Chapter 14: Quell Prep

Right away, Dean volunteers to mentor Thom so I can coach my husband. At least it is an opportunity to spend more time with my husband, and I am grateful for Dean's considerateness.

The next day, we pull into the Capitol. As we disembark the train, my husband seems startled and thrown by the paparazzi, by the glitzy Capitol style. I lead him through the crowds.

"Katniss, honey..." Peeta whispers, his voice low. "How do I navigate this?"

"Just stay close to me," I reply. "Ignore the cameras. Don't make eye contact. I want you to save the personality for the chariot parade."

Dean and I guide our tributes to the designated meeting point where we hand them off to their stylists. "Peeta, this is Portia. She'll take care of you," I say.

Peeta politely shakes Portia's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"She's the best," Dean adds. "She styled me for my Games."

Pretty soon, Peeta and Thom have been sufficiently groomed. Dean and I escort them to the chariots, loading them both in before we go to sit with our Victor colleagues in the stands.

District 12 has always had an advantage in being last in the parade procession. When Peeta and Thom emerge, sparkling and beautiful, they make quite the impression among the Capitolites and Victors. Especially the Baker.

"Mmm, mmm! I'd love to unwrap that!" marvels Rosebud, a Victor from District 2.

Paws off, you bitch. That's my husband! I think angrily. I wish I could make such a declaration out loud, but I dare not. As soon as the parade and Snow's speech are over, I whisk Peeta and Thom into the elevators before they have a chance to meet some of the mentors. Dean seems rather amused by my possessiveness, but has the good sense to say nothing.


Training begins the very next day. I accompany Peeta and Thom down to the Center; once Thom goes in ahead, I steal a heated and forbidden kiss from Peeta before I leave him at the elevator. Over the course of the next three days, my husband and his district partner learn as many new skills as possible. There is no telling what the arena will be like, so they need to be ready for anything. Their sessions culminate in private demonstrations before the Gamemakers. When the scores are broadcast that third night, Peeta pulls a decent 8. I would kiss him to show how proud I am of him, but not in front of Thom. My other tribute gets a 7, which surprises me, given Thom's experience with pickaxes. But the chances of a weapon like that in the arena are slim. And at least he is not too much of a threat to the love of my life.


The following night is the interviews with Caesar Flickerman. I have been to so many that the tributes and their answers all seem to look the same. I pay somewhat better attention to Thom, as he is from home. However, it is the man I married who makes me straighten in my seat.

Peeta is a natural on camera, engaging Caesar just as much as Caesar engages him. The pair laugh and joke, sending the audience into hysterics. Finally, Caesar points to something.

"I see a ring on your finger, Peeta. You married?"

I nearly fly into a panic. Oh no... he forgot to take off his wedding ring... I have kept mine in a jewelry box for safekeeping.

There is brief moment as Peeta debates how to answer. Finally, he says, "Yes," to disappointed groans from many women in the audience.

"Is she watching at home?"

"She is, but she may be closer than you think."

Oh, fuck! He isn't... I muse to myself. Next to me, Dean swears under his breath. "You idiot! What the fuck are you doing?!"

"Dean, shut up!" I snap, straining to hear how Peeta will navigate this.

"What do you mean?" Caesar is asking.

Peeta blushes as red as a schoolboy with a crush and gets out: "Because... because... she came here with me."

There is a collective gasp from the audience, and my mouth falls open. Oh my God! He actually did it. He actually outed us! I can feel the whole auditorium's eyes on me, and see that Caesar has reached the same conclusion.

"Oh... well that's just bad luck."

"Yeah, it is," Peeta echoes sadly.

The interview time expires. "Peeta Mellark!"


On the journey back to our quarters, I have time to process what just happened. At first, I am angry that Peeta outed our marriage on national television. His connection to me will only bring him pain in the arena. I don't speak to Peeta, Thom or Dean on the elevator.

But the more I ponder it, the more I think what Peeta did was noble and sweet. He may not have intended it - leaving his wedding ring on was probably an accident - but at least now he can identify me as his wife without shame.

Wife. I am his wife. I am Mrs. Peeta Mellark...

Upon reaching our floor, I suddenly grab Peeta's hand and drag him into my suite, ignoring Dean's mumble of, "Here comes the boom" from behind me. Locking the door behind us, I spin to face my spouse.

"I'm sorry..." but I don't let him say anything further as I pull him to me and kiss him roughly. My tongue invades his mouth and I keep him glued to me for a while before we break apart.

"What was that for?" His voice is breathless.

"Thank you," I say softly. "We don't have to live a lie anymore. I can say that you're mine, and that I am yours, freely."

"So... you're not mad?" Peeta stares at me, confused.

"I was at first. But the more I thought about it, the more brave I think you are." Slinking my arms about his neck, I kiss him slowly, sensuously and Peeta kisses me back. As we kiss, I fumble for the button of his pants, working it loose and throwing the garment down, along with his boxers.

Breaking the kiss, I kneel before my husband and revel in the sight of his marvelous manhood, filled with blood and bloating fast. Cupping Peeta's balls in my hand, I kiss them tenderly. Then, I suckle on his balls. Finally, I take Peeta's shaft in my mouth, fisting my hand at the top of his length to vigorously stroke him. Between this and the working of my lips, Peeta weaves his fingers into my hair, keeping himself inside my throat.

"Uhhhhh... Uhhhhhhhhh! Katniss... Katniss... honey..." He croons. I work my mouth faster along his penis. At last, he explodes, his eyes rolling into the back of his head. "KATNISS!" He cums for me, as I knew he would.

Extracting myself from him, I lick my lips clean, then my fingers. Rising sexily to my feet, I give Peeta a deep kiss. "Let's go to bed," I purr.

And for the first time in several nights, I can finally sleep beside my husband.