Thank you for all for the comments on the last chapter. It was a scary one! I will be replying to your comments I promise.

Before we go back to the newly minted Mellark / Everdeen clan I wondered where Gale and his family was? What was going on would Thread visit them next? After all, you and I both know Jackson has warned the Capitol about him-

Gale was relieved when the President said that there wasn't going to be any Games this year, but of course, those aging out, like him would have to face the chance of going into the games again next year. He just had to hope that the rebellion worked and there wouldn't be a reaping next year or any year after that.

Madge was right, things were horrible across the nation and now was the time to plan an attack. During the past week, he had been wrapped up in training for the rebellion. The old Victor Haymitch had hired him to do some housework too.

It was a relief to have stockpiled a small fortune in coins for food. Not that he could use them now as there wasn't going to be any commerce for the next forty-five days. His eyes searched for Delly.

He wanted to hold her.

Gale wondered how he was going to explain Delly to Katniss. He hoped that when he sat down to speak to Katniss, later on, he could explain everything that was going on, as well as warn her about Jackson Sharpie and his cousins.

Gale loathed the kid. His nightmare was that Jackson would try to take advantage of Delly or Katniss now that he wasn't in school anymore.

He saw Madge and gave her a slight nod, and she winked at him. Gale shook his head; he didn't know what to do with her. She was not what he had expected at all. She wasn't a pampered vapid blonde. She was tough as nails and used the perception people had about her to her advantage.

He was genuinely surprised at how many people were preparing to fight, merchant and miner. The snow was a blessing in disguise and they used it to their advantage, meeting whenever the weather got bad.

He watched his brother Rory head straight for him.

"Gale, we're safe," Rory croaked.

Gale ruffled his hair. "Yeah, we are."

His brother hugged him and Gale was glad. He could only imagine what Prim felt if this was his brother's reaction. Gale had a long way to go to get back into Katniss' good graces.

"Can we find Delly?"

Gale grinned. "Yeah."

They searched the crowd for his girl. He found her cornered by Jackson. She looked upset and frightened at the same time. Jackson's cousins were nowhere in sight. Gale caught the eye of his friends River and Thom and nodded in the direction where Delly stood. They and a few other Seam guys joined him. Fortunately, there weren't any Peacekeepers around.

"I told you to stay away from him," Jackson ground.

"Sorry," Delly mumbled.

"Dells, you okay?"

Jackson turned around and his eyes widened at the small group gathered around him.

Delly's blue eyes widened, tears slipped down her pale cheeks. Gale controlled his ire. "Delly, your dad is looking for you."

Delly stepped around Jackson and stood amongst Gale's friends.

Jackson was red; his fists clenched.

Delly took Gale's hand. Tightening his grip gently Gale said, "Have a good day, Jackson."

His brother Rory placed his arm around Delly.

They walked away. "Gale, he's going to be mad."

"Let him," Gale breathed, squeezing her hand. "Guys, this is my girl."

Rain grinned. "It's a pleasure knowing the girl who put a pep in my friend's step."

Delly blushed.

"Thanks for the assist," Gale said to his friends as they reached the waiting group of parents. His friends left.

"Delly," Andy said.

Rory stepped closer to Andy. "Is he still bothering you?"

"Who's bothering you?" Delly's father asked.

Hazelle spoke up, "Why don't we go to the shop and speak about this behind closed doors." She gave a pointed look to Mr. Cartwright. "Titus, it looks like we have a lot to things to clear up."

"Agreed," Delly's father said.

As they moved about town no one really stared at them. Gale didn't care who saw them. He slid his arm around Delly's shoulder. She leaned into him as they walked. When they reached the house Delly's father asked, "Can anyone please tell me what's going on?"

"Jackson Sharpie has been bullying Delly and Andy," Rory blurted. "I thought we stopped him but Gale and I saw him harassing her again, and she was crying."

"Delly, why didn't you say anything to me," her father asked, concerned. "We could have gone to the Peacekeepers?"

"Dad, it doesn't matter if he does," Delly said. "the Peacekeepers will side with him." Gale stood behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

"No they wouldn't," her father insisted.

"Dad, you don't remember, do you?" The pain in her voice was heartbreaking. Gale wrapped his arms around her from behind. He wanted to support her during the conversation.

"Remember what?" Her father seemed very confused.

"You contracted me to marry into the Sharpie family," Delly whispered. "According to the law, I belong to Jackson."

"What?" her father looked stricken.

"You sold me to them." Delly didn't accuse her father, she simply stated. She was trembling though and Gale held her closer.

"Delilah, I did no such thing."

"I saw the contract. He showed me your signature."

"Then it's a fake, because, I would never do to you what was done to your mother. I know how scared she was when she came to me. I promised myself if I had a little girl she would marry for love and I would do whatever it took to help her be with the man she loved."

"But," Delly said.

"What your father is saying is true, Delly," Hazelle spoke up. "Your father and I have been talking. We've seen how close you and Gale have gotten. My son's real sweet on you."

Delly blushed.

"I love her, momma," Gale confessed out loud.

Posy sighed. "Just like the princess book."

"Are they…they gonna k…kiss?" Andy sounded grossed out.

Everyone chuckled at Posy's and Andy's outbursts.

"I know you do, Gale," Hazelle remarked. "You've been falling for her from the moment she fixed Posy's boots."

Gale flushed. He recalled how fascinated he was by the job she'd done and how those boots led him to find out more about her.

"Her father and I know the laws wouldn't allow you to have a legal marriage. She would lose her inheritance if she moved in with you in the Seam, but there are ways around it."

"That's what happened to Lavender. Her aunt reported her to the government. She legally married Katniss' father, giving her Aunt the ability to deny her the Apothecary. The travesty of it all was after they were married the law changed. It was prohibited for Seam and Merchants to marry. The Capitol did not recognize their marriage or for that matter the hand full of marriages that took place that year."

"What are you guys talking about?" Now it was Gale's turn to sound confused.

"Remember Delly, we talked about this, about the future, making Gale my apprentice. I can take on an apprentice from the Seam so long as that person is eighteen years of age, has never been in trouble with the law, and has graduated with his or her high school degree."

Gale and Delly shared a look; before blurting simultaneously, "I don't understand?"

"Last year I petitioned for Gale to be my apprentice. I spoke to your maw to get her blessing. She was most agreeable."

"With all of the Peacekeepers, I've been praying that you didn't do something stupid," Hazelle whispered. "Under the law, Gale, you can become a cobbler. You can have a toasting together."

Gale couldn't believe it. He was partially numb and partially speechless.

"And given that we have enough space, you can all move in here. There is a provision that states that I have to provide your family housing." Delly's father put his hand on Gale's shoulder. "Son, you said you'd have a toasting with my daughter if you could. Are you still serious?"

"Yes," Gale didn't hesitate.

Her father turned to Delly. "You turn 17 tomorrow. I know you have two years to go, in the reaping pool, but if you want to have a toasting with Gale, I'll give you my consent. Despite his rough exterior, he cares for you greatly."

"What about pregnancies?" Delly couldn't get pregnant for another two years.

"Oh honey, there are lots of ways to prevent them," Hazelle said.

"Well Dells," Gale slid to the ground on one knee. "Will you be my wife?"

Delly grinned. "We're going to need bread."

Gale whooped as he picked her up, holding her close. He was never going to let her go again. When he put her down, he kissed her forehead. "We're going to need bread."

"We can't trade for it," Vick sighed.

"Why don't we go next door and invite our neighbors for dinner and ask them to bring bread?"

Delly smiled shyly. "If it's okay with you?"

"Do you even need to ask?"

The entire group left the residence and headed to the Mellark's. They knocked on the door but no one answered. It was cold outside and finally, Posy kicked the door with her boots.

Rye Mellark opened the door slowly, Gale noted he looked like a caged animal ready to fight. When he saw them his shoulders relaxed. He raised an eyebrow at Delly. "So you're finally going to break up with me?"

"Oh shut up Rye and let us through." Delly smiled and pushed Rye's arm jokingly.

"It's cold, can we come in" Posy complained. She had her hands on her hips and looked like she was going to tackle Rye if she didn't get inside.

Rye grinned. "Sure is." He opened the door wider to let them in. "We've got company," he announced.

Boudica asked frightened, "There are more of them?"

"Hush, Bea, it's just our neighbors and the Hawthorns," Eugene said.

Katniss was expecting the worst. Thread wasn't happy with them, not after proving him wrong. She was sure he was going to be watching them. She instantly relaxed when she saw Hazelle and her children come inside. "Hazelle what are you-" the words died on her lips when behind Hazelle in walked Gale and Delly. His arm was tossed around her shoulder. They were smiling and the look on Gale's face was indescribable. Katniss had never seen Gale look so happy or calm.

"Close your mouth," Peeta whispered. "Katniss, you're gawking."

"Peeta, he's with Delly. Gale hates merchants."

"Apparently he doesn't," Peeta whispered back.

"Delly is my best friend and I thought she would've said something. Besides, she hasn't had an easy life, and look at them. It's apparent Gale makes her happy. The way he looks at her it's like she's the most precious, beautiful thing in the world."

Katniss frowned observing this new Gale; he wasn't grumpy, he wasn't angry, his shoulders were relaxed, his eyes sparkled, and his smile was genuine as he communicated with Peeta's mother. The woman blushed when Gale winked at her. Katniss shook her head, stunned.

Her mind went through the conversation they'd had earlier before the reaping, and Katniss came to a screeching halt in her thoughts. Gale had told her point-blank he'd found someone, and that he was happy. She was too wrapped up in her own feelings to see that he was being genuine.

"Here they come," Peeta whispered.

"Gale?"

"Hey," Gale said. He was red, but then he glanced at Delly and his face became mushy. Katniss was a little grossed out. It was like seeing something you weren't supposed to, like your parents making out.

"Delly," Katniss blurted.

"Hi." Delly glowed. The look Gale and Delly shared was filled with tenderness and it harkened from deep within him.

"So you and Mellark?" Gale asked.

"Yeah," she couldn't believe what she was looking at. "You and Delly?"

Gale gave her a goofy smile. "I told you, I've changed."

Prim had one eyebrow raised. "Delly is the girl you were staring at earlier? She's the something you were talking about?"

"Yeah," Gale nodded.

"When," Katniss stammered, "how?" She wanted to hear it from Gale himself.

"That's why you came to the house a few months back, asking for mom to help her. You were with her." Prim astutely put the information together.

"Guilty again."

"You've been seeing Delly for months, and you couldn't have said anything to me," Katniss spat but what she said went unnoticed because everyone began talking all at once. Delly's nervous laughter caught Gale's attention. Delly stood by her father and Mrs. Mellark.

"You're going to allow your daughter to toast with him?" Boudica's voice was so loud that all the conversation stopped.

Katniss couldn't believe her eyes or ears.

"Yes," Mr. Cartwright proudly said. "He's been protecting my daughter, helping us out with the little that he has."

"Dells you got game," Rye celebrated.

"I told you we needed to talk," Gale whispered.

"Peeta, will you excuse us?"

"Sure," Peeta placed a kiss on her lips.

Katniss led Gale outside. "What the hell, Gale? Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I didn't know how to tell you, and every time we got together all we did was...well actually mostly me...argue. Delly tells me I tend to be autocratic."

Katniss had a mountain of questions. She started with the most relevant ones. "I thought you hated Merchants. How long have you been helping them? What about all of your women you see? How did you end up with Delly? How are you going to support her? Is she the reason you didn't want to leave the district?"

"To begin with yes, Delly and her family were the ones I was thinking of. Andy wouldn't survive, he's so fragile. There haven't been any other women since I met Delly." Gale's face softened when he mentioned her name. "I met her at the Hob, she repaired Posy's shoes. I just wanted to know why she was working at the Hob. I sort of stalked her, because of her I was able to see that everyone has struggles. The system is rigged so that we can't see what the other is suffering."

Katniss shook her head, unused to seeing or hearing Gale sound like that. He was normally full of righteous anger. Her mind went to Thread. He could be watching the Cartwrights as well. This could be dangerous. "Do you think the Capitol will take it lightly that you're going to have a Toasting? Thread is cracking down on interactions between Seam and Merchant."

"I'm going to work with her father, as his apprentice. Mr. Cartwright and my mom arranged it all. We've got permits and paperwork that will allow us to live together. We've got enough space for all of us. This situation is the best we've got and while our marriage will not be recognized by the Capitol, I can't live without her. You should understand, if you're willing to put aside your fears to be with Mellark."

Katniss opened her mouth and closed it. It was true she had fallen for Peeta. He made her life better and vice versa.

"We both fell hard for Merchants." Gale rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know if they know what they're getting into."

Katniss laughed.

"Do you think we can go inside now. I'm frozen."

Katniss nodded.

When they walked inside the plans were all set. Tomorrow the Everdeen's and the Hawthornes were moving to town. They would gather at the Mellarks where the Toasting would take place.

It was late at night. The day wore on Peeta. The reaping, the presidential announcement, Thread, his engagement, and Delly's toasting had his mind going around in circles. Peeta couldn't sleep. He decided to clean everything since they weren't going to use it for a while. He heard the creak of the stairs, Peeta glanced up to see his father appear.

"Hi dad," Peeta greeted as he wiped down the counters.

"I used to do the same thing whenever I was nervous," his father affectionately patted his head.

"Can't sleep?"

"Yes and no, I couldn't sleep until I found this," his father slid him a small box.

"What is it?" Peeta opened the box.

"It belonged to your great grandmother. You can give tomorrow to your girl as your engagement gift."

Peeta pulled out the silver chain with a pearl attached. "Dad," he whispered in awe.

"When I married your mother, I bought her that pin with the diamonds on it. Your mom and I got married because of a contract son, but that broach softened her because I wanted to give her something to start the marriage off right. You and Katniss are in love and you deserve to show her how special she is."

"Thanks."

"I think we should board up the windows."

With a questioning look, Peeta looked toward the windows that faced the street.

"Boarding up the windows will help keep the heat inside and prevent the panes of glass from cracking. Also, if we shut the windows and board up the front door it's a sign we're closed for business. Hopefully, it will keep the Peacekeepers away."

"Okay, I'll get Rye to help me board them up in the morning before we head out. I believe we have extra wood from the fence we can use."

"Goodnight, son."

Peeta held the pearl momentarily. Its luminous gray color reminded him of Katniss' eyes. She was as special and unique as the pearl. Carefully he put the pearl necklace back in the box. He put the box in his pocket and went upstairs to his room, tucking the box safely away in his drawer.

"What's the matter, loser?" Rye leaned up against the door frame of Peeta's room.

"What do you want, Rye?" Peeta breathed heavily. He laid down on his bed, just staring up at the ceiling. His mind bogged down with everything that took place today.

"What?" Rye shrugged, he had mischief written all over his face. "Can't an older brother come in and check up on his smaller pathetic kid brother?" Rye grinned and winked. He laughed at Peeta's doubtful expression.

"Exactly what do you want, Rye?" Peeta sat up, crossing his arms. He watched his brother approach.

"Nothing just wanna talk," Rye shrugged. He took the desk chair, spun it and sat in it backward. He braced his arms on the back of the chair.

"Okay," Peeta was suspicious about what Rye was really up to.

"So it was pretty crazy, today, huh?"

Peeta lowered his guard, giving his brother the benefit of the doubt. Ever since Rye moved out of their shared bedroom, they hadn't spoken much. They talked, but not about important stuff, and mostly Rye tortured him. "Yeah, it was."

"Gale and little Delly," Rye whistled. "Who saw that coming?"

"I didn't know at all. Delly never keeps a secret." Peeta leaned back on the bed for a minute, as he puzzled how he missed Gale coming in and out of Delly's house. He could see it from his window. "How in the world did she keep that six-foot giant hidden?"

Rye grinned. "I saw him with her. Actually, it was the day she was hurt by the Peacekeepers. I didn't think much of it back then."

"You saw them together, and you didn't mention it."

"I didn't know they were together. That day Gale was across the street from her. She was coming out of one of the alleys, making deliveries. I should have known by the way he spoke to her or the way he knew Andy that something was up."

Peeta shook his head and pondered what else he didn't know.

"One thing's for sure; Gale is smitten." Rye rubbed his face. "He couldn't keep his eyes off of Delly."

"I've never seen him smile." Peeta shook his head.

"That was weird," Rye muttered. "It's almost as unnatural as snow falling in June."

They laughed because it was snowing in June with summer just a few weeks away.

Rye piped up, "Delly looked radiant; she glowed. She deserves happiness."

Peeta nodded. He frowned then changed the subject, "What happened with mom?"

"Mom blew a gasket when she saw Mrs. Everdeen walk in through the back door with me and Primrose." Rye laughed.

"What happened exactly? Katniss and I walked in to find you and dad holding them both back." Peeta was curious.

"Mom was ranting at dad about the business and the loss of revenue when I walked in. Mom and Mrs. Everden stood there for like a second before they started hurling insults at each other. Well, mom started and Katniss' mom didn't hold back. She launched herself at mom, and mom was actually quaking behind dad. You know, doing the pretend to hold me back thing, while really hiding behind someone stronger. Mrs. Everdeen is a strong woman." Rye shook his head. "Remind me never to get that woman mad."

"Damn, when I suggested we go after them, I didn't think that would happen." Peeta rubbed his face tiredly. He remembered spotting Katniss speaking to the girl standing next to her. There was only one girl who Katniss would have spoken to. "I just wanted to find out what Madge told Katniss."

"Neither did I. I just wanted to give Primrose her cookies."

Peeta was tired but he wanted to continue talking with his brother. It was a refreshing change from having to keep so many secrets from his family. "Thanks for today, for helping out with Prim. She's been petrified about the Reaping."

"I've never seen a little kid with dark black stains underneath their eyes." Rye shook his head, his eyes showed his unhappiness. "She's skin and bones."

Rye was a lot of things, but he had a soft spot for little kids, especially kids from the Seam. He didn't like seeing them hungry; Peeta and their dad kept it quiet, Rye had been passing off pieces of bread to the kids whenever he went on a walk. "Katniss and her family have been going through a rough time. She is even thinner than her sister because she's been giving her portions to Prim."

Rye's eyes opened wide. "Damn, no wonder she looks so hungry every time she comes here."

"It's not easy for them, and they're better off than most. Although Primrose was sure she was going to be reaped and hasn't been able to sleep in months. Her mother has been giving Prim sleeping syrup, but even then she wakes up a couple of times a night."

"Dammit, this is what I hate about this system. We're nothing but animals to the people of the Capitol, entertainment for the masses." Rye stood up and angrily paced in the room. "I'm over the moon that they weren't able to hold the games this year. For once, I'm glad for this cruddy weather. It stopped them from being able to use the trains or their hovercrafts. I bet they've had issues flying through the storms."

"What about next year Rye, they're going to send, like three kids plus whatever the people cooked up on those envelopes. This should have been your last one, but I'm still in it for the next two years, and so is Katniss."

"Well, who knows what is going to happen," Rye said glumly and sat down. "All I know that it's not fair that kids like Prim have to go through that. To feed their families Katniss and Gale have to break the law. It's not fair that we have no choice."

"I know, I know…" Peeta rubbed his face. "Are you upset about the bakery?"

"Nah, honestly I'm relieved. The bakery isn't for me, the long hours, scrimping and saving. I don't know, I'd like to do something else. Something with my hands, learn something new."

Peeta understood Rye's feelings. It was the way many of his friends felt like. They yearned for other careers, but they were stuck, unable to move unless they married into a family with no male heirs. As much as his mother wanted a girl, she knew very well, she had the best of both worlds. There were twice as many girls than boys amongst the Merchants. Many women, owned their business and in the case of many, if unmarried or childless, often left it to a family member with a male son. In their family's case, the Mellark's were known for having nothing but boys. "I wish it were different too."

"I knew you'd understand. I don't know if dad would get it. I mean he expects us to be phenomenal bakers, but I have no drive for it. You do, Peeta, you have all this artsy creative drive in you. Your cakes are like sculptures, mine are just average cakes."

Peeta laughed at his brother's descriptions of his talent. "Okay, okay, I get it."

They both sat there in companionable silence.

Rye broke the quietness first. The sly grin his brother gave him no doubt meant they were going to discuss what Rye really came in here for. "That took guts to ask for Katniss' hand in front of everyone today."

Peeta decided to be frank with his brother, "I think I messed up."

"What do you mean?" Rye's incredulous face spoke volumes about how little Rye or anyone knew about Katniss. "Peeta, you got the prize, despite mom's objections. You're going to court one of the hottest girls in the district, that's like a golden ticket. You guys can screw each other's brains out now."

Nervously, he wrung his hands. Before Rye walked in, it was what he was thinking about. He was worried what Katniss really thought about the agreement. "No Rye, you don't understand. I want her to marry me. I want her to want me." Deflated, his shoulders slumped. He muttered, "Katniss doesn't believe in marriage or want to have kids. I know I pressured her into this and I'm afraid of losing her altogether."

"Holly-molly Peeta, clearly you haven't seen the way Katniss looks at you."

Peeta mutely stared at his brother.

"Damn kid, you don't see the way her face softens or her eyes glow whenever she's around you. She's been shimming up that tree to see you in the middle of the worst climate in the history of Panem for months." Rye raised an eyebrow as he glared at Peeta. Peeta could feel his face turning red at the image of Katniss jumping through his window. Rye slapped him on the back of the head. "Snap out of it."

"But she doesn't want…" He stuttered trying to make Rye understand where he was coming from. What happened to Katniss' mom when Mr. Everdeen died caused Katniss to think marriage and having kids were bad things. She didn't want to end up like her mother or expose children to the reaping or the games.

"Ugh, what do I have to do to make you see the light?" Rye looked at Peeta, his face turned pensive. "It means nothing that she could have said no in front of dad, her mom, her sister, and oh yeah let's see, our Seam hating mother. Nah, you're right. She doesn't like you enough to agree."

Peeta felt the flush creeping up his face. "Okay, maybe she said yes in order to help us share food. In a courtship, we're considered kin."

"Ugh!" Rye threw his hands up in the air. "Flipping 'A' Peeta! If you think Katniss is mad at you about the courtship, just ask her." Rye stood up and stomped to the door. "Go ahead, I promise you she's more than agreeable. If she didn't, she would have never allowed you to put your paws on her!"

Peeta sat on the bed, never seeing his brother like this. "You think?"

"Yeah Peeta, she's hot for you," Rye said from the door. "Her eyes follow you all over the place just the same way yours do her."

"I think I'll ask Katniss tomorrow when I get a minute alone with her."

"Well get plenty of shut-eye. Dad wants to make sure the Everdeen ladies arrive well. He's sending us to pick them up." Rye left, closing the door after him.

Peeta sighed and watched as Corky and his family scampered out from his hiding spot. His fluffy tail swished back and forth, as he came to Peeta. This squirrel was the facilitator to getting him and Katniss together.

"She's coming tomorrow. I just hope she's not mad at me."

The squirrel tilted its little head to the side and wiggled his nose.

"I had to take the opportunity, even if she says it's pretend so that our families can survive. I can live with that as long as I get to see her." Peeta saw the way Corky looked at him disapprovingly. "Okay! Maybe I can't." Peeta ran his hands through his hair. He didn't hold back his feelings or doubt as he spoke, "but I've got to try. It's no longer an infatuation. She's so much more than a drawing, she's so much more than a voice. She's everything, even when she loses her temper or gets set on a course."

Corky scampered up to him. He sat on the bed, his little fingers moved about. Then he wiggled his nose and made little squeaking noises.

"You're right." Peeta sighed. "I love her, even if she doesn't love me back. My brother's right; tomorrow we'll talk." Peeta shrugged. "Oh here, I got some bread and some nuts for you."

At the sight of the nuts Corky's tail shook. Peeta gently put them on the bed and sat back to watch his friend, the squirrel, quickly take the food to his family. Peeta sat back on his bed and thought of Katniss, of what she was doing.

Outside the wind whipped by. Winter was not finished with the residents of the district as they snuggled into their beds. The cold reached out its bony hand, wrapping itself along the pine trees. Families in the Seam gathered closely in their beds, vying for warmth. Even the Peacekeepers reluctantly did their rounds quickly and hunkered down, waiting for the semi-luke-warm rays of the sun to appear again over the horizon.