Prim tells me on Tuesday that Peeta's alright. She says she knows because at the centre if they think you need a check in, someone will stop by your home and see how you're doing.
"In fact," Prim starts, sitting on the couch and chewing on a piece of celery and peanut butter "Haymitch went over himself on Monday night to talk to him. Told me not to worry and to let you know it didn't have anything to do with you. And that Peeta was sorry for bailing."
I don't really listen, instead choosing to be disappointed and aloof for the rest of the day.
When Thursday rolls around and Prim tells me Johanna is leading the Outing Night instead of Peeta, I can't help but perk up. For Peeta to miss that commitment I know is big since he seems to really value his time with the group. I can't help but worry about what's going on – about what's happened – since I saw him in Haymitch's office a few days ago.
It's that same concern that drives me to the centre on Friday afternoon.
"Katniss Everdeen!" Finnick's voice calls when I step through the main door, the bluster of wind blowing the loose hair around my face and distracting me so that he catches me off guard, "What brings you here today?"
I finally look up from myself and meet Annie's striking green eyes as she stares at me from not a foot away.
"Can I help you with your coat?" she asks quietly, reaching her hand out. Confused, I hand it to her and try to orient myself to the situation at hand.
"I'm here to um... Talk to Haymitch," I try, attempting to sound casual. I consider for a moment asking Finnick for the information I need, but figure it would likely come with less questions if I stick with my original plan. Before me, Finnick grins broadly as he steps towards Annie and pulls her to his chest tightly. She lets out a laugh, surprising me with its fullness and the lightness that seems to come to her with his touch.
"Really? You sure there's nothing we can help you with?" he offers with a wink and a heaping of charm despite the way his hand slips to clasp Annie's. The way Annie looks up at him in that moment, I can't help but smile at the ridiculousness of myself as I realize I was totally off-base at bowling last week.
"I'm sure. Just looking for – "
"Girl, I wasn't expecting you here today..." Haymitch interrupts, stepping out from his office into the hallway. Finnick and Annie disappear into the outreach room without a word leaving me standing alone facing the slightly-intoxicated man who has the information I want.
That I need.
"No appointment, but I was hoping you could fit me in quickly? I was hoping you could help me out with something." He nods and I follow him into his office, shutting the door quietly and taking a seat before rambling out the entire story in one long breath to him. "Haymitch, I just want to talk to him," I find myself pleading, sitting in the chair across from him as he scowls at me.
"You know I can't give out his private information like this," Haymitch replies sounding sour. Inwardly I sigh, trying not to display my exasperation, but really I just want to ring his neck.
"Could you call him? Or, do anything to help me? Take me there?" It's my last ditch attempt and something, somewhere, seems to tip the scales as Haymitch sighs heavily and spins in his chair until he's facing the wall away from me.
"Get your bag. You're driving," he grumbles as he pulls down his jacket and throws it on heavily. I spring to my feet, my blood pumping through my veins, thrilled that my plan has worked. Together, Haymitch and I make towards my car in silence, a weird vibe filling the air between us.
Though it's not far from the centre, the part of town that Peeta lives in is less than desirable. It's easy to tell by the ramshackle alleyways and the increasing levels of street life I see as we pass by. It also doesn't help that lining every corner is a convenience store partnered with what looks to be a rundown liquor store with dirt caked into its spackle. It's nothing I haven't seen before, but I have to wonder how a teacher lives down here full time. It doesn't seem fitting.
When Haymitch grunts announcing our arrival, I park my car and get out the driver's side and look over at Haymitch who's pulling himself free from the belt.
"If you're not back in five, I'll assume he hasn't kicked your ass out yet and I'll head back in a cab. If he's pissed though, you leave. Deal?" Haymitch instructs, his hand running through his hair before scrubbing his face. I nod my agreement and turn towards the building he points out, looking it up and down carefully. After a moment, I take off, walking up the steps and to the murky bell sign on the apartment door. Checking the listings I find Peeta's name on the top floor of the three storey high building and push my way through the propped door. Taking the stairs, I make quick time of finding the entrance to his apartment and I knock, scanning the area around me for any trace of him. After the first minute, I knock again. And then again. And again until I finally hear someone shout from the other side.
"Dammit I'm coming!" The voice calls out as footsteps move towards the heavy steel. When Peeta swings back the heavy metal and I take in the sight of his paint spattered clothes, I have to suck in a breath to keep my footing. "What are you doing here?" He asks blankly and looks around behind me before pulling me inside his apartment roughly. "You shouldn't be here alone."
I can only stare at him uncomprehendingly as he scolds me for coming down to his neighbourhood. I want to tell him that's silly, that it's daylight and Haymitch brought me, but I don't. Instead I look beyond his imposing figure to the neatly kept loft apartment that's filled with paintings and old furniture in various states of disrepair. I'm brought out of my trance when his hand lands on my shoulder and he squeezes it lightly.
"Katniss – what are you doing here?" he asks quietly. I take in the sight of his still bandaged hand and his pale complexion.
"Are you alright? I was worried – we're all worried – I convinced Haymitch to bring me here because I wanted to see you and make sure you were okay." I state carefully. I take his bandaged hand up in mine but he pulls it back quickly, tucking it behind him.
"I'm fine. Haymitch said I was fine, didn't he? He shouldn't have brought you here." He sounds annoyed as he says it – as though people being concerned for him is tiresome. Normally I'd scoff along with him, but this time I'm the one on the worried end.
"He did, but that doesn't explain why you're distancing yourself. What's going on that you can't talk about? Why aren't you working at the centre?" I don't want to push him too much, but from the time I've met him he's always been reliable and open – this person before me doesn't make sense.
"I've had other things on my mind is all," Peeta states and he steps back, turning to walk back to the canvas he has propped on an easel across the room. Before I can get a good look, he's thrown a stained sheet over it as well as a few other pieces next to it. "Can I get you anything to drink?" He asks, moving into the kitchen and rinsing off his hands.
"No, I'm alright," I reply lowly and linger in the doorway, still unsure if I should come into the apartment or not. When Peeta turns back around though, he's watching me carefully as though trying to find a lie.
"Why are you here though? Really?" He asks again and sips at his glass of water. I wet my lips at the sight and look away momentarily, summoning my courage.
"It just seems out of character for you, to be avoiding everything like you have. I was worried, especially when you didn't meet me for lunch. You know you can tell me anything, right?" I remind him, recalling the Thursday prior. It's silent for a long while as he finishes his water and returns his glass to the sink.
"I'd really rather not," he says after a while. The tone in his voice bothers me – it's not the light one I'm used to hearing – but I know I should respect his boundaries. Besides, we haven't known each other for that long. Maybe I'm reading this all wrong. Maybe this is just what he does from time to time. Maybe that's why Haymitch is probably still downstairs kicking my tires waiting for me to get thrown out of here. There's no way he needs to trust me with whatever is bothering him. What have I even done to prove that I can be there for him with his secrets?
"Okay then..." I pause and look between the door and him again. "I just – can I use your washroom quickly? I have to make a few stops before home and so…
"Yeah, no yeah, sure. It's just around here." He nods and motions his arm down the hallway and towards what appears to be the open area where he sleeps. I try not to gape at the wide view as I pass by but it's hard – Peeta's loft is tasteful and I can't help but stare out his windows and at the intricate brick facade that is the walls. Finding my way into the bathroom, I make quick work of my needs and am standing at the sink looking for the soap when I see the cabinet overhead. Reaching up, my slick fingers pull at the edge until it slips open, shaking loose a host of prescription bottles that come tumbling out all at once.
"Shit!" I hiss and try to gather them up quickly and place them back in the cupboard. "Shit shit shit!" I try to return them properly but I don't know where they've fallen from or which row they go on. I'm just about finished reading another bottle's label when it clicks in my head.
These are ARV's. Peeta is on an HAART plan. Peeta's HIV positive.
AN: So there you have it. I promise chapter 8 isn't far away. Just an fyi, I'm starting up a part-time school thing again along with my full-time job and a host of travel things in the near future. I hope to keep up with this story but fear not if I disappear for a bit, I'll do my best to keep up. I love you guys and if you have any questions, ask! Opaque and I are here to help!