Hello my gentle readers. Thank you for, well everything. Reading, your reviews, recommending this fic… it all means so much!
I also need to thank Norbertsmom for all that she does, and pumpking for reading. Loueze has been such a blessing and a wealth of knowledge! She is the one who is helping with the Gaelic names. Then to my Sarah, she might not ever read this, but she has been a wealth of knowledge too. She is my history person. Thank you!
Gaelic names used…
Dosean- dozen in Gaelic. This is king Peeta's kingdom.
Gual- coal. This is the village where Katniss lives.
Caipitil- capital. This is where King Snow is.
Trideag- thirteen
Mac- son
Mara- marine. This is part of the official title of Annie and Finnick. They are the Duke and Duchess of Mara.
Ton-wave
Lascaire-fisherman
Ethan hangs on to his father's hand as they walk the final steps through the gardens, leading out to the meadow behind the castle. Father and son picked all of the Amelia's favorite flowers and as they approach the marker, Peeta notices that someone has already left some colored pictures there. He tugs back on Ethan's hand. "Hey, Mac, did you leave those pictures?"
Ethan lifts their hands so that he can hide behind them like he used to when he much younger. He mutters, "I did. I thought Mama would like them."
Peeta pulls their hands aside, and bends down so he can look Ethan in the eye. "You don't have to hide. I'm glad that you are visiting here. You know that she isn't really here, don't you? She is in heaven."
Ethan nods. "But I still miss her."
Peeta pulls him into his arms. "I miss her too." They stand there for a moment hugging before Peeta stands up with a moan. "Will you show me the pictures?"
Ethan nods again, and let's go of Peeta's hand. He walks to where he had placed the drawings, gathers them up and brings them back to Peeta. They then sit down beside the grave and talk about their queen on the one year anniversary of her death.
Later on that day, Peeta just feels like he needs to get out of the castle for a little bit. Ethan is off playing, so he escapes to the barn and quickly saddles up Bishop. They charge out of the stable, surprising his guards. He lets the horse go where he will, while tears wet his cheeks. It isn't until they arrive at the cliff overlooking the castle and he sees the rock where he sat and talked to Katniss a month ago that it occurs to him why he is so upset.
He slips off of Bishop and walks over to the rock. He leans against it while memories of his time with Amelia flash through his mind. The first time his father told him that he was to be married, when she walked down the aisle to him, how she helped him when his father died. He cries as he thinks about how she used to look at Ethan.
A gentle breeze blows around him, holding him as he whispers to his queen, "Goodbye," into the wind. He isn't sure how long he stands there, watching the sun finish its trek across the sky. It's not until he hears his beast nicker that he turns around and there, finally touching his horse voluntarily, is Katniss. She looks at him nervously. He almost runs to her, wanting to close in the last steps between them.
She grabs him into a hug and murmurs in his ear, "What's wrong?"
He pulls her close and whispers, "It's been a year today-"
She hugs him tighter. "Oh no. I am so sorry. How is Ethan?"
He is still hanging onto her when he whispers in her ear, "He has been drawing her pictures for the past couple of months. He showed them to me today."
She pulls away from him and tugs him towards the rock beside them. She crawls up on it and pats the spot beside her like she did before. He smiles in relief and finds his spot beside her. When they are both settled, Katniss asks, "Tell me about her?"
He looks at her in surprise. "Are you sure?"
She smiles and he thinks that's it's the most amazing smile. "I am." He begins to talk about his Amelia, and even though he told her goodbye on the wind, telling Katniss about her, is what continues his healing.
"Mama," she hears Violet calling. "Mama, where are you?"
Katniss looks out of the bedroom where she is putting up the clothes she just finished mending. "I'm in here."
Violet bounces into the room. "I thought you were in the woods still."
Katniss can't help the guilty feeling that comes over her. "I didn't go today. I thought I told you that before you went to Grandma's."
Violet says, "I don't remember. Can you take me into the woods, now?"
Katniss closes the lid of the chest where she keeps her hunting pants. "Right now?" Violet nods but won't meet her eyes. "What's wrong?"
She watches her daughter shrug her shoulders like Prim does. "Nothing really. It's warm today so I thought that we could go play in the lake."
Katniss looks out the window and returns her daughter's look with a grin. "Let's go swimming." She says And Violet squeals in reply.
They walk quickly through the woods, but approach the lake quietly. Over the years Katniss has made keeping quiet into a game and Violet has always crept along behind her. They approach the lake, but Katniss makes her daughter hang back for a moment while she looks to see if anything is disturbed. When she sees no one, she motions for Violet follow her out from the bushes.
Katniss sets down her bag that holds a clean chemise for them each to put on. Violet watches her, and when she nods at her, a huge grin lights up her face. Both of them quickly take off their outer layer until they are standing in nothing but their sleeve-less shifts as the warm sun shines down on them.
Katniss hangs up their dresses while Violet slowly walks into the water. She doesn't go far, just up to her knees. When Katniss joins her, Violet giggles, and kicks some water at her. Spots darken her slip, as she walks in following her five year old as she goes deeper into the water.
Katniss swoops up behind her picking her up out of the water. "Mama put me down!"
"You want me to put you down?"
Violet remembers this game from last summer and throws her arms around her mother's neck. She squeals, "I'm not ready yet!"
Katniss sticks out her lip, making Violet giggle even more. "But you said to put you down."
Violet holds her nose and takes a deep breath. Together they count, "One, two, three." And Katniss lets her go. The little one goes flying through the air where she hits the water with a big splash. She pops back up and begs, "Can we do it again?"
Katniss nods, and Violet swims back to her. Katniss asks, "How about this time, you jump?"
Nervousness flashes over Violet's face, then excitement. "How can I jump from you?"
The sound of approaching hooves makes them both turn their heads towards the road. Violet closes in the couple of steps separating her and her mother and Katniss protectively places her hand on the child's shoulders.
Katniss scans the area, wishing she had her bow. She whispers to Violet and tries to reassure her own nerves, "It will be ok. You remember the way back to the village?"
She feels her movement against her leg, and right when she is ready to grab Violet and flee, she sees a very familiar black beast with his owner on in his saddle, followed by another horse with a matching rider. Even she isn't going to deny the relief that washes over her when she sees his sky-blue eyes meeting hers and even from the short distance; she can see the way his eyes light up when he sees them.
Violet spies her friend, and her excited cry of, "Ethan!" Echoes around the lake. His head shoots up, and the boy jumps from his horse and runs to shore.
"Violet! What are you doing here?" he asks, clearly as excited as his friend.
His friend giggles, "Mama didn't have to hunt today so she brought me so I could swim. Are you here to swim, too?"
Katniss smiles at the way the boy bounces for foot to foot. He nods, "Daddy said we could do anything I wanted to do today, so I picked swimming."
His father comes up behind him catching Katniss' eye. He offers her a sheepish smile and says, "Is it ok if we join you?"
It's then that she realizes that she is standing, knee deep in water wearing only her chemise. She can't stop the horrified look that passes over her face as she crosses her arms over her chest. Peeta watches her movements and she can see him realize that she is standing before him in nothing but a slip.
His voice is strained when he says, "Ethan, let's us go to the other side of the lake and swim. We will leave them be."
"If you will just give me a moment, I will put my dress back on," Katniss says and she is glad that her mother can't hear or see her now.
She walks out of the water and passes Peeta who is trying to look everywhere but at her. She quickly fastens her dress back and turns around. Violet is standing behind her, uncertain as to what she should do. Katniss runs her fingers through her damp walnut curls and says, "You and Ethan go swim. I'll be right here waiting for you."
Violet tries to whisper, but it comes out louder than it should, "But I want you to swim, too."
"We can swim later. Right now, you need to play with Ethan. You don't get to see him every day." Both of them look over to where Peeta and Ethan are trying not to be obvious that they are waiting to see what they will do. Katniss crouches down so she can look her daughter in the eye. "Go play. It will be alright. I'll be watching just in case you need me."
Violet nods, and turns towards Ethan, who asks, "Can we play?"
Violet nods. "Mama said it is alright. Can you swim?"
He smiles. "My Uncle Finnick taught me."
Violet returns his smile. "Well, come on then."
Ethan looks at his dad, and after Peeta says, "Go ahead, Mac. I'll watch you from here." It only takes Ethan a moment to pull his tunic off, followed by his boots and then his britches. He is left there in his undergarment, which is a pair of short pants that come down to his knees. Then he takes off, running to join Violet.
Their parents watch the children splash for a moment before Peeta offers, "I apologize. We should have gone to the other side of the lake."
Katniss shrugs. "Oh it's alright." Her mother and Uncle Haymitch come to mind. "Besides I'm fairly certain that if some people knew how much time we've been spending together, they would be posting the marriage banns."
The blood draining from his face gets her attention quickly. "You don't want to remarry?" He asks.
She can't look at him when she answers his question so he can't see the turmoil she knows that is in her silver eyes. "It's not that. I'm finally getting to a place where I know I can provide for Violet and myself, but then again its summer. I hate to think about what is going to happen this winter." She sees his concerned look out of the corner of her eye and curses herself for thinking out loud. "I've already started putting up food for this winter. I shouldn't have burdened you."
He looks worried as he turns away from her looking toward the children who are splashing in the water. He says so softly, "You can have everything you ever wanted if you would just accept it." She almost doubts that he even said it. Then he pulls off his tunic, slips off his boots and runs into the water with Violet and Ethan giggling behind him.
She finds a fallen log behind her and finds a seat. She tried hard not to think about what he just said, but it doesn't work. She watches him play with their children and instead of scaring her, the thought brings peace. Violet surprises her when she comes running up, water dripping all over her. She grabs Katniss' hands and tugs on her. "Come on, Mama."
Katniss resists the pulls. "I can't baby. It's not correct." Violet drops her hand and Katniss can tell how tired she is when the tears start. She looks up when Ethan runs to her daughter's side.
Violet says, "She won't swim."
Ethan offers, "Please can you come play? Violet really wants you to."
She watches her daughter cry, but what makes up her mind is Peeta standing behind them nodding yes. She stands quickly, and loosens her laces, catching her dress before it falls in the dirt. She hangs it in the tree with the rest of their stuff and smiles when she sees Violet and Ethan jumping with joy. They each grab a hand and she follows them into the water.
The coolness feels so good, she plunges right in. She only goes till the water reaches her waist, watches as Peeta wades over to her side. She tries not to stare at the ripples on his stomach, but the closer he gets, the harder it is to breathe. They are distracted from saying anything when Ethan splashes them and then swims away before either adult can catch him. Violet swims after him, too busy to notice the adults chuckling as they watch.
"I'm glad that you got in the water," he says softly.
She gets a handful of water and rubs the back of her neck, enjoying how it feels in the increasing heat of the late spring day. She then scoops up another handful of water, and throws it in Peeta's direction.
The chilly water hits his still dry shoulders and he answers her with a yelp. The mud shifts under her feet, and instead of getting away from his glare, she trips on her own feet, and falls sideways into the water with a giggle leaving her lips. She turns in the water, kicking free of the bottom, even though she still wears her long skirt.
Katniss surfaces slowly, looking around before she stands up. She only sees Violet and Ethan still playing, but not Peeta. She stands up, still not seeing him. She hears a weird noise behind her, and when she turns, she sees Peeta standing there with a strained look on his face. His eyes are looking towards her, but not at her so she twirls around trying to find what he sees, but finds nothing. She asks, "What's wrong?"
Peeta looks at her and flushes red again and rubs his hands over his face leaving smudges of mud on his cheeks. She giggles, and takes a step closer to him. He looks startled that she is coming towards him, and she points and tries to get words to come out of her mouth, but they don't seem to form. So she points and it's Ethan who says, "Hey, Dad! You have mud on your face!"
Peeta looks down and she smiles when she hears him chuckle. "I'm covered in mud," he says.
She replies, "I'm soaked." Her chemise is thin enough that she can see her nipples and she wonders if that is what he was looking at. she tries to be nonchalant when she pulls the wet fabric away from her, but the material is so worn and so thin, it really doesn't make much of a difference because the material clings to her again as soon as she lets go of it.
Peeta avoids her eyes and swims over towards where the children are. Katniss takes this opportunity to loosen her braid and dunks herself under again. When she come back up for air, she can hear them giggling. Peeta is standing there, letting Ethan climb onto his shoulders. Then Violet's excited voice floats over to her. "Now jump, Ethan!"
He laughs, and the lake echoes back to him. He takes a deep breath, and bravely, jumps into the lake in front of his father. In just a moment he surfaces again, and says, "Now it's your turn, Violet!"
Katniss is about to offer that she can hold Violet, but when she sees how the big grin on Peeta's face, she knows that he is having as much fun as the children. She watches them for a moment before she swims over to them and joins them in their fun.
After their parents announce that it's time to go, and after changing into dry clothes, even Katniss notices how Peeta comes up beside her after Violet drags Ethan over to the horses asking questions the entire time. He nudges her shoulder and says, "Thank you."
She looks at him, bewildered. "What for? I should be thanking you for letting Violet climb you like a tree." They chuckle together. "Now I'm afraid that my slight height will be a sore disappointment for her when we come back."
Peeta says, "Then we will have to make plans to do this again."
"Just so the children can play, of course."
His eyes twinkle down at her, full of merriment. "Of course, we'll meet again, just so the children can play."
For some reason, Peeta can't stop thinking about Katniss after meeting her and Violet at the lake. He shakes his head and grins at his thoughts and throws the saddle over Bishop's back. He can't stop thinking about how she looked in her wet chemise or how hard her nipples looked because of the cold.
He has to adjust himself when he feels the familiar tightening when he thinks about her. He grabs the bridle and eases it over Bishop's mouth. He sighs, "I wonder what i have to do to convince her to marry me?"
Bishop nickers a reply while Peeta buckles the straps behind his ears. Satisfied that everything is secure, Peeta puts his foot into the stirrup and pulls himself up onto his back. He guides him towards the exit and is about to let Bishop take them down the familiar paths. He grins again when he hopes that he might see Katniss, this time without the kids.
Darius' cry of, "You majesty!" Makes him pull the reins and the horse stops obediently. King and beast wait impatiently for the captain to catch up with them. He arrives, only slightly out of breath. "Your highness, there is a ship in the harbor."
Peeta sighs, "Yes, this time of year, there are many ships."
Darius shakes his head. "The same ship that belongs to King Snow has been spotted. It's flying its colors and the Caipitil flag."
"What the hell?" Peeta curses. "What are they doing here?"
Darius replies, "They appear to have dropped anchor. Shall we send a boat out?"
Peeta reins in Bishop and says wistfully, "Let me go and talk to Darius and Finnick. We might ride down to the docks in a minute."
Indeed they do, followed by Finnick, Darius and several of the guards all on their horses. Peeta knows that they look the formidable sight. The dock workers who visit the castle lay their left arms over their chests and bow their heads at Peeta when they see that their king has arrived. Peeta returns their salute of respect after he gets down from Bishop.
One of the lascaire, Tax, who Peeta recognizes from bringing shipments up to the castle, approaches them as he takes off the hat he wears to protect his head from the sun. "Sir, did Darius tell you?"
Peeta nods. "Have they done anything?"
Finnick pulls out his small spy glass and focuses on the ship. Tax offers, "Nothing has changed except I did notice that they did throw the anchor."
Finnick offers Peeta the glass and says, "I see Gloss, and some crew, but no sign of the old man."
Peeta gives him a stern look, and Finnick stops grinning. Before either man can do or say anything, there is a small dingy being lowered. Then carefully, Prince Gloss and another sharply dressed man follow him down the rope ladder. They are accompanied by two of the crewmen who quickly row them to the dock where King Peeta and his men wait.
Peeta looks around them, realizing that waiting on them isn't really how they should handle this, but then again them, arriving without being expected isn't very proper either. Peeta's dock workers help them to stir the little boat next to the dock and Peeta is the first one to step forward to offer his hand to Gloss to help him.
Once all of the men are out of the small boat, Gloss steps forward and introduces the stranger. "Your highness, this is one of my father's advisors, Seneca Crane."
Mr. Crane bows and Peeta nods his head while he motions to Finnick. "This is the Duke of Mara, Finnick Odair." The men nod to one another, and Peeta asks, "Are your crew men coming to the castle?"
Prince Gloss shakes his head. "They will be staying with the dingy."
Peeta nods and replies, "If you will accompany us to the castle, we will see about making you welcome."
Horses are provided for the prince and his man, while the crew members stay at the dock. It's only a short ride back to the castle, with Peeta leading the way. In a flurry of activity, they make their way to one of the palace parlors. There, some of the kitchen maids are setting out the teas and cakes that Sae made today, even without knowing that there would be royal company at the castle today. There are meat pies, cookies, and sweet cakes, along with the bread that Peeta's country is known for.
The men wait for the maids to pour their tea while they settle into their seats. When the maids have retreated back to the kitchens, it's Peeta who speaks up first, "Welcome to my humble home, gentlemen. How many we be of service?"
Gloss sets down his cup and picks up a meat pie. He just puts it on his plate, and says, "Forgive us for showing up unannounced. Father seemed to think that it wouldn't be a problem."
"You are always welcome," Finnick adds. "Just when you come unexpectedly, well, we can't help but to think the worse."
Gloss chuckles, and Peeta watches him fidget in his seat. "It's nothing like that. Just a little friendly visit."
Peeta nods, and keeps his expression neutral. "It is not a problem. How long will you be staying with us?"
Gloss answers, "We will probably be leaving as soon as we receive your answer."
Peeta steals a glance at Finnick, who is looking at him with his eyebrow raised. "Forgive me for I have no idea what you mean."
Mr. Crane sets his cup down, and just the way he sits there, with that smug look on his face, makes Peeta want to tell him to leave. "King Snow sent us to arrange the date for the wedding."
Peeta tries to stop the wave of rage that swells up inside him. He stands up and walks over to the fireplace. He stands there, with his back to the other men. He takes a deep breath, and tries to focus on Amelia's favorite nick-nacks still decorating the mantle, the room is silent behind him. Then he remembers the meeting not so long ago. He whispers to the fancy lady and her pink poodle, "Coin was right after all."
When he feels that he has himself under control, he slowly turns back around. Finnick looks concerned, Prince Gloss looks scared, while Mr. Crane still has the smug look on his face. Peeta begins, "Your king," he says in a near snarl, "Is mistaken. I will not be marrying the princess."
Seneca sets down his cup, and reaches for some papers under his arm, that Peeta didn't even notice. He opens the folder and offers Peeta a letter. He begins to read:
Thank you for receiving my son and my representive. Princess Cashmere is looking forward to becoming your queen. I understand that she may never receive the same affections as your first queen, but you are not a cruel man so you will hold her in high regard.
Below you will find the terms of her dowry which includes a measure of our very own oil and a measure of grain for every person under your rule. We expect that the previous trade agreements pertaining to the coal and the gold will stay the same.
We also have knowledge that Queen Coin is planning something. So along with your future queen, will come a military presence to keep you, your family, and you country safe.
I look forward to your vows, and being able to call you my son.
It takes Peeta everything he has not to crumple up the letter and throw it back in their faces. Instead he folds it and places it on the mantel. He slowly looks at them again, and he doesn't even try to hide the scorn in his voice, "I said it once, and I'll say it again, I will not be marrying the princess. It seems gentlemen that you have made this trip in vain. You are still welcome to stay, but it will not be to discussing the terms of this non-existent marriage." He nods to Pollux, the head butler. "This is my servant, Pollux. He will see to bringing in your luggage and show you to your rooms." He nods at Pollux. "I will see you at dinner."
King Peeta walks out of the room and he knows that Finnick is following right behind him. Peeta slows so Finnick can walk beside him and together the turn the corner to go to their offices. They see Pollux leading the visitors upstairs to the guest suites. "I don't like this," Finnick says.
"Neither do I," admits Peeta. Before they go much further, one of the maids comes scurrying by. Peeta stops her and asks, "Are you on the way to the prince's rooms?"
She blushes and curtsies. "Yes, sir."
"You know, if you hear anything, you can come straight to me and tell me," he tells her.
Peeta didn't think it was possible for her to turn any redder, but she did. She pops another curtsy, and stutters out, "Y-y-yes, your m-m-majesty." Before she runs over to the stair case and runs up it, not once looking back.
Finnick cracks a smile. "You know you can't talk to the maids. They get all flustered."
Peeta smiles for the first time since learning that he was having guests. "Come now. Ride home and fetch Annie. If she misses one of Sae's dinners that she fixes for visiting royalty, she will be very upset."
Finnick pulls out his pocket watch. "Be back by five?"
Peeta nods. "Five it is." He watches Finnick retreat. He is headed into his office when Ethan comes running by.
"Hey, Dad! Sae is fixing me a snack. What to come with me?" Ethan asks.
Peeta watches his son. "You know, with the day I'm having, I need some time with you and Sae in her kitchens." He wraps his arm around his son's shoulders and they continue down the hallway. "What is she fixing, Mac?"
"I think she said that I can have some meat pies. Who is visiting, Daddy?"
"I guess you don't remember King Snow? He was here for Finnick and Annie's wedding." He waits for Ethan to shake his head. "Well his son is here-"
Excitedly, Ethan interrupts, "Can he come and play with me?"
Peeta chuckles, so glad that Ethan is diffusing his anger. "Prince Gloss is grown up. He came for a quick visit."
"If he is grown, then he probably isn't much fun to play with then."
"Who knows? He might like to go swimming, but i really don't think he will be here that long." They enter the kitchen. Ethan runs over to where some of the maids, are helping Sae with the big dinner.
"There is my king," Sae calls out over the busyness and the noise. "Ethan, get a plate for your father. I know he is hungry." Peeta watches as his son weaves in and out of the working servants. They all have an easy smile for their prince, but what makes him even more proud, is how he greets them all by name.
Peeta is still standing on the outskirts of the kitchen, beside one of the big tables, careful to stay out of the way. Sae brings him a cup, and he takes the tea gratefully. Ethan soon sets before him a plate of everything that he was just served upstairs, but didn't get to eat. He takes a bite of the meat pie, and loves how the gentle flavor of the lamb bursts on his tongue.
Before he can take another bite, the very same maid comes running into the kitchen. She has her apron twisted in her hands and looks so worried that Peeta wonders if she is about to burst into tears. Their eyes meet, and she bobs another curtsy, and stutters, "Y-y-your majesty?"
He sets down the half eaten pie, and a foreboding feeling grows. "You must have heard something?"
The maid looks from Peeta and then to Sae. Peeta sees Sae nod at her and say, "Your majesty, this is Venia. She just started working here right after the Queen passed away."
Peeta bows his head and lays his left arm over his chest. "I apologize for not making your acquaintance before now."
There is a faint blush that travels up her cheeks, but she does look a little less nervous than she did a moment ago. "I'm just a maid, your highness-"
Peeta shakes his head. "I am the king, but that doesn't mean that i can know my people who let me lead them. Now, please, tell me what you overheard."
She nods quickly, and stammers, "They were talking about how they were going to take over a little bit at a time after you marry the princess and how their people were going to start immigrating over to here."
"You are getting married?" Ethan screeches.
"Bloody, hell!" Peeta curses under his breath. "I'm not marrying anyone, Mac!" He turns his attention back to Venia. "Thank you. Will you go back and see if you hear anything else?"
She nods. "Of course." And she almost runs out of the kitchens.
Peeta returns his attention back to Ethan. "We are having a very important dinner tonight. I want you to stay in the kitchens with Sae, or I can have Effie stay with you in your room, but you are not to come in there. Understand?"
Ethan nods and replies, "Yes, sir."
"Peeta, them showing up like this worries me," Annie says. She and Finnick had just arrived, and his guests haven't come down from their rooms yet.
"We don't like it either," Peeta says before he presses a kiss to her cheek. "One of the maids overheard something this afternoon."
"Oh?" Finnick asks. "What was it?"
"Just they have plans to come in and take over," he replies.
"They don't know about Coin, do they?" Finnick asks.
"I don't think so." They all quiet when they hear someone clearing their throat. They all turn to see Pollux standing in the doorway. He motions in his signs, and Peeta whispers, "He is saying that someone is coming down the stairwell." Peeta mouths, "Thank you."
Pollux nods at him and returns to his post. Peeta looks at his friends and family and says, "Shall we?"
Annie slips her hand into Finnick's elbow, they go on in. Peeta walks over to Pollux first and whispers, "Can you have Darius and some other guards close-by? I might need them before the dinner is over." Pollux nods. About that time, Mr. Crane and Prince Gloss are descending the stairs. Peeta steps forward, and welcomes them, "Dinner will be served in a matter of minutes."
Prince Gloss walks in beside him. "You know, in my father's castle, we aren't so familiar with our servants."
Peeta shrugs. "These are my people. They let me lead them, and with their help we have made this into a wonderful little country. After all, this is their home too." He stops behind a chair beside the head of the table that Pollux is holding for him. Peeta motions for his guest to sit there, while he goes to his place at the head. In a custom as old as time, they wait for the king to find his seat before they join him sitting.
Pollux nods at the maids and they start bringing out the plates from Sae. When everyone has a plate, Peeta says, "Thank you everyone who is here to share this meal with us."
The sounds of everyone eating fill the silence. Peeta isn't that hungry, the left over anger still boiling inside of him. Peeta looks up from his plate when Prince Gloss pauses from his eating and says, "You really do have a lovely kingdom. I can see why father is fascinated with it."
Peeta can see Finnick start to say what he is sure is the question he wants to ask, but Mr. Crane clearing his throat gets everyone's attention instead. "Are you sure you won't reconsider King Snow's offer?"
Peeta sets his eyes on Crane who still has that damn smirk on his face. He can hear his own heartbeat rushing in his ears from his adrenaline rushing. He grits his teeth and growls, "I told you, I will not marry the princess."
Gloss looks nervously between Crane and the king. "I wish you would think about this more. It would-"
Peeta for the first time lets his temper go. He jumps up so fast, the thud from his chair hitting the floor echoes around the room. "I am the king! I will not have you coming in here and ordering me about! I will control my own destiny, not some old doddering man from across the sea." He then looks around for Pollux. "Pollux!" He bellows. "Go and fetch Darius. These men will be leaving first thing in the morning." He sees the worried look on Annie's face, but the proud look on Finnick's. He nods at his family. "Please excuse me."
Peeta storms out of the castle, heading straight for the stables. He even passes Ethan playing in the yard with Rue. He knows his son calls out for him, but he is so mad that he just needs to go. So he barks behind him, "Go back to the kitchen, Sae needs you."
It only takes him a moment before he lets Bishop charge through the woods. The beast, sensing his owner's distress, takes him down the familiar path where animal and king both know they can run and be safe.
Peeta tries to clear his head as the trees whiz by. He murmurs under his breath to the wind, "I can't believe that just happened. Who in the hell does Snow think he is? Sending Crane to tell, no demand that I ready to marry Princess Cashmere."
By the time he is starting to cool off, he sees the familiar back door. He sees Violet running from her house where she must have run out the front door. He starting to question the wisdom in coming here when it's not even dusk, when her back door opens. She looks up and finds him at the edge of the forest, and he nudges Bishop to go closer.
Katniss waits for him to arrive and dismount before she moves. He climbs down and before he can even say anything, she had her arms around him and he hears her murmuring, "What in the world happened to you today?"
He leans back so he can see her and for the first time all day, he feels that everything will somehow be alright. "I've had a bad day that's all. Can I do something?"
He watches her as her pink tongue darts out to wet her lips. She doesn't seem nervous as she answers him with a nod. He decides that the time is now as he bends his head and finally, after all these months, claims her lips in a kiss.
The only other woman he has ever really kissed was Amelia, but this kiss with his Katniss, well it's doing things to him he never thought possible. It makes him hard in all the right places and soft in others. He wraps her in his arms, and pulls her tight to him and he thinks his heart is going to melt, when she groans against his lips. He has to fight through the urge to throw her onto the back of Bishop and take both her and Violet somewhere safe.
They part with amazement dancing in their eyes, their breaths are heavy, and hearts are beating wildly, but together.