Peeta's POV

The thought of Thirteen's existence baffles me. I am quiet for a moment, and the only noise is our breathing inside the closet. It's cramped and dark. We sit side by side, our hips pressed together. If we left Twelve and braved unknown land, at least now we'd have a destination.

But... would they allow us into their bunkers? I'm sure they have strict security. Despite from this, our biggest issue is the newly electrocuted fence caging us in. I look over at Katniss.

"Do you have plans for how to initiate a power outage or something? Because that's the only way we'll make it out," I say. Katniss gnaws at her lip.

"Not yet," she admits. "But I'm going to find a way."

"In the meantime, what do you suggest we do?" I ask. Katniss shrugs.

"Lay low and plan, I guess. We can't risk doing anything close to questionable if we want to stay on Snow's good side... which, will probably be more difficult for me than for you," she mutters. I can't help but laugh. She frowns, but I can tell her silver eyes are smiling, even in the dark.

"What's something we can do to distract the press, so they don't focus on the uprisings? I'm sure Snow would be subtly pleased if we were on the news for a good amount of time," Katniss asks. I nod.

"I'd say we should get married now..." I still feel guilty for bringing it up. It's not like I want to marry her in these circumstances either. I'd never want to force Katniss into anything, the very thought makes me sick. I value her happiness above everything.

"Yes, we could try... we need to create a huge distraction that will act as a cover for our plan," Katniss wanders aloud.

Personally, I can't think of what could be more exciting to the Capitol than us getting married...

"Peeta, how about we-we get pregnant," Katniss blurts. I shake my head.

"What?" What is she talking about?

"No, I mean, not actually. We'll fake one-we'll fake a teen pregnancy and get my mother freaked out for the press. That will definitely make the news," she explains.

A pretend pregnancy could work. Even though it's just for show, I strangely feel uncomfortable about it for Katniss's sake, but this is how we play Snow's game.

"Okay," I answer. "How do you want to reveal it?"

Katniss folds her arms around her legs.

"I'll stay over more often to make my mom suspicious. Then, we could accidentally let it slip during our engagement update segment coming up."

A grin spreads across my face.

"Effie will be pissed. If not just to cover up the plan, it'll be fun," I say. Katniss lets out a laugh.

"Okay then, it's settled."

Katniss sneaks over again that evening before dark. Thankfully, we sleep peacefully compared to last night. Her mother, however, soon discovers our secret arrangement after a few days of this routine. Due to the new restrictions on Twelve, Katniss doesn't leave my house until well after dawn, which her mother instantly notices.

If Katniss told Mrs. Everdeen that our love affair was just an act before, she certainly doesn't believe her now. At first, she tries to prevent Katniss from seeing me.

"You two are not married, yet. I know I'm old and maybe have traditional views on how these things are done, but Katniss, you may not stay over at Peeta's any longer," Mrs. Everdeen firmly ordered one morning after Katniss and I took a long walk to the Seam to examine the damage from the fire. I had followed Katniss to her front door when her mother appeared, suddenly giving the two of us a lecture. Of course she doesn't know, but this was exactly what we had hoped.

Katniss forces a blush.

"I know, mom. But we are engaged," she makes a somewhat love sick face, grabbing my hand for effect. I glance sheepishly at Mrs. Everdeen. It's all absurd and fake, but I feel at fault for being in a relationship with Katniss without her mother's permission. I never really asked her if I could marry Katniss. I guess I assumed I didn't need to since it was all a set up.

Mrs. Everdeen's pale blue eyes soften slightly, but she shakes her head.

"I know, Katniss, but I don't approve of this behavior. Not only is it unwise, but I'm sure it will bring about bad publicity for both of you," she explains. Katniss dips her head, unsure of what to say.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Everdeen," I speak up. "Katniss and I love each other very much... it's been hard when we've been used to seeing one another so often," I try to explain. Just then, a cry of joy sounds behind me. I glance over my shoulder to see Effie Trinket, Cinna, Portia, and the rest of our prep teams stumble about in the snow towards us. Our engagement segment is scheduled for tonight.

Katniss drops my hand.

"I need to get ready," she slips behind her mother and goes inside the house. I turn to Portia and my prep team, greet them kindly, and lead them to my house across the street. Hopefully, Katniss can continue her argument with her mother while Effie and her prep team prepare her for the segment. That way, the news may spread. Effie will of course be disapproving and her prep team can't help but gossip, even if they care do about Katniss.

Portia slips me into a midnight blue suit with a silk black tie. I appreciate the simplicity of the outfit. I try to prepare myself about how to act and what to say as she combs and gels back my hair. Katniss and I have already discussed how to create a dramatic yet believable reveal about the baby. No doubt her family, Effie, the reporters, and all of Panem will go insane.

I can't help but feel bad for Katniss's mother. Surely, she'll react strongly towards her daughter becoming pregnant at 16. I told Katniss that she could tell her mother and Prim that it's not real, but she insisted on pretending for everyone, mainly for their safety should the Capitol discover we're lying. I wonder if that includes Gale.

The interview will take place in Katniss's living room. A series of bright lights surround a fancy draped background set up behind the sofa. Numerous hands touch up our faces with makeup, tug and pin our clothing, and spray back stray hairs on our faces. I glance over at Katniss to see her wearing a sleek deep blue dress that brushes her knees, her hair in waves down her back.

"Places in ten, everyone! TEN!" Effie shouts, her long neon nails waving frantically at us.

Katniss and I are shoved onto the couch. Katniss comfortable snuggles up to me, gripping the arm of my suit. I drape my arm around her shoulders.

Two cameramen hover over us, with a screen squeezed between them showing Caesar Flickerman grinning obnoxiously in a bright green suit. He will be interviewing us from the Capitol.

"And... we're live!" Effie whispers excitedly. The cameras zoom in on our faces. Katniss and I plaster on our smiles.

"Welcome people of Panem! Aside from our weekly updates, which I will get to soon, I have two very special guests that will be giving us an update on their love affair this afternoon! How are you two fairing?" Caesar stares at us happily through the screen.

"We're doing great, Caesar!" I reply. "But I think the two of us can't wait for our wedding," I glance over at Katniss, who nods.

"I wish it was sooner," she sighs, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. I kiss her nose. Caesar gives an audible "awww" from the screen.

"Well, I can't say I don't agree with you! I just can't wait for your wedding!"

We continue to talk about our plans for the wedding and our thoughts on the next Hunger Games, a Quarter Quell this year. Katniss and I pretend to sound eager to be mentors, but I know neither of us can ignore the sickening pang we feel. Our hands tightly grip one another for support.

"Now, after the wedding, do you have any plans for the honeymoon?" Caesar asks slyly after probing us about the Quell. I force a chuckle.

"Well, I'm sure Effie already has everything planned for us," I grin past the camera at Effie. Caesar laughs.

"Ah, I'm sure your right! You both really have the best escort from the Capitol!"

As Katniss and I meticulously planned, she suddenly goes rigid, placing a hand over her stomach. I make an obvious worried glance in her direction, but try to continue the interview. Hastily, she bolts from the living room to the bathroom down the hall.

"Katniss!" I call after her. A burst of murmurs occurs throughout the room. Mrs. Everdeen rushes to the bathroom door, but Katniss has locked it.

"Katniss? Are you okay?" She asks, surprisingly calm. Prim follows closely behind her mother, placing a hand on the doorknob.

On the monitor, Caesar appears visibly confused. The camera is still aimed at me. I clear my throat.

"Is everything alright over there?" Caesar asks with a nervous smile. I shake my head.

"I might as well announce it... there's no point in hiding it now," I say quietly. Caesar looks at me eagerly.

"What, what?"

"Katniss... she's pregnant," I force a slight shake in my voice. Caesar gasps, as well as everyone throughout the room. Effie gives a cry as if she might faint. I stare down at my shiny shoes.

"Well, that's-that's news," Caesar breathes.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who has been following this story! I'm so sorry for not updating sooner, I will try and be more consistent! Hope you enjoy so far!