Chapter 6
On Friday evening, Katniss follows Peeta into the back door of Mellark Bakery. Peeta's dad, Daniel Mellark, stands at the counter scooping cookie dough onto sheet pans. He glances up as they enter, and his tired face brightens up in a smile.
"Hey kids. How was school?" He asks as he slides the cookies into the oven.
"Hey dad. School was great. I was selected to paint a mural on the wall of the art hallway."
"That's wonderful, son! You deserve it. You've always had an eye for beauty. You decorate the best cakes in the bakery. All the customer's request you to make their cakes now. The cake you decorated for Finnick and Annie's wedding is magnificent. You should be proud of yourself son. I know I'm proud of you."
"Thanks dad. That means a lot to me." Peeta beams at his dad's praise. "Speaking of Finnick and Annie's cake. We'll be taking the cake to the reception hall tonight to be stored in the fridge there. The big day is tomorrow."
Katniss is relieved that Peeta has his dad's support in his artistic ability. Especially when his witch of a mother is always criticizing him and making him feel insecure.
As if the thought summoned her, Jane Mellark steps into the kitchen. The cheerful mood evaporates, and a chill feels the air. Her lips purse as her eyes land on Katniss. "We need some more nut raisin bread upfront. Peeta stop dilly dallying and get to work." She says coldly.
The smile slips off Peeta's face and he quickly dons an apron and goes to the sink to wash his hands.
"Miss Everdeen shouldn't you be getting back to the farm now? Isn't there some livestock you should be herding?
Katniss glares at Jane and grabs an apron to lend a hand. "No, Mrs. Mellark, I think I'll stay and help Peeta make the bread. Thanks for being so considerate of me though." Jane huffs and bangs open the swinging door to head back to the storefront.
Katniss shakes her head knowing no matter what she does that Mrs. Mellark will always hate her. When Peeta was in the 8th grade he was invited to attend their rival school, the prestigious academy, Capital Elite, on a wrestling scholarship. Mrs. Mellark was thrilled at the prospect of getting to interact with the upper-class citizens of Panem and bragged to everyone in town about how her son was selected to attend the wealthy academy above all the other boys on the team. She started making plans right away to rent a fancy condo on the other side of town where the Elite families lived and ordered new clothes to suit her new status. Peeta stomped out all her plans when he decided to stay at Panem High school with Katniss and the rest of his friends. Mrs. Mellark blamed Katniss for his decision to stay and ruining her chances at an elevated lifestyle.
"I'm very sorry about her, Katniss. There's no excuse for her rude behavior. She's unhappy with her life and takes it out on everyone else." Daniel sighs sadly.
"That's ok. She's not going to scare me off. I can handle whatever she dishes out." Katniss tells him as she dry's her hands and joins Peeta as he rolls out dough. She bumps her hip against his and smiles brightly at him. "I love you and I'm here for you always." She whispers softly.
His sad eyes instantly brighten back up. "Always." He whispers back. "Thank you for staying."
Daniel takes a tray of cinnamon rolls out to the front. He knows the couple need some alone time to lift each other's spirits.
Katniss beings chopping nuts for the bread and sings softly for her boy.
When the rain
Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows
And the stars appear
And there is no one there
To dry your tears
I could hold you
For a million years
To make you feel my love
I know you
Haven't made
Your mind up yet
But I would never
Do you wrong
I've known it
From the moment
That we met
No doubt in my mind
Where you belong
I'd go hungry
I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling
Down the avenue
No, there's nothing
That I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love
The storms are raging
On the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
Though winds of change
Are throwing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing
Like me yet
I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love
To make you feel my love
Peeta's eyes shine with love as she finishes the song. Knowing that she means every word and that he has her no matter what. He thanks the Good Lord every day for bringing the two of them together.
"I need you Peeta. You are important to me. Never let that witch make you think that nobody needs you. Because I do." Katniss promises