you thinking it's not important to me." She blew out a breath and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm scared. Not just of it hurting but being vulnerable in front of you. In front of anyone, really, but you've… you've seen me at my worst."

"Which is why you shouldn't feel scared to be vulnerable with me," he said gently, cupping her chin. "We're vulnerable to each other. I've been more open with you than I ever have with anyone else. And I'll gladly expose every part of myself, if it means you can trust me to take care of you. In mind, body, and soul, I love you and everything you are, Katniss. As for the pain… I'll do everything I can to make it good for you. I've heard that… it can hurt the first time but we will go slow and I'll be gentle. And if you're not ready tonight, we'll wait."

"No," she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead to his. "I'm ready. I mean, if you were able to find something to protect us." His face fell and he mentally kicked himself. He had meant to go out earlier and find something. Katniss looked disappointed and bit her lip.

"Peeta… I can't. I can't risk it. I'm never having kids. I won't watch them attend a Reaping."

"Katniss," his teeth dug into his lip. "The contract does state that IF we have children, they're safe from the Reaping. Peacekeepers' children aren't eligible for the Hunger Games."

"That's only if the President doesn't change the rules. And even if they're not going into the Games, they're sent off for training to be a Peacekeeper!"

"That's nowhere near as bad as the Games."

"Really? Care to tell me about your training then?" He was silent and she nodded.

"That's what I thought."

"It's not that I don't want to tell you," he protested. "I've just...tried to block it from my memory."

"Everyone knows but me. I mean, I should know what happened to my own husband."

"The only people who know everything are my superiors. Not even Rye knows every detail."

"That's not the point, Peeta. I can't have kids. So unless you have something to keep that from happening, I guess we're waiting. Condoms are really hard to find in the district but I bet I can get some from the Hob."

"I can probably find some tomorrow," he sighed. "Why don't you go ahead and start the bath? I just need a minute." She nodded and dug some clothes out of her bag before disappearing into the bathroom. Huffing, Peeta glanced down and his eyes narrowed.

"I can ignore you, you know."

"What," she called from the bathroom.

"Nothing. Talking to myself!" He sighed as he pulled his bag toward him and lifted his clothes to find some clean underwear. His eyes widened at the little box at the bottom of his bag. His fingers shook as he emptied the box and stared at the contents. A note fell out of the box and he yanked it up.

Peet-

Madge's dad snuck these to us but we both feel that you could use them more. I hope the Capitol is treating you well, and your blue balls haven't killed you yet.

Peeta rolled his eyes but kept reading.

Whenever you do decide to use these, I know it will be the best night of your life. Because you've carried a torch for that girl for so long, they should give you a medal for patience.

Don't use them all at once! And remember, she may be sore after the first time. Ease her into it so you can enjoy it. Play with her a lot before you do the deed.

"For gods sake, Ryen," he said under his breath.

And remember to jerk off before you do, so you can last longer. Last thing you want is to be inside her for the first time and explode the first 30 seconds! Make it good for her. Leave her wanting more.

Madge is giving me a dirty look so I guess she knows what I'm writing. I'll see you when you get back, baby bro!

Rye

Peeta fingered one of the condoms and inhaled sharply. Their conversation had put a damper on things but he still wanted her. He was terrified of disappointing her but he was sure he could figure it out. Why had Madge and Rye decided he needed them more, though? He doubted they would abstain. He loved his brother but he definitely wasn't innocent, and he wasn't too sure about Madge either. Were they already sleeping together, so they didn't really care? Did Madge want children?

He shook the thoughts away, closing his hand around the package. Taking a deep breath, he shoved it in his pocket and grabbed his clothes. He could hear the running water and pictured the corset dropping around Katniss's feet. It only took a few seconds before he was hard again and he groaned.

"Seriously?" He tucked the clothes under his arm, closed his eyes and inhaled, before pushing the bathroom door open.