Katniss' POV
"I think we've tortured him enough," Haymitch says after a long pause. He gave people enough time to grasp Rye's story, every little detail, along with his intention. Ellesse Mellark's actions were not only horrifying, but also a felony. Fact. What my mother did and has done many other times also is, but I have chosen to put all thoughts concerning her in the back of my mind for a while.
If the crowd doesn't riot in case Ellesse wins, I will be terribly disappointed of this District. Rye has lit a spark, now we just have to make sure it doesn't burn out. Especially since it's the other side's turn to make a move.
They have two witnesses to make up for and their first pick is Ellesse's sister. I have never seen Peeta's aunt, nor has he mentioned her to me ever. I highly doubt she's close to any member of the Mellark family, unlike she states proudly.
She plays the "it's for the best" card, too. "The boys need a parent and the bakery needs a leader. Each of the opponents today is good at only one of those things."
Both she and Ellesse's boss, a Seam-looking man, who's the next witness, talk about this job of hers. I connect the dots quickly in my head. I knew from the moment Caroline said "diner", the story was made-up. It's not hard to keep track of the few restaurants in 12. Sadly, I've been pretty up-to date with the gossip and I haven't heard any mention of even a sighting of Ellesse. I can picture her lazing around at her lover's place rather than even moving a finger to find a job. Also, someone from the Seam could never have a diner. The closest to that our people have is the Hob. It's obvious this man has been paid to say what he has to and I don't blame him. A meaningless oath isn't a big deal if much-needed money is involved.
Then it's our turn again. They don't have any other witnesses, anyway, so we'll have the judge's attention until it's time for Ellesse's questioning. Panic sets in, making me clutch Peeta's hand. I'm not ready.
Thankfully, Peeta isn't the only one who notices. Elsa whispers something to Haymitch and just like that, mine and Peeta's necks are saved at least for a few more minutes. After quickly gushing over Elsa's round stomach, Effie escorts her to the box.
"I solemnly, sincerely and truly declare that I will tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth," I hear for the umpteenth time today. Those words mean nothing, not in Panem.
"What is your connection to the Mellarks?" Haymitch asks, not because he doesn't know, but because not everyone present does.
"I am Bannock's wife and soon to be the mother of a Mellark myself." A much, much better one at that.
"How would you describe your relationship with Ellesse?"
"We get along really well, actually. She has always treated me respectfully, but do not let that fool you. What little conversations we've had were always on the topic of Bannock moving out, our wedding, children…"
"Some might say she was just looking out for her son," Haymitch says, mirth in his voice.
"Oh, no. She just wanted at least one of her "disappointing" kids out of her sight. Better gone with me, a merchant girl from a good family, than with someone she considers lower than her." Someone from the Seam. I don't like it when people address us like that, but it's true and in this case it's in our advantage, so all I do is swallow hard and keep my mouth shut.
"What does winning mean to you?"
"My life wouldn't change a lot. Bannock and I have our own house and I'll be too preoccupied with our child to notice whatever change happens in the district." Of course she won't mention the money problems I know they're having. What she has under her sleeve is better. "I just don't want my kid to grow up thinking his grandmother's actions are excused. He will not be allowed near her and we will teach him what's right and what's wrong. But it would be a hell of a lot easier if she just packs her stuff and gets away from what's not hers." I smirk, impressed. Never underestimate a hormonal woman.
My smile disappears when shortly after that she's escorted back to us. She doesn't have much time to settle down in Bannock's waiting arms, as Effie lets us know the judge would like a 10-minute break. I can breathe again. Fate has forced me to do things I never thought I would have to, but at least it's on my side.
"I'm going to the bathroom, but I'll be right back, okay?" I tell Peeta as we stand up. By the look he gives me, he's not too happy I'm talking to him as if to Prim. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be right where we were before we came in."
I hurry, bumping through chirpy, slow or chirpy and slow people. I'm scared that if I take too long, Ellesse will get a hold of Peeta, chew him up and spit him out, so that there's nothing left of him to go back to the courtroom.
People are too scared from either my hastiness or have always been and I am just now noticing, so they don't try to stop me to chat. The only real conversation I start is with Madge, who I find after I come out of the stall. She pushes off the sink she's leaning against, her steps towards me determined. She doesn't have any time to lose, either.
There's urgency in her tone that surprises me. "Will you wear this? For good luck?" She holds out the circular gold pin that was on her dress earlier. NowI can observe better the small bird in flight I got fascinated with.
"Your pin?" I say. Wearing a token is about the last thing on my mind. I've always thought abilities and preparation are worth more than any superstition, good or bad.
"Here, I'll put it on your dress, all right?" Madge doesn't wait for an answer, she just leans in and fixes the bird to my dress.
"Why are you doing this?" Aren't Peeta and his family the ones needing all the luck they can get? Madge either feels more comfortable giving it to me or she's come to some conclusion I haven't. She's probably just worried about what things are going to be like after the trial ends. She is the mayor's daughter after all. Perhaps she doesn't want to feel any sense of guilt at the end for just standing by.
"Because you're my friend," Madge simply says. Then she's gone.
I'd like to stay here longer, where the chaos from outside just barely reach and where I don't have to sit straight like I'm expecting cold water to be dumped over my head. I'm Buttercup, I realize. Buttercup, ever since the moment I betrayed what little trust he had in me. The idea wakes me up in a weird way. I refuse to be a scared cat, so I quickly wash up before going outside once again.
Relief washes over me when I find Peeta embracing Rye. Not only is their mother out of sight, but the brothers seem to have fixed things between them… at least for now. Rye has earned my respect. I could see in his eyes that he didn't do what he did because he had changed his opinion on things, which was fine, because I knew it went even above that. It was for Peeta, for family, for the tiniest spark of hope they could get that I had wanted to light. One mission accomplished, a million more to go.
Peeta spots me over Rye's shoulder and after leaving a quick pat on his back, makes his way over to me. We lean against a wall, facing each other.
"Pretty," he remarks, hand reaching out to trace the gold pin on my dress.
"Madge gave it to me," I say shortly, never able to receive a compliment and lost in thought.
"You okay?" His hand moves to my cheek and I let out a breath.
"Just thinking how we're the only two witnesses left."
"Katniss…" His hand moves away and he sighs, too. "You don't have to do this. You really don't. It's clear the mentions of abuse didn't change much, so your story won't move them either. I wanted you to speak for selfish reasons-"
"I will speak, Peeta. I promised you and I promised myself." I nod as if to reassure both of us. "Even if it doesn't help, even if it does hurt to try, I'll do it."
Peeta smiles meekly and if there weren't so many people around, I'd pull him close to me. It's still important to me that everyone knows what I'm about to do isn't because I have special interests in Peeta, so all feelings must be suppressed. There will be enough time for hugs, win or lose. "If that's what you want," he says softly.
"That's what I want," I reassure him.
When Effie returns to summon us, I cave and greedily accept Peeta's offered hand, clutching it like a lifeline. We may be two, but I know it'll be down to one soon.
"Haymitch?" I say as everyone but me takes their seats. I can tell that Peeta's eyes are on me and that he's ready to stand up again, but I unlace our fingers and place my hand on his shoulder, all the while looking at Haymitch. "I'll be next." I barely get to see the lawyer's nod of approval, before Peeta's forcing my attention to him, looking like a baby that hasn't been allowed to follow his mother. "It's okay. Let's just get this over with." I barely get to finish my sentence, before Effie's whisking me off to the witness stand.
Once I've said the oath and am seated, I see what I didn't before. It's hard not to let yourself get lost in all of the faces staring back at you. Truly the entire population of 12 has found itself here today. A part of me is glad – I've always despised the invisible, but still existent line between us. There's no time to worry where you live and how dark your skin is, when you're being shown how cruel a woman that's supposed to be an example figure can be. My stomach still clenches unpleasantly at the thought of speaking in front of all these people. I have no idea where to begin from. Thankfully Haymitch knows this and tells me to start by presenting myself and my cause.
"My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am here to testify against Mrs. Mellark." The worlds come out shakily and I've barely given myself a moment to breathe again, before Ellesse's lawyer is nearing me sneeringly.
"I'm sorry, what did you say your connection to the Mellarks was? If each of the sides were to just choose random observers…"
"You would lose immediately," I interrupt, not caring. I'm not impressed by her sudden confidence, obviously coming from the fact that I'm a Seam teenager. "If it was an option, a public poll would surely grant us victory. Just thinking of the little times I've gotten a glimpse of your client working is making me mentally add votes to Mr. Mellark. But lucky for you, it's not that easy." I expected the judge to shut me up by now, but no one seems to dare say anything. "I am a friend of Ellesse's youngest son. Again, lucky for you, you haven't heard him speak yet." I would lock eyes with Peeta, but I'm afraid if I focus on anyone else but my target, I would lose all of my unexpected, yet thankfully accepted certainty.
"I hope you have something to back these words up, Miss Everdeen." Oh, I do. A chill runs down my spine that takes me back to that fateful rainy day. How I didn't know I could feel worse until Ellesse came out and made me feel even more pathetic and unwanted with her harsh words. The noise I heard, signalizing the hit, slap or kick she delivered to Peeta. The bread he threw me despite knowing it could mean more punishment. This is my little torment – a few words can hardly compare to years of misery.
"I've had very few encounters with Mrs. Mellark," I begin. "I'm sure we are both grateful for that. Yet still, I can't shake the unreasonable hatred she feels towards me. And not just me - people from the Seam in general." Various voices from the crowd are heard. This is what I need – a reaction. "Innocent people who've done absolutely nothing to her fear her so much the bakery loses business because they're too afraid to enter. A long time ago, I was absolutely terrified when she found me behind the bakery."
"And what business did you have there?" Caroline asks, obviously digging for something that will make me look like the bad guy.
"Pawing through the thrash," Ellesse mutters. I don't know if she intended to be noticed, but in the absolute silence in the room, you could hear a pin drop.
"I wasn't stealing!" I'm getting desperate and it's not because I'm afraid in the end I'll be the one in trouble. It's because I'm so tired of the unfairness I've always had to put up with. "It was thrash. It was going to be thrown out anyway!"
"Please calm down and then continue, Miss Everdeen," judge Camden says and Ellesse huffs unpleasantly.
Not hesitating for more than a second, I find Peeta in the crowd and focus on only him until my breathing becomes less labored.
When I start again, my words are directed towards the whole crowd. I know they will understand. They've all been there. "My family was going through a… rough time. The only thing I could do to keep us alive was to search for scraps." The confession doesn't cause uproar, but I can feel the effect it has, especially on those that can relate. Even a few merchants look like they're imagining themselves in a similar situation.
"It doesn't matter. Even if the trash cans weren't empty, Ellesse had already taken to ordering me off her property."
"What happened then?" Haymitch asks carefully.
"I collapsed against a tree and, satisfied, she went back inside. I was ready to die in that moment, but something caught my attention." My voice catches at the end and I clear it. "There was clatter in the bakery. Screaming. Someone came out and I was terrified it might be her... but it was just Peeta. His cheek was red and I instantly knew the blow I had heard was because his mother had hit him with something."
"A rolling pin." I turn to Ellesse's row just in time to see her lawyer try to shush her, but she's unyielding. "It was with a rolling pin."
"Thank you," I tell her, feeling a confidence awaken in me. "But it doesn't matter. It wasn't the first time, was it? Or the last? It doesn't matter because it will never, ever happen again. You, Mrs Mellark," I spit out disdainfully, "are never going to change. But things are. Peeta won't ever get punished again for burning bread, or not washing that one crumb off a tray, or accidentally spilling a bag of flour, or putting red flowers on a cake instead of white ones. He won't feel guilty about doing something good whether for himself, or for someone else. He will pursue whatever after-school activities he desires and he will do whatever job he likes the most in the bakery." I smile at the picture my words created.
There's a moment of hesitance before I blurt the next out. "Sometimes it's bigger things, like the government or the world we live in, that push us to a dark place. Sometimes it's our own family." I've had a little taste of both. It's what made me cross that invisible line between the things that are proper to say and those that can get you serious punishment.
"Thank you," I say finally and look to the judge, who gives me a nod, then proceeds to look thoughtful. I don't wait for Effie before I practically run back to my seat, melting my body against Peeta's. Our fingers interlace, my head falls to his shoulder. It's a risky move, but he leans down and brushes his lips against my hair. It makes everything worth it so much more.
We're separated again when Peeta leaves to take the place I used to occupy. He doesn't falter, he doesn't shake, he recites the oath perfectly.
"So Peeta, I take it you are also defending your father's side today?" Judge Camden begins.
"Yes."
"Why is that?" Caroline steps in unannounced. She's getting desperate; I can feel it no matter how confident she still tries to sound. "What has your father given you that your mother hasn't?"
"Love," Peeta states simply, but then continues. "Dad plays the role of both parents for me and my brothers. He's always tried to be twice as supportive and caring than any other father to make up for our mother. A lot of the time it had to be behind her back."
"What's an example of that?" inquiries Haymitch.
"Slipping us food when he knows we're still hungry and our mother already ordered to clear the table. Buying us clothes for the winter when she insisted we could surely make do with the ones from 3 years ago. Gently reminding us promptness is important instead of smacking us over the head like our mother did after she found out we were late to school one day," Peeta ticks off seamlessly.
"If he is such a good father…," Caroline waits a few seconds, walking around the empty space, clearly for dramatic effect. "Why did he never stop his wife from treating her children so badly?"
I hold my breath. When I asked Peeta this, he didn't have an answer for me.
"Well, this question isn't directed towards me, is it?" He responds flatly.
I'm glad that the judge, or anyone else for that matter, doesn't seem to be interested in hearing more stories. I have enough nightmares to wake up to for the next month.
Instead, Haymitch takes a different route. Something not planned, at least not with me present. "When did you start noticing something wasn't quite right in your family? How was it like living with two people that never really got along?"
Peeta seems just as uncomfortable with the change of topic. What is our favorite lawyer doing?
"I knew since I was very young that my father had wanted to marry another woman. It was no secret to my mother either. No matter how many years they spent trying to grow together, mom never truly believed in dad's love. Their relationship was strained from the very beginning." Ellesse actually has feelings and insecurities? This I want to hear.
"Their business thrived nevertheless and they had kids for the extra hand and eventual inheritance. I've accepted that. It's how most merchant families work." I anticipate some kind of reaction from the Town people present, but they look as if Peeta cast a spell on them to keep quiet while they hang on every word that comes out of his mouth.
"A healthy relationship is a rare occurrence in our family so, no, my parents' had next to zero impact on me... Well, I guess it did affect me, but not necessarily in a bad way. Living under one roof with two people that can barely stand each other is a constant reminder of where I could end up. Especially if I listen to my mother's advice."
Listening to Peeta, I simultaneously try to make Haymitch look at me for even a second. But no, it's like the win depends on him having his back turned to me. This is a plan in motion.
"And what's that?" Caroline asks, unknowingly digging herself an even deeper hole.
Peeta sighs, but continues surprisingly smoothly. "She's not one of these people who are strict towards you for your own good. You, who have mothers like that, are really lucky." He nods to accentuate his point. "Ever since I can remember she's had this… need to control my life. And I let her, because her arguments sounded valid to me. She'd tell me how I'd end up like my dad unless I was very, very careful. Apparently that was to be prevented by staying away from anyone that wasn't on her "list", meaning girls that didn't have a future secured for them." Girls from the Seam. It's the second time today that I come to this realization. I wonder about Bannock and Elsa's relationship. They seem happy together, but were they always? Or were they put together by the witch?
"Wouldn't that make you exactly your dad? Settling for someone because it's more practical, easy?" asks Haymitch.
"Not if we managed to build a strong relationship. I would still have a choice, but it would be a smaller one." He hesitates, then shakes his head. "What she doesn't know is… I haven't had a choice in a while, not really."
"Why ever not?" Judge Camden asks, mystified.
Peeta sighs. "Well, there is this one girl. I've had a crush on her ever since I can remember. My mother has a… an exceptional disdain for her."
For some reason the confession sticks with me, but I expect everyone else to move on. Caroline, though, takes this as her cue to get out something that can work in her favor.
"Oh? Then why don't we invite this girl to share her torment with the crowd?"
"That would be kind of… uhm, impossible."
"Why's that?" Caroline spits out.
Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out. "Because… because… she came here with me."
A/N: Well, this update only took like half a year. I'm terribly sorry, I just wasn't feeling particularly inspired for this story, so I took my time and then during that time I got distracted with other stuff and… yeah. Nevertheless, let me know if you enjoyed this chapter and I'll try my best to write the next one faster.