He wanted to burst out laughing at the sight. It definitely wasn't as graceful as he had envisioned. Katniss had one arm out and somehow, one arm under the corset. Her back was red and she looked like she was ready to cry.
"Help me," she said desperately.
"Come here," he said gently, setting his clothes on the toilet seat. He frowned at the corset, with its never ending stays and zippers. Katniss groaned and jumped up and down in place when he paused to inspect it closer.
"Ok, just hold on. What the hell is with this thing?"
"These Capitol people are crazy," she snapped. "I'm losing all feeling in my arm!"
"How did you- ok, let's try this." He was able to maneuver the material and slipped her arm free. Instead of dropping around her feet, he tugged the corset over her head and gently kissed the red marks it had left behind. She crossed her arm over her chest and hid her face in her hand.
"Ugh."
"Want me to help with the rest?" She didn't answer so he knelt to roll the stockings down her feet. Her underwear were tied together with tiny ribbons and he wet his lips as he glanced up at her. She was peeking through her hands, her wide eyes finding his. He fingered the bow and held her gaze.
"What do you want, Katniss?" He was letting her decide. She could tell him to take them off so she could get into the bath, or she could tell him to take them off with his teeth. He decided to let her choose, and if she chose the latter, he could ease them both back into the mood. He ran his palms up her shapely legs and he moved closer on his knees. He couldn't keep himself from leaning forward and kissing her stomach, above her panties. Her eyes fluttered closed and her tongue darted across her lips.
"Katniss," her eyes opened and he rested his chin against her stomach. "What do you want?"
"What do I-?"
"Do you want me to help you take these off so you can get into the bath?" Her mouth moved wordlessly.
"Do you want me to help you take these off so I can tongue-fuck you until you can't see straight?" Her knees buckled at his words. She swallowed as his fingers moved closer to the bow.
"Do you want to take these off yourself and I will leave you to shower alone?" He wrapped his arms around her waist and waited.
"What do you want," he said again.
"What do you want?"
"This isn't about me. And I don't think enough people ask you what you want. So I'm asking." She bit her lip as she watched him, her eyes steely with resignation.
"Take them off," she said in a husky tone.
He turned his attention to the bows at both sides and he gently pulled at one. Glancing up at her, he leaned forward and tugged at the other with his teeth. The material dropped to the floor and he was gazing right at her wet curls. He could smell her arousal and his cock twitched in his pants. His belt and slacks were still undone, and even though he had tucked himself back into his underwear, he knew there would be a spot of wet on his slacks. At least they were black, he reasoned.
He nuzzled at her inner thigh with his nose before tilting his face and sliding his tongue up her folds. She grabbed his hair, which made him twitch again. He lifted her leg and draped it over his shoulder, opening her up even more. His hands slid around to cup her ass, pushing her against his mouth. He swore she had pulled some of his hair out, the way she was gripping it in her fists and he moaned deeply, the vibrations making her throw her head back and scream. He reached into his slacks and closed his hand around his shaft, moaning again. Katniss bucked her hips, and he encouraged her to ride his mouth. He stiffened his tongue and thrust inside, feeling her inner walls actually clamp down around his tongue.
"Fuck you're glorious," he growled, squeezing himself even tighter. She lazily opened her eyes and lowered her leg. Her eyes narrowed at his hand in his pants and she scowled.
"So it's ok for you to touch yourself but not for me to touch you? How is that fair?"
"You want to touch me?" He pulled her hand down and covered it with his own.
"I've said that several times, haven't I?"
"Then touch me. Take what you want."
"I want… I want you to stroke yourself." His brow quirked and he was even more confused when she settled herself on the toilet seat. She draped one leg over the other and crossed her arms.
"Show me, Peeta. Just pretend I'm not here. That you're at home thinking about me. I want to watch." He stared at her, swallowing, before he tugged his pants and underwear down and threw them aside. He sat in front of her, his legs stretched out in front of him, and he licked his palm before he wrapped his hand around himself again. It took him a moment, before he felt comfortable enough to proceed. After all, as familiar as he was with this particular act, having someone else's eyes on him during the act was brand new. He glanced up at her, his teeth digging into his lip, before he closed his eyes. Whether she was in his thoughts or right in front of him, Katniss was always there.
He started out slow, every now and again squeezing his balls before moving back up to twist around the angry looking head. Katniss watched with rapt fascination. Peeta's boyish blush made her love it all the more, her eyes locked on his closed fist. His eyes were squeezed shut, his face screwed up in what could be pain but she knew it was pleasure that made him moan like that. She wanted to watch but she also wanted to be the one to bring him to paradise. She dropped to her knees, pushing his hand away and taking him deep in her throat.
"Oh my fuck," he cried out, his fingers digging into the bath mat. "Katniss! Shit, I'm going to-!" She sucked hard and felt his salty release on her tongue. He spent more than he usually did and she pulled her mouth off of him, squeezing her eyes shut when she felt wet on her face. He threw his hand back to catch himself from falling backwards, his other hand covering himself.
"Shit, I'm so sorry Katniss. Here." He pulled a towel from the rack and hastily wiped at her face.
"It's fine, Peeta."
"Oh my god, I can't move. You are incredible, you know that?"
"So you keep telling me."
"I'll keep telling you until you believe me." He rubbed his face with his hand and sighed. "The water's probably cold now. Let me empty it and we can run some more hot water." She was about to protest that it would be fine but she tingled all over and had to admit, a hot bath sounded wonderful. She went to the mirror and started pulling at the long eyelashes as Peeta refilled the tub with steaming water. He appeared behind her as she was wiping the make up from her eyes.
"My girl on fire," he said softly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I actually like the sound of that."
"I thought the dress would burst into flame every time I moved," she shook her head. "And I don't think this red will just wash out of my hair."
"We can wash it a couple of times. Come here," he tugged her hand and pulled her into the bathtub. She sat in front of him, scooting to the side so her back was to the cold wall and not against him.
"What are you doing," he laughed as she winced at the cold tile.
"I don't want to hurt your… I don't want to crush you."
"Get over here," he pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on her shoulder. He gently washed her with a cloth and she closed her eyes as he cupped his hand and allowed hot water to drip down her neck. His lips followed and she shivered, despite the heat.
"It's getting late," he mumbled against her skin. "Do you want to head to bed soon?"
"Let me get these stupid things off of you first," she laughed, twisting around to peel the jewels from his face.
"Ow. Thanks."
"Do not say 'ow' until you wear one of those things," she pointed at the corset in disgust. He snorted.
"Since I don't plan on ever wearing one, I concede. Damn, you still have marks all over you." His fingers gently traced the markings the corset had left on her shoulders and back.
"I think you're wearing more makeup than I was," she picked up the cloth and gently stroked his face. He closed his eyes and allowed her to wash him, sighing when she ran her fingers through his hair. She quietly moved to the side and repositioned him so that she could wash his hair. She secretly loved to do this for him. The strands were like spun gold beneath her fingertips, and she didn't miss how he released breathy sighs as her fingernails scratched his scalp.
"Let's rinse it." She pulled at the adjustable shower and covered his eyes as she rinsed the suds. Peeta took his turn, gently lathering the shampoo into her hair and rinsing it away. It took three washes but he let out a triumphant cry as the last of the red washed down the drain.
"Good thing too because I think we're running out of hot water." He hurriedly shut it off and grabbed a towel for her. She stepped out and was met with a burst of warm air.
"I forgot to bring in clothes. You need me to bring yours?"
"I brought mine in with me," he nodded to his clothes on the sink. She wrapped the towel around her and stepped into the bedroom. Her bag was next to his on the bed and she pulled it toward her, digging through. Her eyes fell to the little box beside his bag and her jaw dropped. She glanced over her shoulder to see if he was out of the bathroom yet, and turned back to the condoms. He had gotten some. Why had he lied? Had he changed his mind? Was he not ready? She'd been so consumed with thoughts of being ready, she hadn't stopped to consider that he might not be. She bit her lip and heard his loud footsteps entering the room. She pulled her panties on and slipped into a gown Madge had given her. It was silky smooth, and her favorite shade of green. It stopped right above her knees but she loved the way it felt against her warm skin. She glanced at the box of condoms again before walked around and climbed onto the other side of the bed. Peeta let out a contented sigh as he stuffed his dirty clothes into his bag. Katniss watched him from the corner of her eye to see what he would do with the condoms. It took a moment before he noticed them and he seemed to be anxiously deciding how to react. He cleared his throat and stuffed them into his bag, along with a piece of paper that was underneath it.
"You ok?" She crossed her arms over her chest.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just wondering when we can go home. I didn't really ask Thread or Duartyr tonight. And I know you're anxious to get back to Prim."
"So are they making you move to another district?" He sighed, looking pained, as he tossed the bag onto the floor.
"Tomorrow I'm going to try to have a private conversation with General Duartyr. I felt like he was trying to tell me something but couldn't, with Thread there."
"I thought he and Thread were on the same side."
"It's… complicated," Peeta shook his head as he massaged the back of his neck. "Duartyr is more…"
"Trustworthy?"
"I was going to say just. Duartyr doesn't abuse his power, like a lot of higher ranking Peacekeepers. He is loyal to Panem but he doesn't lord over the districts. The citizens of 2 considered themselves lucky when he was their commander. I'm not exactly sure of where he came from but he replaced my first commander and he… well, he helped me a lot. He took a liking to me, I guess, and took me under his wing." Peeta knelt on the bed and rubbed his knees. He looked anxious and he reached for Katniss's hand.
"Katniss, my training in 2… it wasn't normal. Commander Haemon had some sort of grudge against me from the moment he laid eyes on me."
"Haemon? That Colonel that spoke to you last night?"
"The same." Katniss remembered how pale and terrified Peeta looked when the man addressed him.
"What did he do to you?"
"He tortured me. It was… a method that was still new to the Capitol. He claimed that as I came from 12, I needed more conditioning. That I needed to forget about my past and where I'd come from."
"But how did he think he could make you forget?" Peeta swallowed and squeezed his eyes shut. Katniss could see how he started to shake, his fingers trembling in hers. She lay her other hand on top of his and tugged him closer.
"Never mind. You can tell me when you're ready." He gave her a weak smile and pulled her into his arms. He lay his cheek against her hair and closed his eyes. She was so small in his grasp, so delicate. He was terrified if she knew the truth about him, she would run far away.
"So you were saying," she gently pulled away. "Before we started talking about your former commander. You were saying something about General Duartyr."
"Yeah. Well, tonight when we were discussing my promotion, Thread was the one who said I couldn't stay in 12. Duartyr was trying to stress that it would be good for everyone if we moved out of 12. I didn't quite understand it."
"But my family-"
"Can come with us," he said gently. "If we have to move, Thread said your mother and Prim can come with us. I'd be claiming responsibility for all three of you, which I'm fine with. If that's what you want."
Claiming responsibility. She doubted Peeta understood when he had wanted to marry her all of these years that she came with such baggage. It made her sound like a burden.
"Snow said the same thing. It sounds like you don't have a choice, Peeta."
"High ranking Peacekeepers reside around the Capitol, 1 and 2. Sometimes 4 as well. The way Finnick was talking, I think I'd love to go to 4."
"But your family. The bakery. Your brother and Madge. You can just...leave them?"
"I don't want to, Katniss. But this promotion… I don't know what it means just yet. I need to follow the rules, for now at least. All of us do." He flipped the covers and slid under them, propping his back against the pillow.
"I think you'd like 2. It's really beautiful."
"So… if we move to 2 with you, what will happen after that?" He frowned, sitting up to wrap his arms around his knees.
"What do you mean?"
"What happens to my family and me when the contract is up?" Peeta stiffened and his eyes flew back to her. It was the first time in what felt like ages that either of them had mentioned the contract. That damned piece of paper haunted his dreams. They had left it open ended so that it could be extended if they wanted but five years was all it took, and then she was free to go. Peeta's heart ached.
Told you, came that nasty voice in his head. She's just putting up with you for the contract. She's using you. She'll never love you.
Stop it, he told himself, shaking his head. Katniss didn't notice the pained expression on his face as her eyes were lowered to the blanket. His fingernails dug into his palms.
You're a monster. You're a Capitol mutt. They turned you into something that doesn't deserve love. You don't deserve her.
"Please," he whispered, squeezing his eyes closed. Katniss looked back at him and her eyes widened.
"Peeta, what's wrong?" His hands were pressed to the sides of his head and he was trembling all over.
You could end it. Teach her a lesson. Kill her.
"NO! Leave me alone!" She shrank back, her hand extended toward him. He hit himself in the head and she gaped in terror.
"Peeta, please! Tell me how to help you!" He shook his head and curled into himself, his knees tucked to his chest like a small child. He hid his face and she could hear his whimpers. She wanted to run. Find a place to hide and forget everything. She wanted to run to her woods, where she could climb a tree and never come down. Perhaps she would sprout feathers and grow wings. She would become a magnificent bird and would fly far away from District 12. From Panem. She would disappear into the Wilds and would forget all she had left behind.
No she wouldn't. Bird or human, she would never forget Prim. And Peeta was so deeply lodged into her heart that she knew she would never be able to leave him. Even when those five years were up, she would find a place near him so she could see him every day. Or she would extend the contract; keep extending it until their deaths.
So stupid, she scolded herself. Why did you have to bring up that stupid contract?
She loved him. She knew it but she didn't know how to tell him. Just open your mouth and hope the words come out, she pleaded to herself. He deserves to know! He deserves to hear. He deserves everything!
"Peeta…" she watched him rocking back and forth, feeling helpless.
Deep in the meadow, under the willow.
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow.
Lay down your head, and close your eyes.
And when they open, the sun will rise.
The lyrics drifted from her mouth without her realizing it at first. Peeta loved her singing. He had told her that her voice had taken him away to a different time and place. She needed him back here with her. She needed to save him from whatever dark place he was in right now. She moved closer, reaching out to touch his shoulder.
Here it's safe, and here it's warm.
Here the daisies guard you from every harm.
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true.
Peeta sniffled but didn't lift his head. She moved around behind him and wrapped her arms around his solid frame. She buried her face in his shirt and inhaled his smell. She gently lifted his head so she could sing in his ear.
Here is the place where I love you.
She kissed his temple, and pushed his curls back out of his face. He was stiff but started to relax under her caresses. This was the lullaby she always sang to Prim. It was the lullaby she remembered her father singing to her when she was just a baby in his arms.
Deep in the meadow, hidden far away.
A cloak of green, a moon beam ray.
Forget your woes, and let your troubles lay.
And when again it's morning, they'll wash away.
Peeta dropped his head back onto her shoulder and she tightened her hold on him. His adam's apple bobbed and she tenderly wiped his tears away.
Here it's safe, and here it's warm.
Here the daisies guard you from every harm.
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true.
Here is the place where I love you.
She finished the song with a tender kiss to his jaw. He swallowed again and turned his head. The tension had flowed out of him, as his body curled into hers. She pulled the pillow down so he could rest his head comfortably and he inhaled deeply, shuddering while he exhaled the way one does when one has had a good, long, exhausting cry. Katniss reached back to turn the light off and settled her head beside his. She gently stroked his cheek and smiled. He really was beautiful. His lashes fluttered in the dark and he seemed to have fallen asleep. Katniss tucked her head under his chin and grasped his hand under the blanket.
"Where I love you," she whispered as her exhaustion took over.
Peeta's body ached when he woke up, though he didn't altogether understand why. Katniss was turned on her side, though practically on top of him. She hadn't occupied her side of the bed at all, he could tell. They had obviously fallen asleep in each other's arms because his arm was trapped underneath her and her leg was tucked under his. The urge to use the bathroom was getting stronger and he gently disentangled himself before rolling to the other side of the bed so not to wake her. He hurried into the bathroom and shut the door.
After washing his hands, he glanced in the mirror and grimaced. What the hell had happened last night? He looked a mess!
We didn't… have sex last night. There's no way. His face screwed up as he tried to remember. No, he was fairly certain he would remember if that had happened!
He glanced at his hands and saw bloody marks where he had dug his nails into his flesh. The last time he had done that…
His eyes widened in realization and he covered his face. Katniss singing. He remembered her song as she held him.
"You're pathetic," he told his reflection. "You're a Peacekeeper and a Captain at that. What has Mom always told you? Boys aren't supposed to cry. They're supposed to fight through their feelings." Even as he said it, his nose wrinkled in disgust. He remembered his mother standing over him when he had burned himself on the oven and had run to her with tears in his eyes. She snapped at him that boys didn't cry.
"When I have a child, I will only show him or her patience and love and understanding. I'll hold them to my chest and let them cry." He winced as he realized what he had said. Katniss had made her feelings about children clear. The only way he would have a child was if it was with someone other than Katniss.
And he wouldn't allow himself to think about that.
He gasped as he remembered the box of condoms that Rye had sent with him and wondered if Katniss had seen them before he'd shoved them into his bag.
Deciding he couldn't stall any longer, he opened the bathroom door and stepped out. Katniss was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling. She lifted her head when he approached the bed and she raised a brow.
"Hi," he said uncertainly.
"Hi."
"Um. Did you sleep alright?"
"Yeah. Good. You?"
"Me too, I mean yeah, good." She nodded and leaned back against the bed. He blew out a breath and ran a hand through his messy hair.
"Katniss, about last night-"
"You don't need to be embarrassed, Peeta. I sometimes have panic attacks too."
"Um… what?"
"I assume that's what was happening to you. I mean, you didn't seem to know where you were and when I started to sing to you, you sort of collapsed into my arms."
"I… that's not… I mean…" he groaned in frustration and Katniss frowned, bemused.
"That's not what I was referring to," he shook his head. "I know you saw the box on the bed."
"You mean the box of condoms that you didn't have when I asked?" He huffed as she sat up straighter.
"You can just tell me if you're not ready, Peeta. I thought we agreed not to lie to each other."
"I didn't lie! I mean, I don't know if I'm… ok, let me start over. I didn't lie to you. I didn't go out and buy them. But when I was looking through my bag, I found them at
the bottom. Rye and Madge gave them to us."
"They're a newly married couple too," she said, her brow furrowing even more. "Why would they give those up?"
"I prefer not to think about it, to be honest. I just wanted you to know that I didn't lie about having them… I mean, when I found them, we weren't really… in the mood anymore and I didn't want to bring it up. But I'm pretty sure you saw them and we got onto other, more serious topics and I just… didn't want you to get the wrong impression." She nodded, playing with her hands in her lap. She had gotten the wrong impression, after all. She'd seen them and automatically assumed he had changed his mind. She knew she needed to start talking to him before reacting. They both needed to communicate better.
"So do you think we can go home today?"
"Not likely today but maybe tomorrow. I need to contact the Minister today to discuss Darius. It troubles me that we haven't seen either him or Rosalie this entire trip." And just like that, last night was put out of both of their minds. Katniss jumped up and dressed quickly while Peeta brushed his teeth and changed into a nice pair of blue slacks and a black button up shirt. He rolled the sleeves up his arms a little and Katniss's eyes locked on his arms.
"Want me to order some breakfast while you contact the Minister?"
"That would be great, thank you," he nodded gratefully. She grabbed the menu and went into the living room where there was another phone to use. When she returned, Peeta was speaking in a low voice.
"Yes, I understand. Yes, that's preferable. Good. I'll see to the arrangements. We did meet with him last night. Yes sir. Alright, yes please pass on the message. I'll be there shortly. Thank you sir." He hung up and Katniss cocked her head.
"Did you get a hold of him?"
"General Duartyr is meeting with him and said for me to come on over when we finish with breakfast. I would prefer if you weren't there, though. Whatever fascination the Minister has with you bothers me. So I want to keep you as far away from him as I can. I'll meet you somewhere afterward, if you like."
"I'll just stay here," she waved around the room. "Find something to do."
"I won't be long," he assured her but was interrupted by a knock at the door. The Avox bowed low as he rolled a cart in and Peeta thanked him quietly.
"It's awful that they're all servants to the Capitol," she shook her head as she picked up a piece of fruit.
"Some jobs are worse than others. I think working in a hotel is much better than being in the sewers."
"They make people work underground?" She thought of her father and all of the miners, who had to travel deep underground for their work.
"Some of them do," he nodded, tearing off a piece of croissant and dipping it into his hot chocolate. "Avoxes are common in the Capitol. They fill all sorts of jobs."
"Have you seen Jacobson while we've been here?" He choked on his bite and she hastily passed him a glass of water.
"Sorry. That was dumb to ask."
"No," he gasped, his eyes watering. "It wasn't dumb. Yes, I saw him. Last night."
"What?"
"He was a servant at the party. I don't think Thread recognized him, although he definitely recognized us."
"That's terrible. Did you say anything to him?"
"I didn't really have time. Thread dragged me away to be promoted. I didn't see him after that." He had briefly entertained the thought that Jacobson had been placed there just to shake him but he had dismissed the thought. Jacobson was an Avox. A servant to the Capitol, and to Snow. It wasn't unusual that he was placed at the party of the year.
"I'd better get going," he stood and leaned over to kiss her. He still felt awkward from the night before and his lips landed on her forehead.
"I'll be back soon."
"Be sa-" she stopped, whirling around at the sound of the phone. Peeta frowned and went to answer it. His brow furrowed even deeper as he lowered the phone from his ear.
"It's for you." She looked puzzled as she accepted the phone from him.
"Hello?"
"Good morning Katniss. This is Cinna."
"Oh… hi."
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No, you're not," Katniss glanced over at Peeta, who was watching with his arms crossed over his chest. "Um, what can I… do for you?"
"I'm calling to invite you and Peeta on a hike. My friend and I try to drive out of the city every week and hike to this waterfall. It's really beautiful and I thought you would enjoy it. Would you like to join us?" She didn't really want to stay locked in the hotel room while Peeta attended his meeting so she glanced over at him and asked Cinna to hold on for a moment. Peeta's brow quirked.
"He invited me to go hiking with him."
"Did he?"
"Well, he invited both of us but you have your meeting. It would give me something to do while you're at the Minister's. If you don't mind." Peeta's jaw twitched unpleasantly.
"I'd feel better if you just stayed here." Katniss's face darkened.
"And I'd feel better outside. I'm not something to be kept locked up."
"Of course you're not, but if-"
"Yes Cinna, I'd love to come with you and your friend," she said into the phone. Peeta inhaled sharply.
"Wonderful. We will pick you up at your hotel in half an hour. Dress warmly. It's a bit chilly near the mountains."
"Alright, thank you. I'll see you soon." She hung up and turned to face her husband, tilting her chin defiantly as if to challenge him.
"I don't think this is such a good idea," he said quietly.
"I will be with Cinna and his friend. I'll be fine."
"Katniss-" He cut off, looking irritated at the knock that interrupted him. He stomped to the door and threw it open.
"Haymitch," he nodded stiffly.
"Morning to you too. I wanted to see if you'd found anything out about Darius yet."
"I'm meeting with General Duartyr and Minister Antonius shortly. I'll inform you of what I find out." Haymitch's brow raised and he glanced over at Katniss, then back to Peeta.
"I was able to make arrangements for our trip home. We leave the day after tomorrow."
"Splendid. We're both ready to return to 12."
"Are you taking sweetheart out for any fun plans today?"
"I have a meeting," Peeta said in a clipped voice. "And Katniss has made alternative arrangements to spend time with her… friend." Katniss scowled and Haymitch looked like he was trying not to laugh.
"Alright, well, I'm off to have lunch with some of the Victors before they leave. Cecilia and Porter are headed home this afternoon. You both are welcome to join us for dinner tonight, if you like."
"That will depend on when Katniss's venture ends. I'm not altogether comfortable with her leaving the city with another man but clearly my opinion makes no difference to her."
"Oh, grow up, Peeta," she snapped as she stormed past him. Peeta glared at her retreating back, his fingers tightening on the door. Haymitch shook his head.
"Brr. You two have a lot of warming up to do before showtime." Peeta's scowl rivaled his wife's.
"What is that supposed to mean," he snapped.
"President Snow has asked to meet with some of the Victors tomorrow morning. Several Peacekeepers are included in that meeting." Peeta paled immediately.
"Meaning me."
"And the Captain's wife as well," Haymitch nodded. Peeta rubbed his face furiously.
"We just want to go home, Haymitch. We want this to be over!" Haymitch entered the room and shut the door behind him.
"Soon, kid. Soon."
"Not soon enough," Peeta muttered. "Fine. Breakfast with the President and then I somehow need to convince my wife to spend time with me instead of with Cinna."
"Cinna? That's who she's spending the day with?" For some reason, Haymitch looked amused and it didn't make Peeta feel any better.
"What is the problem, Haymitch?"
"I could ask you the same thing. Peeta, you're not actually jealous, are you?"
"He's a stranger to us. And he is a bit more familiar with her than I am comfortable with."
"She needs a friend," the Victor shook his head. "And you don't have anything to be jealous about. Nothing will happen between your wife and Cinna."
"That's what Portia said too but she left out the why."
"Why doesn't matter," Haymitch growled. "You should trust your wife."
"I do trust her. I just know how Capitol men can be, and am feeling very protective of her after everything we have seen the past few days."
"I'm sure Cinna will tell Katniss… never mind. Just don't worry so much, kid. She'll be fine. Being out in the fresh air will do her some good. She's a wood sprite, like her father was."
"You mean they're illegal hunters."
"No, I mean they come alive outside. I watched Ash literally bloom into a different person the first time he took me beyond the fence. Maybe Katniss will take you in there one day."
"I'm a Peacekeeper. I can't be seen beyond the fence. And I've forbidden her from going there anymore."
"Yeah, good luck with that," Haymitch chuckled. "Kind of like Ash being caught and whipped. He was back in the woods as soon as he was healed. Course he was lucky he wasn't caught with any game or his bow. It would have been so much worse. But my point is, she's his daughter and you can't change her. She's spent most of her life out in those woods. The Capitol isn't the same, by any means, but it will be good for her. Cinna and Chase will take care of her, don't worry."
"Who is Chase?"
"A friend of Cinna's," he said dismissively but Peeta's eyes narrowed at Haymitch's tone. "Anyway, I need to get going. Be careful at the Minister's today. Find out what you can about Darius but be discreet. Whatever you do, don't draw too much attention to yourself. It wouldn't do for Antonius to be suspicious of you when we're so close."
"You didn't tell me Haemon would be here," Peeta said accusingly.
"I didn't know. Honest I didn't Peeta. And are you ever going to tell me what they did to you in 2?"
"No," he said curtly. "Are you ever going to tell me about your Hunger Games?"
"Touche kid. I'll see you later then." Peeta nodded as he opened the door for Haymitch to slip out of. He noticed something glittering on the floor, and stooped to pick it up. It was the mockingjay pin that Katniss had been wearing the night before. He had forgotten it was in his pocket, and it must have fallen out when he had discarded his pants. He pocketed the pin, slipped his room key in next to it, and sighed heavily as he made his way outside to request a car.
"The Minister of Defense's mansion, please," he told the driver unsmilingly. He withdrew the pin from his pocket and fingered the gold, not paying attention to the city racing by.
I know everyone is anxious for *THAT* chapter, but there's obviously more going on in Peeta's mind than we thought. Rest assured, it will happen soon. The sexual tension can be sliced with a knife right now. Thanks for all of the sweet messages this past week! It was a wonderful birthday and I'm grateful to such amazing fans who take the time out of their day to message me! XOXOXOX
