This was a fun chapter to write, because of revelations for both parties :) Hope you enjoy! I did finish writing *THAT* chapter last night and am very happy with how it came out... hope you all have a great week!

XOXO


Katniss felt slightly awkward sitting between two strange men while they chatted happily and sang loudly to whatever song the driver chose. She had never heard such loud, strange music and she had paused before she had climbed into the back seat.

"Hey Remy, change the station, will you," Cinna said cheerfully. The driver leaned forward to press a button and the song changed. Katniss's head spun.

"You ok, Katniss?"

"I've never heard music like this before," she said softly.

"You don't have music in the districts?" The other boy, Chase, Cinna had introduced him as, asked with wide eyes.

"We do but not like this. We play instruments and we sing. And that's only at celebrations. Other kinds of music is forbidden."

"What? That's insane," Chase shook his head, his blue-streaked hair falling into his eyes. "Ok, time for snacks."

"We just got out of the Capitol," Cinna said in exasperation. "You're going to eat our whole picnic!"

"No I won't. Just the cookies that Mom made. Oh my god, they're still warm! Here Katniss, have one." He stuffed a cookie into her hands before she could protest. She tried to imagine the look on Peeta's face if he saw her eating baked goods from anywhere other than Mellark Bakery and she stifled a grin. She took a small bite and closed her eyes.

"Good huh?"

"Your mom bakes?"

"Runs a pastry shop in the center of town. Of course it devastated her when I said I didn't want to be a baker."

"Her husband is a baker," Cinna said, accepting a cookie as well. "Isn't that right, Katniss?"

"His family owns the bakery but he doesn't have much time for it anymore, since he became a Peacekeeper."

"That's a shame. The world needs less fighting and more sweet things."

"They're Peacekeepers, Cinna. They keep the peace," Chase said pointedly.

"Where would you like me to drop you off, Mr. Laurent?"

"The usual spot is fine, Remy. Just up here." Katniss had never heard Cinna's last name before. She wasn't even sure he had one. The car slowed and Chase jumped out. Cinna held out his hand to help Katniss and he shouldered his backpack as he straightened up.

"It's a beautiful day." Katniss agreed, though she wished she had brought a heavier jacket. They were up in the mountains, which meant it would get colder. Cinna saw her shiver and he cleared his throat as the car pulled away.

"Chase, get that jacket out of your backpack, please." Chase knelt to open his pack and withdrew a beige jacket. Cinna handed it to Katniss with a smile.

"It looks light but I lined it with fleece and sewed on pockets so you can keep your hands warm." Katniss pulled it on and gave him a grateful smile.

"He's a genius when it comes to clothes, isn't he," Chase said fondly, reaching over to squeeze Cinna's hand. They didn't let go and Katniss stared at their joined hands. Cinna chuckled when she noticed her staring.

"I wasn't sure if you had figured it out yet, Katniss. I'm gay."

"She couldn't possibly think you're straight," Chase muttered, hugging him from behind.

"Hush," Cinna said, squeezing Chase's hand. "Chase and I have been dating for about a year but his mom refuses to acknowledge that he is gay. Likewise, my grandfather is from the districts and definitely doesn't approve. Most of the time, we have to sneak around. That's why we drive out of town every week." Cinna

stepped away from Chase and toward Katniss.

"If it makes you uncomfortable, just tell us and we will be discreet today. We're not offended." Katniss swallowed thickly. Homosexuality was frowned upon in the districts but not altogether forbidden. Here in the Capitol, it seemed to be more common. She had seen a few same sex couples the day that she and Peeta had explored the city. And she'd seen several Victors of the same sex, kissing at the mansion. But she felt like she knew Cinna now. They had shared secrets, he had made her laugh and most of all, he made her feel comfortable.

And here he was, asking if her if she was comfortable with this when it was his day to be with his boyfriend.

"This wasn't a good idea, Cinna. She's totally freaked."

"No," she stepped forward and shook her head. "No, I'm not. Who am I to judge you and say you're wrong for loving who you love? This is your day together. Please don't let me distract you from each other. You obviously care very much about each other." Chase stepped forward and took Cinna's hand again. Cinna gave her a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Katniss." She nodded and smiled.

"So, where is this waterfall you want to show me?"


It was a beautiful day and Katniss found herself wishing Peeta had joined them. She wasn't sure what he would have said about Cinna and Chase, but Peeta was more understanding and more patient than anyone else she'd ever met. She couldn't imagine he would have a problem with it. She grinned as Chase snuck a kiss every now and then, when they thought she wasn't looking. The forest was tranquil and the views were incredible. Katniss closed her eyes and allowed the wind to surround her, breathing in the scent of pine.

Chase was apparently a very accomplished photographer, and had brought his camera on the hike. They stopped often so he could take pictures of some kind of plant or tree. Katniss felt like she could melt into the fauna and stay there all day. It wasn't her woods back home but it was beautiful.

Chase took pictures of them in front of the waterfall, then turned the camera around and held it out in front of him to take a picture of the three of them together. Katniss found herself giggling and smiling broadly between the two men.

"So tell us more about your man, Katniss," Chase said teasingly as they stretched out on the picnic blanket, rubbing their full stomachs.

"What do you want to know?"

"How big is he?"

"Oh my god, Chase!" Cinna covered his face. "Sorry Katniss. I can't take him anywhere."

"Sure you can," Chase leaned over and pressed his lips to Cinna's. "You know you love me."

"Try another question," Cinna shook his head.

"OK fine. How is he in bed?" Cinna held out his hands as if to say "I wipe my hands of him".

"Try another question, Chase," Katniss said, leaning back on her hands. Cinna smirked at his boyfriend.

"Tough crowd. Ok. What do you want to be when you grow up?"

"When I grow up?"

"Yeah, I mean, I take it you're finished with school. What do teenagers do in the districts when they're out of school and old enough to live on their own? I studied photography and became an apprentice when I finished school. I'd like to be a photojournalist. What about you?" Cinna watched her with a kind smile while Katniss pondered the question.

"We don't really have many choices in 12," she finally said. "The Seam people, that's where I grew up, mostly become coal miners. The Merchant kids, that's where Peeta grew up, they become apprentices in a shop or eventually shop-owners. Peeta would probably have taken over his family's bakery. I would have worked in the

mines. There's not a lot of options for us."

"That's horrible," Chase said, shaking his head. "One reason I want to become a photojournalist is so that I can travel around to the districts and show the truth. Everyone says 10, 11, 12 are happy with the way things are but I want to show the poverty and the terrible living conditions. I want Panem to see the truth." Huh. Maybe not all Capitol people are the same, she decided.

"I told you, not everyone thinks like the government thinks," Cinna said, reading her thoughts.

"Hell no," Chase wrinkled his nose. "I can't wait to see a different Panem one day."

"You think it will really happen?" Chase glanced at her with a raised brow.

"You don't? I thought you were-"

"Tired of the way things are," Cinna said hastily. Katniss frowned between the boys.

"I am but I also don't see things really changing. We have been slaughtering children for the amusement of the Capitol for 77 years. Don't you think if something were going to change, it would have already?"

"Anything worth fighting for takes time," Chase shrugged. "There was a time when it was it was perfectly acceptable to walk right up to a gay person on the street and beat the shit out of them. I'm not saying things are perfect for us now but people don't kill us for it anymore. That justice was fought for for many many years, long before Panem was even thought of. Times are changing, Katniss, and all of us will have to decide if the risk is worth it."

"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about."

"You will," he assured her. "Eventually. Baby, pass me a biscuit."

"You've had three already," Cinna said but he threw the tin of biscuits into Chase's lap. Chase grinned and winked at him.

"I know you like these love-handles I'm getting." He squeezed his side, which really wasn't much there anyway, Katniss thought. Cinna scooted closer to his boyfriend and their fingers entwined.

"Can I ask you guys a question?" They both nodded.

"You're, what, in your 30's? Why are you hiding who you are? Aren't you independent adults? Why care what other people think?" Cinna and Chase exchanged looks and looked sad for some reason.

"I guess you're right. We don't need anyone's approval...but we would like it."

"My mom just likes to pretend that I will settle down with a nice girl eventually."

"And my grandfather is so old fashioned, he yelled at me how wrong it was and how unnatural it was. After that, I didn't really want to talk to him about it anymore. As much as I want to hold Chase's hand in front of my grandfather, I know he doesn't have a lot of time left. I want his memory of me to be untainted and my memory of him be the same as it always was. He raised me. We lived in the districts together, then we adapted to the Capitol together. I don't want him to see someone different when he looks at me, and have the time we have left together be strained. As selfish as that makes me."

"It doesn't make you selfish," Katniss protested. "It makes you a loving grandson who doesn't want to hurt his grandfather. I think you're both very brave."

"Cinna clued me in to your new nickname," Chase winked at her. "Girl on Fire. After meeting you, I can understand why he gave it to you. You have a fire inside you,

Katniss, and I think you're going to change the world with it."

"I'm just a girl from the poorest part of District 12. What could I do to change things?"

"You'd be surprised. The Victors are quite intrigued with you. I was doing Cecilia's hair this morning and she mentioned how brave you are." Katniss was stunned. How could a Hunger Games Victor call her brave?

"You might just be the spark that the country needs," Chase said softly, his green eyes glowing.

"Ok, with no mention of his...sexual prowess," Cinna shot Chase a warning look, "tell us a little bit about your husband."

"I'm still getting to know him, to be honest," she said slowly. "We knew each other when we were children but we barely spoke. And then before he turned 16, he was kidnapped and taken to 2 to become a Peacekeeper. He only returned to the district a few weeks ago. And we were married. We're still strangers, in many ways."

"Was it an arranged marriage," Cinna asked gently.

"No. Well, not technically." She quietly explained everything. Her sister's illness, her agreement to become a Peacekeeper's wife, her brief but terrible time with Cray, and Peeta's brother and then Peeta himself, coming to her rescue. But then she was telling them more. She told them her fear of becoming a wife, the anxious realization that Peeta had changed, the slowly growing intimacy between the two of them, the night before when Peeta had seemed to withdraw into himself for a moment. She told them of what she had heard Haymitch telling Peeta, what had happened at the President's mansion the past several nights, how she had almost been violated by Finnick Odair. Chase winced.

"Poor Finnick."

"You know him?"

"Not very well. I know his… I know Annie Cresta a little better. I did a project with her when she won her Games. I know how much Finnick loves her."

"He's Snow's slave, isn't he?"

"Most of the Victors are," Cinna nodded sadly. "If you're considered desirable, you're sold. Some manage to escape it. Cecilia acquired a scar in her games. Not terribly evident but enough to keep from being requested. She eventually moved back home and married her childhood sweetheart. They have two children, with one more on the way, I believe. And Porter… he let himself go so badly after the Games that no one requested him. He was too skinny and sickly looking, and he didn't stop with the drugs. Finnick, Johanna, Gloss, and Cashmere are the most requested. The others come to the Capitol during the summer season and are offered up from time to time, but mostly it's those four."

"Disgusting," Chase snapped a twig in his hands. Cinna reached over and squeezed his hand.

"I think Peeta was supposed to be Aurelia Snow's birthday gift," she said, her eyes locked on the blanket. Cinna glanced sideways and sighed.

"I wasn't sure but I heard rumors."

"He didn't tell me, but I was thinking about it all night and put two and two together. How the Victors were acting, talking about a list and how Peeta and I were on it. Snow wanted to see him before dinner, and when he came back, he was as white as a sheet. He was going to give Peeta to her, wasn't he?"

"I don't know for certain, Katniss, but it wouldn't surprise me. See, it's traditional for girls to lose their virginity to a high-ranking official of certain wealth and stature. Higher up's prefer them to do it when they turn 16. Snow wanted to let his granddaughter choose, so that's why he invited all of the Victors to the mansion. Even the ones who have long been out of the program. I'd heard he added you and Peeta and a few more random Peacekeepers to the list. But I don't know what happened. Young Miss Snow was seen with Caspian Underthorn, the winner of this year's Games."

"I wonder what Peeta said to make him change his mind," she replied, trying not to think about the Capitol's sickening traditions.

"I don't know but I'm glad he did." Katniss nodded in agreement.

"It's starting to get late. We should get back so Peeta doesn't worry about you."

"I'm sure he's worrying anyway. I told him I would be fine with you two but he was still upset that I left."

"He's just being protective, Katniss. After all that's happened, who could blame him? I hope you didn't give him too hard a time." She bit her lip. She had been slightly childish, just leaving like that. She knew Peeta didn't want her to go but she hadn't stopped to think why. It wasn't that he was jealous (was he?). She had literally been dragged away from him in a Capitol party the other night and he had been powerless to help her. How would he feel now, waiting for her to return?

"Ugh, I need to apologize to him."

"There's plenty of ways to say you're sorry," Chase said with a wink.

"Chase, really," Cinna huffed. "I'll order the car back here. I'm glad you were able to come with us today."

"Me too. Thank you for inviting me."

"I still want to meet your man though," Chase said firmly.

"One day," she promised him. They waited by the road and Katniss watched as the sun started to set over the mountains. It really was a beautiful sight.


Peeta nodded to the man who welcomed him inside, and he sat on the comfortable-looking chaise, his leg jiggling nervously. He didn't have to wait long, before Duartyr entered the room.

"Peeta! Good to see you."

"And you, sir." He shook hands with the General and shifted from side to side. "Is Minister Antonius here?"

"He is but he is in a meeting. I wanted to make sure you weren't waiting for too long, though. Let's walk." Peeta followed the General through the mansion, his hands buried in his pockets. It wasn't entirely proper for a Peacekeeper but he was really on edge and being in this mansion wasn't really helping.

"You alright, Peeta?" The General noticed Peeta's behavior.

"Yes sir. My apologies. I'm just distracted."

"You didn't bring your wife, did you?"

"No sir. She went on a hike with some friends. I haven't let her out of my sight for too long this whole trip."

"I understand why," Duartyr said, rubbing his chin. "I'm sure she will be fine. Let's sit in here." He lead Peeta into a study and gestured for him to sit while he poured drinks. Peeta noted how at home Duartyr looked here but then, he reasoned, he was sure the General was here quite often.

"Have you given any thought to what we talked about last night?" Peeta tapped his finger against the glass.

"About what, General?"

"Relocating to another district," Duartyr lowered his voice. Peeta cleared his throat.

"Katniss and I briefly discussed it last night. She is wary of the idea. And 12 has always been home to me, as I told you when I wanted to be stationed there. I'm not certain about it either."

"You wanted to return to 12 so you could be with her," Duartyr said knowingly. "And now you've married her. You can take her and her family to another district. Where it's safer."

"What is going on, General Duartyr? Why is everyone trying to get me out of District 12?" Duartyr looked considering, before he rose to his feet and closed the door to the study.

"This does not leave this room, Captain Mellark. Is that clear?" Surprised, Peeta nodded.

"There have been talks of rebellious activity in and around District 12. Just recently, we intercepted a signal that came from beyond 12. We can't interpret but we're fairly certain it came from outside the border of 12. President Snow feared rebellion and decided Commander Cray was not exercising enough authority. That's when Commander Thread replaced him. The President feels that if the rebellious activity can be contained inside the district, they can extinguish it quickly. By whatever means necessary." Peeta leaped to his feet.

"My family is in 12! And my brother… he just got married! He's a Peacekeeper too, General! And Katniss's family-"

"Peeta, calm down," Duartyr reached out toward him. "He sent Thread to investigate. So far, no reports of illegal activity have been brought forward. Thread is carrying out this investigation extremely quietly. He reported to the President that you seem to be loyal to the Capitol. He wasn't altogether pleased when he first met you, you know. When I encouraged him to use you for the mission."

"I remember," Peeta nodded, remembering how Thread had seemed to inspect him closely as if he were a new shiny weapon, just unwrapped from the box and was deciding if it would work properly or not.

"You impressed me, Peeta. In more ways than one. Not only did you show resilience during your… training with Commander Haemon… you recovered more quickly than I expected you to. And you didn't let it stop you from becoming an excellent soldier. I know why you were so determined to climb the ranks now, but I don't begrudge you for it. You're a good Peacekeeper, Peeta. We need our good Peacekeepers to defend the Capitol's borders. Be closer to 1 and 2. That's why we suggested you relocate."

"General, there's something else. Something you're not telling me. And it has to do with Katniss." Duartyr stiffened and Peeta swallowed.

"General Duartyr, I would give my life to secure her wellbeing. If you know something, please, tell me."

"I don't know much," Duartyr shook his head. "Only that President Snow ordered Thread to investigate your wife." Peeta's eyes widened and it suddenly became impossible to breathe.

"That was before he knew she was your wife," he said hastily. "He was told to keep a close eye on her. When he arrived in 12, he learned of her surname and that she was married to the Lieutenant of 12. He reported back to President Snow immediately and President Snow changed his orders. He wanted to meet her."

"Why?"

"I don't know, Peeta. If I knew, I would tell you. I think the Minister knows but he hasn't told me. I don't believe even Thread knows. Just that your wife is a matter of interest in President Snow's eyes."

"I don't understand," Peeta said desperately. "What could she have done to attract the President's interest? Why is he so keen on her?" He couldn't have known, could he? About her going into the woods? If he found out…

"It's certainly curious but I wouldn't worry too much over it. You said she met him last night?"

"Yes."

"And did he say anything peculiar?"

"Not to my knowledge," he shook his head. "He was gracious enough. He apologized to both of us for what happened with the Senator. He said he hoped Katniss could forget about it. That was basically it."

"Strange," Duartyr shook his head. "A girl from 12 who has done nothing wrong, being asked to present herself to the President of Panem." Peeta shifted in his seat. Should he tell Duartyr that Katniss hunted to feed her family?

No. He was still a Capitol General. He might have liked Peeta but he was still loyal to the President above all.

"But he also asked to speak to me," he said nervously. "When I was still in training. He asked to meet with me when I came to the Capitol."

"I had reported to him how impressed I was with you," Duartyr waved this aside. "You'd achieved top marks and passed all your tests with flying colors. I was impressed that a boy from 12 had come so far. He wanted to see you in person. And I had requested to promote you, so he had to inspect you himself."

"He didn't meet with Ryen."

"Your brother wasn't as dedicated as you were. And after… I mean, I didn't blame him for slipping in his training. I let it go, whereas other commanders would not have been lenient. It was just because I hadn't told President Snow much about him. Only that I had two brothers from 12 who were becoming fine soldiers. I talked you up more than I did with Ryen. The President had no reason to want to meet him." Peeta nodded but he still couldn't shake that terrified feeling away.

"So we still don't know why he wanted to meet Katniss."

"My only guess would be because of her parentage. You said her mother is a healer? Is that like a doctor?"

"Yes sir, we don't have doctors in 12. She is the only Healer we have. But Katniss isn't a Healer, like her mother and her sister are."

"Then perhaps her father?"

"He was a coal miner, who died in an explosion. Many other men and women died that day, and the Capitol presented them with medals. Haemon mentioned it to the Minister, actually. They briefly talked about her father and their surname."

"But he died in an explosion?" When Peeta nodded, Duartyr frowned. "Well, then that wouldn't be it either. I just don't know Peeta but I promise I will keep my ears open."

"But why did you say it would be safer for everyone if we relocated?"

"Again, President Snow's orders. When he found out that she was your wife, he told Thread he wanted her away from 12. Somewhere closer to the Capitol. It's partially why Thread pushed for your promotion."

"Thread pushed for me to be promoted to Captain?"

"Well, with anything above a Lieutenant, it has to be voted on. A few of the Generals in other districts were hesitant because you're from 12 but Thread and I vouched for you. President Snow said that when you were promoted, you could move from 12 and take your wife with you." Peeta rubbed his temples. None of it made any sense! Why would Snow want Katniss out of 12? If he knew about her hunting, he would just have her killed. Surely he knew that Peeta would defend his wife?

"I'll talk to her again when we get home. If she can bring her mother and her sister with her, I'm sure she would be alright with moving."

"Your brother and his new wife may relocate as well. I understand he married the Mayor's daughter?"

"Yes sir."

"She has a certain freedom as well, then. Freedom is limited to those with wealth and power. Ryen can leave 12 with you, if you wish."

"I'll consider it," he promised the General.

"What was it that you wished to discuss with Minister Antonius?"

"My replacement, actually. General Thread said that I needed to choose a Lieutenant. The man I have in mind, however, was attacked and wounded before we left 12. He actually traveled to the Capitol with us but I haven't seen him since we boarded the train. I haven't seen his wife either, and that worries me. She's in a delicate condition and as Lieutenant of 12, I promised to keep them safe."

"I haven't heard anything about this," Duartyr frowned. "Who took responsibility when you arrived to the Capitol?"

"General Thread did, sir. He said he would escort the young lady to the hotel but… she doesn't seem to be checked into the hotel. I would assume she stayed at the hospital with her husband. His tongue was cut out, General. He nearly died from the bloodloss." Duartyr looked furious.

"A Peacekeeper? He should have received the best medical attention the Capitol can offer."

"That's what General Thread said too. I just haven't seen them this entire trip. I hope they're both alright."

"I will talk to the Minister about it," Duartyr assured him. There was a soft knock and Duartyr stood. A servant bowed low, his face mask drooping to the floor.

"Excuse the interruption, sirs, but Minister Antonius has asked me to tell you he is occupied for the rest of the day. He apologizes for the inconvenience and begs your forgiveness. He has rescheduled for both of you to join him for breakfast tomorrow morning."

"I'm afraid I have a prior engagement. I am having breakfast with President Snow tomorrow morning," Peeta said casually. Duartyr looked surprised.

"I am sure the Minister will be in touch to reschedule then. I'm terribly sorry, sirs."

"Thank you," Duartyr nodded to the servant and with another low bow, the man retreated from the room.

"I need to find out about Darius," Peeta sighed. "General, if you have any other connections, please, Darius is a good man and I want to make sure he's being taken

care of."

"I can call the nearest medical facility. It's where Victors and Peacekeepers are taken. Perhaps they will know something."

"Would General Thread tell you anything?" Duartyr's face darkened for just a moment.

"I would rather try to find out from someone else." Peeta nodded in understanding. Thread and Duartyr clearly did not see eye to eye. Even in the Capitol, there were different sides.

"I'm going to return to my room and make some calls. I will contact you later in the evening, Peeta. Why don't you return to your hotel and take your wife out to a nice dinner?"

"If she's back from her hike," he muttered.

"Come on. I'll have my driver take you to your hotel."

They were silent on the way back, Peeta's mind racing. He puzzled at what Duartyr had said about Katniss and failed to come up with an answer that made sense. The ride back to the hotel was a quick one and Peeta thanked the driver and Duartyr for the ride.

"I'll talk to you soon, Captain," Duartyr saluted him as they drove away. Peeta glanced up at the hotel, hoping that Katniss was back. He didn't like fighting with her but she could be so damn stubborn at times. All he wanted to do, though, was kiss her senseless so she couldn't argue with him any longer.