The Justice Building wasn't a place to be visited lightly. It was here that people marked the most momentous of events in their lives: the Reaping, marriage, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one. Nothing was considered fact unless the Capital willed it so. The morning that Hyacinth Connolly became Hyacinth Everdeen was significant for a number of reasons.

Basil had wanted his best friend to stand up with him but Haymitch had declined. He maintained that it was best for everyone if he stayed away. His presence would draw too much attention to an already controversial match. In Twelve, the merchant class and those less fortunate didn't mix beyond standing in the same square during Reaping ceremonies. There might be rumors of the occasional indiscretion but never was the line boldly crossed. That taboo was ignored completely along with the curious stares of the town by Basil Everdeen and Hyacinth Connolly.

It was speculated that the apothecary's daughter was in a family way and that the young man was doing the right thing by the ignorant girl. It was whispered that Mr. Connolly, having no sons to inherit his trade, had charged his girls with finding a suitable husband who would become his apprentice. Conjecture and hearsay burned through the community like wildfire. Some supposition was doused and others fueled when Lachlan Connolly disinherited his middle daughter and turned her from their home. Assumptions were made when Beatrice Mellark stepped forth and took the girl in. Stories were spun in an ever increasing variety as the truth-starved community attempted to make sense of the puzzling events. Through it all, the primary players in the spectacle maintained an impenetrable silence.

The marriage of the ill-fated pair almost didn't take place. The signing of the marriage license required two witnesses to make it legal. Basil and Hyacinth had only one witness the morning of their signing. Beatrice Mellark had already thrown the town into a tizzy by giving the disgraced girl her support and a place to stay. She further flouted convention by accompanying Hyacinth to the Justice Building. Basil had no immediate family. His friends were, for the most part, fellow crew members in the mines or people he traded game for other necessities. They liked and respected him but were unwilling to defy the social mores of the district. Salvation came in the unlikely form of Beatrice's son, Pryce.

The town had long expected the baker's son and the apothecary's daughter to marry. They had been friends since the two were small. It wasn't beyond the realm of possibility for the match to be looked upon favorably by their families. When the expected bride of the future baker essentially set him aside for a coal miner, the town was appalled. When his mother sided with the girl, they were shocked and amazed. When he himself stepped forth as a witness to the nuptials, they were dumbfounded. But none more so than Basil Everdeen.

The two men eyed each other hesitantly as they waited for the official to bring forth the necessary documents. Basil steeled himself and blurted out, "Why are you doing this?"

Pryce grinned wryly at the man's surly tone. "Would you believe because it's the right thing to do? She loves you and you love her. This is what she wants to happen. That's good enough for me."

Basil frowned, eyes narrowed in thought. "But you…" he stuttered. Visibly drawing himself up, he continued, "You wanted to marry her and yet here you are. You would be the sensible choice for her whether it's the right thing or not, Pryce. Why are you helping us?"

"You want me to say that I love her too. Fine, consider it said," Pryce spat angrily. "I watched her become a shadow of herself during the Games. When Maysilee died, I thought that Hyacinth wouldn't be far behind her. Those two were closer than any sisters ever could be. I tried to lift her spirits but every day she slipped further and further away. I couldn't do anything to change that. You could and did." He proudly met the other man's startled gaze. "I just want her to be happy. You make her happy, Basil. Any fool can see that. How could I not do anything in my power to make sure that the smile you put there stays on her face?"

Basil's face sobered and he stared unblinkingly at the other man's stoic face. An unwilling smile twisted his mouth. "I can never repay you for this," he stated. "There's nothing I can offer that would ever be enough."

Pryce laughed easily and clasped the man's shoulder. "Just keep the smile on her face. That's the only repayment that I need. Do that and we're more than even, Basil. Make her happy the way that she deserves to be."

Basil's grin became genuine and he grasped the other's hand in a firm handshake. "That I can do and I will for the rest of my life. I promise you that."

A throat clearing pulled their attention to the official who was giving them a curious look as he announced that they were ready to begin. The two exchanged a final look and then followed the official to where Hyacinth and Beatrice awaited them.

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The boy was slumped over with his face hidden in his hands as Basil Everdeen and Haymitch Abernathy made their way back in from the kitchen. Haymitch carried a tray loaded down with a tea pot, cups, and a loaf of familiar looking bread. The two men paused in the doorway and exchanged curious glances. The girl was patting his shoulder in an encouraging way but the look on her face was pure amusement. Basil grinned as he took in the familiar teasing expression that graced his daughter's face. The girl had a wicked sense of humor that chose the most inappropriate times to assert itself. It was clear to him that the boy had fell victim to one of her escapades. Even though his stomach knotted at the risky plan they were about to embark upon, Basil couldn't help but admire the girl's temerity. Katniss was indomitable. If the boy still held her in a rosy view, those notions wouldn't last long. The girl didn't hide her light under a barrel. Katniss was who she was. She didn't know how to be anything else. Watching her obvious enjoyment of the boy's discomfort, Basil felt oddly reassured that whatever the future brought; his girl would be able to face it on her feet. The boy, on the other hand, looked green at the gills.

He was surprised at the compulsion to come to the boy's aid. He remarked reprovingly, "Katniss don't scare the boy to death with trivial matters when we have more important things to discuss." He almost laughed when the boy visibly tensed at the sound of his voice. So that was the slant that her teasing had taken. Basil was almost tempted to ask him what horror stories the girl had been feeding him. He stowed the questions away for another time and then took one of the chairs facing the pair. Peeta gulped audibly but to the boy's credit, he straightened and squarely met the man's appraising eyes. Basil felt his opinion of Peeta Mellark raise a few points. Haymitch, however, wasn't nearly as charitable in his assessment.

"Boy, if you have to puke your guts out then go ahead and get it over with. We have a lot of stuff to go over and we don't have time for a tender belly." The boy's face flushed scarlet and even Basil looked disapprovingly at his longtime friend. "Don't give me that look," Haymitch retorted. "I need his full attention and like it or not, being afraid for his life will be a distraction. He needs to get over it now. Basil, tell the boy you aren't going to beat him within an inch of his life or kill him anytime soon so that we can get on to more important things." Peeta's face went visibly white while Katniss and Basil both looked at the former Victor in irritation. Apparently, Katniss wasn't the only one with an inappropriate sense of humor.

Basil shook his head in resignation and met the boy's anxious stare. "Take it easy, son. I'm just here to talk regardless of whatever else you might have heard. Haymitch has a point even if he is being an ass. You have nothing to worry about," he said kindly. A small niggle prompted him to push the boy's buttons just a little bit himself. "Yet," he added gleefully. Katniss bit her lip to curb a smile but Basil was more interested in Peeta's reaction. He sat up straighter, eyes darting to take in the others, and then settling on Basil.

"I'm not worried, sir. I haven't done anything wrong." Peeta stated evenly. His nerves visibly settled as he faced Basil Everdeen impenitent. "I didn't ask Katniss to come here. I even told her to go home once it became clear that it might be dangerous for her. I hope that you believe me. I would never do or say anything that would cause Katniss harm."

Basil's eyes took in his daughter's proud expression as she glanced warmly at the boy. Haymitch snorted in amusement. Basil had to take care not to smile himself at the boldness evident in the boy's expression. He clearly had a backbone and wouldn't hesitate to defend himself if need be. Basil was glad to see it. The situation they were faced with would eat a timid person alive and grind them to dust. It was reassuring to see a hint of fire in the blue gaze locked with his. "What you have or haven't done isn't the issue, Peeta. It's the unintended consequences that we have to discuss. How much have you been told about what we're dealing with?"

Peeta gnawed on his lower lip and appeared to be thinking furiously. "I don't think that I know the whole story but I've been told enough to fit most of the pieces together. " Basil raised a skeptical brow and the boy's mouth edged into a grin. "My father told me of your involvement with certain activities during the Rebellion. Katniss and Haymitch have hinted that you are concerned about people finding out your whereabouts and that of your family. I'm guessing that there are still people looking for any sign that you didn't actually die eleven years ago. You think that if they find out who Katniss is, then they will fill in the rest of the blanks and come after you." Peeta laughed softly at Basil's dumbfounded expression. "Like I said, I've managed to work most of this out but I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me what I'm missing. I won't put Katniss in danger."

Basil exchanged an incredulous look with Haymitch, who shrugged and helped himself to a slice of the sweet bread laid out on the tray. He turned back to the boy and found Peeta's eyes still locked determinedly on him. "Your father told you about my past, did he? Well, that will save us some time." Basil sighed and then leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "It was the only choice at the time. It had gotten to the point that I was being monitored constantly. They wanted me but were trying to hook a bigger fish." He gestured to the silently observing Victor beside them. "Haymitch was who they were really after. He had managed to keep his activities concealed. The rest of us knew details about our operations but Haymitch had knowledge of every pathway and safe house in the district. Those resources were the foundation of keeping Paylor in power. It's still important but her initiatives have made up some ground. It's amazing how a steady food supply, a stable economy, and an ensuing peace can make a leader more attractive. There are still some who would like a return to the old ways. They think if they can eliminate Paylor's support system in the districts then the door will be open enough for them to sneak back in."

Haymitch chimed in, "If they can clean us out, then they will be free to put their own people in place. Subdue the districts and you have a clear field to take out the Capital. It can't survive on its own. Things are much better now than they were under Snow but the Capital is still a parasite living off the district's lifeblood. Paylor taking steps to share resources have made her palatable to the rest of Panem. If that practice were to stop, the willingness to accept the Capital's rule will disappear. It will be the Rebellion in reverse. People want stability and they will follow whoever promises it. If they get rid of her support and then take away the sense that she is the best choice to keep everything on an even keel, they can take over. If that happens, we will all suffer the consequences."

Peeta's brow furrowed as he considered what he was hearing. "I understand that. What I don't get is how allowing Katniss to see me will lead to this happening. Her name doesn't have to come up. If I see her in the woods, then nobody even has to know. It's not forbidden for people to go out there, not like it was in the old days. The fence is only to keep the wildlife out of town. My friend Gale hunts out there regularly. Sae sends her granddaughter to the Meadow to glean. I've been going out there since I was nine. It's never been a problem before. Why is it now?"

Katniss provided the answer. She pulled up her sleeve and showed him the pale pink scar just above the mottled bruise he had examined earlier. "This comes from my tracker being taken out when I was five, Peeta. My father, mother, and I all had to have them removed so that we could stay hidden in the woods. Everybody born in the district has one, even you." Peeta's brows climbed into his hairline. Katniss glanced at her father and Haymitch, who nodded encouragingly. "The people who were left after Snow was taken out know about the trackers and how to activate them. If the wrong person noticed you acting any differently and my name came up, then they could turn yours on. They would map out your patterns and be able to retrace your steps. You could lead them to the lake and straight to me and my family. "

Peeta gulped and rubbed his arm unconsciously. "Can't we do something similar to me? Can't I just have it taken out so that they won't be able to monitor me?"

Haymitch shook his head. "It's not that easy, boy. The tracker is designed to not be easily removable. If you could just cut it out, we would have done it years ago. It took the Rebels years to come up with a safe method to get them out. It took just as long to figure out how to override them. We could arrange for your tracker to be removed but you would have to disappear. The current regime still uses them for census purposes. The Capital uses a modified chip even today. Live births are still required to be registered with the Justice Building. They still take a blood sample from each baby. These days, it's used more for genetic testing and as an ID tag. The tracking option has been taken out of the new chips. Beetee, a former Victor from District Three, was the designer. He had the same function in Three that I had in Twelve. We made sure that Paylor understood the necessity of negating the tracking features. It would be too similar to what Snow and his cronies did for years. There wouldn't have been a viable change if we stuck to the same methods." Haymitch was clearly warming to his subject. Basil nudged him and the man rolled his eyes but came to the point he had been dancing around. "I've sent for Beetee to come here. Once here, he will replace your chip with the modified one. It will still show up but Snow's people won't be able to follow you unless they physically have someone dog your steps or somehow manage to get a tracer on you."

Basil took over. "We've also decided that it's time to stop hiding. Snow's allies have plagued Paylor for a long time. She is just as anxious as we are to finally close this chapter and move on. We've slowly eliminated most of them over the years but a few have managed to elude our efforts. We think that with the right motivation, they can be persuaded to reveal themselves. That's where you and Katniss come in. We want you two to be openly seen around town and in the District. Let it be known who Katniss is. They are aware that I had a daughter. It should draw them like flies to honey. When they show up, we will be waiting. It can all be over. We won't have to hide anymore."

Peeta processed what they had told him and Basil could see immediately when the boy realized what they weren't saying. His blue eyes darted to Katniss and ignited in a storm of confusion and worry. He looked accusingly at both Haymitch and Basil and furiously bit out, "But that will put her directly in the line of fire. She will have a target on her back, won't she? They won't be content with just watching us to see where we go. They can take her and force her to bring them to you or hurt her to draw you in. Hell no! That's not an option. There has to be another way." He pinned Basil with an incensed glare. "Why can't you come out into the open and leave her out of it? It shouldn't be her."

Basil's eyes widened at his vehemence. Haymitch however took it upon himself to reassure the boy. "Relax, son." He ordered. "We've already thought of that. Don't think that we would leave the girl unprotected. I've already made some calls and arrangements to keep both of you safe. We just want you to be completely aware of what you could be facing. If you agree, Paylor is sending in some of her best troops to assist. Katniss will have her own guard that will stay with her at all times. There will be a group to look after her mother and little sister. The last group will keep Basil here out of trouble and will look for any signs that they've taken the bait. If there is, that group will move in and take them down. Is that good enough for you, boy?"

Peeta's shoulders visibly relaxed and he moderated his tone. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to panic. I'm just worried about Katniss. I won't let her be hurt." He mirrored Basil's posture by leaning forward and placing his elbows on his knees. "How soon can the troops be here? Where is she going to stay if we're going to be so blatant? She can't go back home. That defeats the purpose of keeping her mother and sister hidden."

Basil and Haymitch exchanged another glance. They hadn't thought of that. Haymitch commented, "She can't stay here, Basil. I'm a drunken recluse who is only tolerated because I don't make a nuisance of myself. Hazelle has her own family to go home to. She can't stay at my house and chaperone for the girl. It would cause more than a few eyebrows to rise if Katniss were to stay here unattended. You know it's true as well as I do."

Basil glared in frustrated understanding. "Well, where the hell is she going to stay then? The boy is right. She can't come home if we're going forward with this stupid plan. If not with you, where will she be safe?"

The two were clearly on the cusp of quite an argument when Peeta involuntary butted in. He cleared his throat and felt his cheeks flame as the words left his mouth. "She can stay with me." Katniss gasped audibly and her father's face turned momentarily murderous before he schooled his features. Haymitch merely looked from one to the other and laughed maniacally. Peeta hastily amended, "I mean that she can stay with my family. My brother Dodson just got married to Delly Cartwright. They moved into my grandmother's old house. It's close to the bakery and the center of town. Dodge teaches during the day and Delly helps her father in the shop occasionally if needed. Otherwise, she stays at home. Katniss would be safe there. She would be comfortable. Dodge would help out if I asked him. My father and other brother can help too."

Basil's face softened and he looked to Katniss questioningly. Her face was the color of an over-ripened tomato but her gaze was steady and considering. She watched Peeta carefully. He no longer looked sick but was instead waiting expectantly for them to shoot his suggestion down. Basil wracked his brain but couldn't come up with a more suitable alternative. He could find an empty residence and have Katniss stay with him. It would be an oddity, however, and would no doubt draw prying eyes. Basil needed to remain in the background. Otherwise, the boy was correct in his assertion that there was no need to involve Katniss. He had to stay an unknown entity. Katniss finally met her father's gaze and nodded once shortly. Basil let out a long breath and then reluctantly agreed, "That will work. You'll need to talk with them today, Peeta. Go now and take Katniss with you. Haymitch will make the calls to finalize the plans." He rose slowly to his feet and looked momentarily uncomfortable. "I will go explain the situation to Hyacinth and Prim. I'll get your stuff together and bring it back here, Katniss. Your knives and bow will be included in the pack. Make sure that you stay armed at all times even if Peeta is with you."

The girl flung herself into her father's arms and hugged him tightly. "I'll be careful, Daddy. I promise. Tell Prim that I'll see her soon." She stepped back and gestured Peeta forward. He shot her a furious glance which brought forth an amused snort. "He's letting me go with you, Peeta. Do you honestly think he's going to kill you now?"

"That doesn't make me feel any better, Katniss." He grated out. He moved toward Basil determinedly and stuck out his hand. "We'll go and speak with my father now, sir. Dodge will take us a little more seriously then. I'll stay close to her until Paylor's guard gets here. Thank you for trusting me. I promise you won't regret it."

Basil's lips twitched but he suppressed the smile that threatened. "You're welcome, boy. Just don't let me down. I want her back in the same condition I left her in." His raised a brow and gave him a pointed look to further emphasize his meaning. "If not, then you and I will need to have another talk."

Peeta also bit back a smile at the not so veiled threat. "I understand, sir. Trust me; I don't want to have that conversation. She will be." Katniss looked at them in confusion. "Let's go, Katniss." Basil chuckled as her questions about what her father meant floated back along with the boy's reply, "I'll tell you later." The two left via the front door and could be seen walking slowly down the path toward town. She was still speaking animatedly and he finally bent to whisper in her ear. The outraged glare she turned on the house was proof that she had finally received her explanation and didn't like it one bit. The boy laughed at her offended expression and clasped her hand, gently forcing her to continue walking. Basil watched until they disappeared from view and then turned his attention to Haymitch.

"He would have done well in the Rebellion," Basil commented. "He certainly threw a ringer in with that question about where she would be staying. What else have we overlooked?" Haymitch shrugged noncommittally. Basil rolled his shoulders and rubbed a hand tiredly over his eyes. "Don't tell him but I'm glad that it was he who found her. I don't know how it's possible but that boy really does love her. He won't let anything happen to her if he can prevent it." He looked thoughtfully out the window for a moment and then asked quietly, "Do you think that some people are just meant to be together? You and Maysilee found each other despite the district's views. Hyacinth and I were able to get married in spite of enormous obstacles. Katniss and Peeta have been separated for most of their lives and yet they have a connection. Anybody seeing them together couldn't deny that it exists. My biggest concern isn't that the boy will hurt her or even that Snow's people will find her. It's that she will have to pay a price for loving so deeply. Maysilee died. Hyacinth lost her family and then her home by following me into the woods. What will this cost Katniss? What will they cost Peeta? I'm afraid for both of them, Haymitch."

Haymitch gave him a smile that lacked its usual sarcastic edge. If fact, Basil hadn't seen his friend smile like that since before going to the Games. "There's always a risk when you let someone else into your life and heart, Basil. She will have to learn that lesson just like everyone else. I think that whatever the price turns out to be, she will be more than willing to pay it. So will the boy. I don't buy into your theory that some people are meant to be. That's fairy tale nonsense. I think that some people are just more suited than others. Most people go through life not knowing the difference and yet they are still happy. Those who find someone that understands them know their flaws and fears, and loves them in spite of it are the lucky ones. You know what I mean. I think those two have stumbled onto something very special. They deserve the chance to find that out for themselves."

Basil smiled and clasped his friend's shoulder. "I couldn't agree more, my friend. They do deserve that." He headed for the back door which would allow him to slip unheeded into the woods. "I'll be back before dark with her stuff. Try and get Paylor to send out the troops in a hovercraft. The sooner this is over; the better that I will feel." He eased the door closed, leaving Haymitch looking pensively after him.

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Pryce Mellark looked up as the bell over the front door chimed. He smiled as Peeta walked determinedly into the bakery. The smile froze and slid precariously off his face as he noted the dark haired girl bringing up the rear. He didn't have to be told who she was. Her face was a dead giveaway. She was the mirror image of her mother at that age. Pryce could scarcely keep his jaw from dropping as shock set in. How had Peeta managed to cross paths with Katniss Everdeen? What was the girl doing here?

"Dad, I have someone that I would like for you to meet." Peeta announced. He pulled Katniss closer and smiled encouragingly as her expression became panicked. "He won't bite. Don't start acting all jumpy now." She shot him an irritated look over her shoulder but the tense air left her. In its place came a radiant smile that was an exact duplicate of one he had known so well growing up. "Katniss Everdeen, this is my father Pryce Mellark. He will attempt to bribe you with cookies but don't take them." Peeta sent his father a teasing smile. "Mine are better. I wouldn't want you to be taken in by second rate product."

Pryce snorted and extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear. You're the spitting image of your mother. She was a very close friend of mine."

Katniss took the proffered hand and shook it firmly, "I've heard my mother mention you, sir. She spoke very highly of you. I'm glad to meet you."

Pryce raised a questioning brow but when no answer was forthcoming; he asked the question straight out. "Peeta, what is she doing here? Where did you meet her? Forgive me, my dear, but your parents disappeared eleven years ago. We haven't seen or heard from them in all that time. I find myself at a loss to explain your being here."

Peeta gestured toward one of the tables and said carefully, "I can explain but I need you to hear me out before saying anything. We need your help, Dad. A lot has happened in the last few days." Pryce looked from one to the other curiously. Katniss gave him a small smile but Peeta avoided his gaze entirely. He darted behind the counter and grabbed a couple of cheese buns from the display along with a glass of juice. He plunked them down in front of Katniss and then waved for her to help herself. The girl tucked into the fragrant bread and made an appreciative noise. Peeta beamed for a moment then turned serious eyes to meet his father's probing stare. "I met her in the woods a little while ago. I followed an old trail that led to a small lake. I had no idea that it was there. I found a likely spot and started sketching. I heard a noise and when I went to investigate, there she was. I don't know which of us was the more surprised. That was the day that I asked you about my picture and the story you told me. Did you know about the lake back then, Dad?"

Pryce shook his head. "No, I didn't. I've never set foot in those woods. I'm not exactly the outdoor type," he stated wryly. "It was a spur of the moment thing, Peeta. I had no idea where Basil had taken them except that they had gone into the woods. Beyond that, I was reaching for anything to distract you from that storm. It just popped into my head."

Katniss grinned. "It certainly made an impression on him regardless. I should probably thank you for telling him that story." She gave Peeta a fond look which caused his cheeks to flush scarlet. Pryce bit back a laugh as he watched them. Instead, he cleared his throat to regain their attention.

"You're welcome, Katniss." He replied. "I really can't take all the credit. Peeta decided that you were the one for him at age two. It was impossible to dissuade him after that. He was quite adamant."

It was then Katniss' turn to look somewhat shocked. "I'm sorry but I thought you told him that story when he was five. That's what he told me."

Pryce grinned unrepentantly. "That part is true. However, you two had met previously at my mother's house. In fact, you met several times but the one that I most remember was when you and your mother visited while Peeta was spending the week. Apparently, he baked you a cake out of mud. Your mother intervened before you could sample it. Peeta was quite heartbroken." The two stared at him enthralled. Pryce almost wanted to laugh at the identical expressions of interest the two were wearing. "At any rate, he announced his undying devotion to my mother later that evening. She was quite delighted."

Peeta glanced at Katniss shamefaced. "See. I told you that I was a goner the first time I saw you. Now you have proof. So never doubt me again."

Katniss rolled her eyes and retorted, "Well apparently I had it just a badly as you did if I was willing to eat mud for you." She grinned suddenly. "I wouldn't do that for just anyone, you know."

Peeta laughed. "You'd better not. I only make mud pies for very special people."

Pryce interrupted, "Why don't you two tell me exactly what's going on? You said that you need my help. What do you need me to do?"

Peeta laid out the whole story with Katniss filling in details as needed. Pryce broke in several times to clarify a particular point or to interject an opinion. When Peeta finished, Pryce leaned back and covered his face with his hand. "Forgive me but this has to be the most absurd plan that I've ever heard. Surely there has to be another way. It's dangerous and leaves a great deal to chance. My dear, you should go home and stay there until the matter is resolved. I'm sure that Peeta will agree with me that it's not worth putting your life at risk."

Peeta shook his head, "Dad, you're not telling us anything that hasn't already been said. Haymitch Abernathy came up with most of this plan. I think that he knows better than anyone what the Everdeens could be facing. I have to trust that he's doing everything that he can to keep her alive and well. That being said, we have to do our parts as well. She can't stay with Haymitch. They don't want to draw a lot of attention to the woods. Her mother and little sister are still out there. They will have their own protection but it's imperative that they remain hidden for the time being. Mr. Everdeen will be staying close by so that he can keep an eye on Katniss. He can't move openly so she needs somewhere that is reliable. She can't live with us because Mother wouldn't allow it even if her father would. I thought the best compromise would be for her to stay with Dodge and Delly."

Pryce tapped his chin thoughtfully. "That might work. Delly is home most of the time. They have a spare bedroom. All right, Peeta. I'll speak with Dodge and explain the situation. I will have to tell him the whole story. Delly doesn't need to know all the details. I love the girl dearly and she's a wonderful wife to Dodson. That doesn't change the fact that she is the worst gossip in town." He stood and pulled off his apron, tossing it to Peeta. "You cover for me while I go speak with your brother. I know that you probably will anyway, but she's free to take whatever she wants from the display." Pryce grinned at the girl and patted her shoulder kindly. "It's good to see you again, Katniss. Please give my regards to your mother." He spun quickly on his heel and made for the door. Katniss looked after him wonderingly and then turned to look at Peeta.

"I think he likes you," Peeta commented to break the awkward silence. "He's always giving away stuff but this is the first time he's given free rein. I'd take advantage of it while you can."

Take advantage she did, grabbing a sampling of whatever caught her eye. Peeta watched her in amusement as she made her way through copious amounts of bread, pastries, and a delicate caramel flan. She took a small bite and sighed as the sweet custard and caramel melted together. "That is the best thing I've ever eaten. Who made that?" She questioned.

"I made that one. Dad usually sticks to the sweet desserts but he made the remark that his was much better than mine. I couldn't back down from an outright challenge." Peeta confided.

She took another bite and closed her eyes briefly. "Who won? Surely, you did. There's no way that his could be better than this."

Peeta grinned. "I'm afraid that it was but thank you for the compliment. Dad's flans are fairly popular. They don't stay on the shelf long. Since he makes them so rarely, they tend to get snapped right up." Katniss shook her head in disbelief and continued to devour the remaining bites. She eyed the display hungrily and Peeta laughingly pulled out the final portion and set it in front of her with a flourish. A sudden noise from the kitchen pulled their heads around. Seth ambled into the front area followed by Gale Hawthorne. Seth stopped abruptly, taking in the scene. Gale sent Peeta an approving grin as his gaze swept over Katniss.

"Does Dad know that you're entertaining a girl in the bakery, little brother? He will have your head if he finds out you're giving away our most expensive stuff." Seth grinned suddenly. "I don't blame you. She is stunning but hardly worth getting your ass kicked."

Katniss swallowed her mouthful and said scornfully, "Your dad told me that I could have whatever I wanted before he left. He said anything so leave Peeta alone."

Seth's smile widened and he eyed her appreciatively. "Sorry, sweetheart. I just asked a simple question. Don't take my head off. It's not often that Peeta has such pretty company. You surprised me." Katniss' disdainful snort clearly gave her opinion of his reasoning. Seth turned shocked eyes on his little brother who was fighting back the urge to laugh. "Peeta, where did you find her? I like her. She has spunk."

Peeta lovingly pulled her braid and then covered her shoulders with his hands. "Oddly enough, I found her in the pages of my sketch book. Her face was all over them. Katniss, this is my brother, Seth. He is always this irritating and rude so feel free to ignore him as often as you like." He gestured toward Gale who had yet to speak. "The quiet one is my best friend, Gale Hawthorne. He's apparently in shock at seeing me with a girl. I'm sure that once he gets over it, he will be much more polite."

Gale stepped forward and offered a hand. Katniss wiped the sticky residue off on her pant leg then took it, smiling affably. "Pleased to meet you," Gale stated gruffly. "Ignore Peeta. The rest of us frequently do." He looked from Peeta to the girl and a sly smile worked its way on his face. "No wonder you never come out with us. You've been holding out on me, buddy. When did this happen?"

Peeta glanced at Katniss, whose face suddenly blanked of expression. She cocked an inquiring brow, silently leaving it to him to explain her abrupt appearance. "She's an old friend of the family. Her mother was a friend of my grandmother's. She just got into Twelve a couple of days ago. We've been playing catch up." He squeezed her shoulder affectionately. "Once she's settled in, we should be able to hang out more." Katniss shrugged and turned her attention back to her plate.

Gale glanced in confusion at Seth, who also wore a baffled frown. "That sounds great. Just let me know." He pulled the bow off his back and absently checked it over. "I need to get some stuff home before it spoils. Seth, grab my bread for our trade and I'll get out of here."

Katniss perked up at the sight of the bow. Peeta noted her sudden interest and grinned to himself. He wasn't surprised when she blurted out, "Hey, are you any good with that?" Peeta stifled a laugh when Gale's expression turned cocky.

"I'm better than good. I've been shooting since I was twelve. Why? Have you handled a bow before, Katniss?" He gave her a condescending look. "I'd be happy to give you some pointers since you're a friend of Peeta's. It's the least that I can do."

Katniss narrowed her eyes slightly but her smile was everything innocent. "That's very nice of you. What do you say that we go out back and you show me how it's done? I'd love to see what an expert can do." Her tone was slightly mocking but only someone familiar with her would catch it. Peeta almost choked but waved aside any offers of assistance. Gale eagerly agreed to her request and led them into the back yard. Peeta grabbed her hand as Katniss eagerly moved to follow. "Trust me," she whispered. He nodded and twined their hands together as they made their way outside.

They designated a knot that protruded from the trunk of a scraggly apple tree as the target. Gale paced off a ten yard distance. He pulled an arrow from the quiver at his side and carefully took aim. He pulled the bow back and then let it fly. The arrow quivered to a halt just below the center of the knot. He smiled tauntingly and proffered the bow. Katniss reached for it but halted when Peeta placed a staying hand on her arm.

Blue eyes bore into excited gray. He quietly asked, "Are you sure about this?" His fingers traced the outline of the bruise hidden by her sleeve.

She smirked, "I've had a bow in my hands since I was seven years old. I think I'll be fine." She then took up the weapon and quiver. She pulled the string back to test the draw. Whatever she found seemed to please her. The arrows, on the other hand, received a rueful headshake. She went through the entire quiver and tossed most of them aside. She finally settled on four and stuck them point down in the dirt in front of her. She nocked the first arrow and seemed to barely aim before letting it go. Peeta's jaw dropped as her arrow tucked in just below Gale's. The other three quickly followed almost too fast to register. When the boys finally remembered to check the target, they couldn't believe what they saw. Her four arrows neatly ringed the one Gale had fired. The points were arrayed almost close enough to touch but the middle one was unharmed. She handed the bow back, smiling broadly. "Thanks for the demonstration. You were very helpful." She grabbed Peeta's hand and led him back toward the bakery. "I want to get some more of that cheese bread and then we need to go pick up the rest of my stuff."

Whatever else was said went unheard as they disappeared into the bakery. Seth laughed softly at the dumbfounded expression on Gale's face. "She took you down, buddy. Maybe you should have let her go first."

Gale shot him a furious glance then bent to pick up the arrows that the strange girl had dumped on the ground. "Shut up, Seth. Don't be such a smartass." He glanced wonderingly at the door. "I wonder if she has a sister."

Seth chuckled, "Why? Are you a glutton for punishment?"

Gale laughed with him. "No. Hardly. I'm just in shock. I always figured that Peeta would go for the shy, retiring type. That girl is definitely neither of those things." He looked again at the arrows still lodged in the tree. "It's good to see him finally happy. It's been a long time coming."

Seth watched as Gale carefully removed the arrows from the tree trunk and examined the tips before sliding them into the bag. He glanced toward the bakery and felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth. "I couldn't agree more. It has been a long time coming. Too long." Shaking his head, he followed Gale back inside.

End Part 6