The morning of Peeta's tenth birthday dawned clear and bright despite the lingering cold that coated the branches with a thin skim of ice and laid a diamond studded coat over the faded lawn. To the boy's awe-struck eyes, the world appeared wreathed in a cold fire that threw rainbow edged sparks into the air. Not for the first time, he wished that he could paint that elusive flash of color. It was unfortunate that they came so suddenly and then faded back into the air just as swiftly. It was impossible to get them right. The frost laden morning was the second most beautiful thing that he had ever seen. As for the first…

It had become his habit to start his birthday out the same way year after year. The first was a glance out the window to greet the day. The second was to grab a fresh sketch pad and retrieve his picture from the desk. Propping the pad up on his bent knees, he studied the picture for the thousandth time. He knew every line by rote and could replicate it faithfully if he chose to. That wasn't what he had in mind today. Today, he wanted to do something special. He had thought about it all week and had finally screwed up his courage enough to try. He studied the lines and angles of her face and closed his eyes as the pencil began to move. He roughly traced a quick outline: a face that had lost the roundness of babyhood, the dark hair in one sleek coil instead of two beribboned tails, limbs slightly gangly and awkward in those first steps from childhood toward something more.

Once those first crucial lines were drawn to his satisfaction, he focused on the details that made her for lack of a better word…her. He faithfully copied the mercurial eyes and wide beaming smile. Those things would never change. They were the outward signs of her courage and strength, her openness, her willingness to meet the world on its own terms and then bend it to hers. He drew her bathed in the shimmering dazzle of a cold February morning. And as he poured his heart out on paper, he whispered, "I'm ten today. I guess most kids look forward to their birthdays. Mine aren't anything special. Mother doesn't like to make a fuss. The best part is that I won't have to work in the bakery today. That is my dad's doing. He told Mom that everybody needs to take a break occasionally. She complained but he wouldn't change his mind. I just wish that mine was in a warm month."

He smudged the lightly drawn marks that made up the twisted strands of her braid and then added a few more highlights to those changeable gray eyes. "What do you think we should do today? I think going to the woods sounds like a great idea. I found a spot where you can see for miles. The trees run up to the horizon. I want to go before the sun has a chance to get too high. The frost has covered everything. It should be an endless blanket of white but when the light hits just right, the air is full of color. I can't even name all the shades because they change so fast. Have you ever seen rainbows dancing? It's a perfect morning to watch them. I might even be able to draw one today. I'd sure like to. After breakfast, we'll head out and maybe I'll get my birthday wish. Maybe today is the lucky day." He puffed out his cheeks and blew a stream of air over the finished drawing, clearing away the remnants of erasure marks and charcoal dust that had flaked off about the edges. He took a moment to glance at his picture and make the inevitable comparison. Satisfied, he stowed the sketch pad and pencils back in the desk drawer. He returned the picture to its protective sleeve and put it in his front pocket. He then made his way downstairs.

His mother was at the sink when he entered the kitchen. At the sound of his footsteps, she turned and met his eyes briefly. She gestured toward the stove where breakfast was being kept warm. He smiled his thanks and grabbed a plate from the rack before serving himself. The unavoidable toast was present as was a few pastries that hadn't been sold yesterday. They were too stale to be sold which made them okay for the family to eat. Peeta grabbed an apple filled strudel and a few pieces of toast. He felt his mouth drop open as he noticed a bowl of fluffy golden scrambled eggs. They rarely had eggs for breakfast as every last one was needed for the bakery. Peeta hesitated and gave his mother a questioning look. Maura actually smiled as she waved an airy hand toward the unexpected treat. Peeta smiled back and then put a heaping spoon full on his plate. He made sure that there was plenty left before taking a seat at the big wooden table and digging in.

Maura Mellark watched her son silently for several moments as he tucked into his breakfast. She reached into her apron pocket and tentatively approached the table. His eyes darted up and he laid his fork down as he waited for her to speak. She kept silent but pulled out a painstakingly wrapped box and set it on the table. She met his eyes and then turned back to the sink. She listened as the paper was torn and heard his swift intake of breath as the contents were revealed. She heard a chair scrape and then footsteps as he crossed the kitchen. She didn't turn around but continued to wash the few remaining dishes as she waited to see what he would do. She tensed as a pair of arms wound about her waist and squeezed tightly. He then withdrew and made his way back to the table. It was only when she heard the fork clink softly against his plate that she moved. She took off her apron and hung it up neatly in the corner. She paused at the door and looked back at him, "I used to draw. I wanted you to know that." She made her way down the steps that led to the bakery. When she was out of his sight, she silently wiped her face with a trembling hand. "Happy birthday, Peeta." She mouthed. She drew in a shaky breath as she composed her features. She then went into the bakery, smiling at the few customers that had braved the chilly morning air.

Meanwhile, Peeta stared at the box in wonderment as he finished off the remains of his meal. She had never given him a present. She seldom let him hug her. He tenderly picked up the box of watercolor pencils and examined them. Some had clearly been used before. The box was ragged at the edges and had the look of being well handled. Some were gloriously untouched, including a soft saturated orange that reminded him of sunset. She had never mentioned art other than to remind him that she wouldn't tolerate a mess. That made this gift doubly special. He couldn't stop the tiny smile that curled the edges of his mouth as he scooped up the last few bites of egg and toast. He left the box on the table as he carried his plate to the sink. He washed and rinsed his things, then wiped the table down. He pushed his chair in and squared it up with the center of the table. He grabbed his present and darted upstairs for the rest of his stuff. A few moments later, he was headed out the back door toward the distant beckoning woods. He paused and glanced toward the bakery. "Thanks mom," he said softly. Easing the door closed, he walked swiftly down the path and soon disappeared from sight.

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Delly Cartwright Mellark was simply too much. Katniss made that assessment after spending only five minutes in her company. She was too blonde, too friendly, too outgoing, and too excitable. The girl actually squealed when she opened the door to find them waiting on her porch, weighed down with baggage. She all but leaped into Peeta's arms, chattering incessantly about how pleased she was to have Katniss coming to stay with them. She couldn't believe it when Dodson and Papa Mellark had come to tell her the news. Catching sight of Katniss, Delly scooped her up into a massive embrace and announced that they were going to be the best of friends. Katniss had a panicked expression on her face as she was immediately dragged away to look at the spare bedroom. She threw a pleading look over her shoulder which then turned to a promise of dire retribution as he made no move to help. The fact that he was laughing probably didn't help matters.

A quiet chuckle drew Peeta's attention and he turned to meet his brother's amused gaze. Dodson Mellark shook his head wryly as he held out a welcoming hand. "It looks like she has taken a liking to your friend. I hope that you prepared her for Delly's exuberance otherwise the poor girl won't know what hit her." Dodson threw a companionable arm about his youngest brother's shoulders and led him toward the couch. Once seated, Dodge eyed Peeta and asked quietly, "How are you holding up? This is one hell of a situation that you have here, Peeta."

Peeta shrugged and rubbed his eyes. "I'm okay. I haven't really had the chance to process it yet. I don't think that any of us has to be honest. This isn't something that happens every day."

Dodge chuckled and returned, "No, I would imagine not. Dad gave me the highlights when he came by earlier. If it had been anyone else with such a wild story, I would have thought they were drunk. I expect to hear the complete tale later but now we have more important things to discuss." Peeta groaned and covered his eyes at the look on his brother's face. Dodson retorted, "Don't give me that. How do you know Katniss Everdeen and what's going on with you two? Peeta, are you involved with this girl?"

Peeta felt his face redden but wasn't surprised by Dodge's bluntness. It was his oldest brother's trademark. Of the three brothers, Dodson was the most staid and conservative. The one and only rebellious thing Dodge had ever done was telling his father that he wasn't cut out to be a baker. Pryce had naturally been disappointed but chose to support his son. Their grandmother had left the three boys a small bequest. Dodson used his part to get a teaching certificate.

The three brothers were as different in personality and temperament as they were similar in looks. Seth was the sarcastic, playful brother who seldom took anything seriously. Peeta was cheerful and easygoing with an artistic flair. Dodson was quiet and focused. He was uncomfortable dealing with the public, preferring instead to stay immersed in books or a small group of friends. The boy who was uncertain at best keeping an exact tally in the bakery sales journal excelled at teaching mathematics. He avoided parties and other social gatherings but came alive in front of a classroom. Seth's sarcastic banter and Peeta's glib, golden tongue joined to make Dodson Mellark one of the most popular teachers in school. The last irony became clear when he began dating Delly Cartwright. She was everything that he wasn't: outgoing, popular, sociable, and impulsive. They were complete opposites that complimented each other perfectly.

Eschewing his customary graciousness, Peeta answered just as candidly. "Yes, I'm involved with this girl. More than that, Dodson, I love her. I don't expect you to understand and I really don't feel like explaining myself. You said that you would let her stay here. Have you changed your mind?"

Dodge grinned and cuffed him playfully on the shoulder. "No need to be so dramatic, Peeta. I won't kick her out just because you refuse to give me details. You know I'm obligated to ask on my wife's behalf. She will want to know everything and will be very disappointed if I have nothing to tell her. Your Katniss doesn't strike me as the talkative type."

Peeta laughed and glanced reflexively toward the stairway. "No, I wouldn't exactly call her conversational. She has her moments but there is a warming up period. Hopefully, Delly won't be too upset." He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest, looking smug. "She put Seth and Gale in their place. I don't think that Seth knew what to make of her. Poor Gale's ego might never recover. He was put out when she outshot him with a bow. I tried to tell him." Peeta laughed at the memory of his friend's shocked expression. "It's the first time that someone has taken Gale down a peg or two."

Dodson chuckled, "I'm obligated to like her based on that alone. Anyone that can take the wind out of Seth's sails is okay in my book." He sobered and gave Peeta a concerned look. "I just want you to be careful. From what Dad said, this isn't something that you want to take lightly. When are the people Haymitch called in supposed to be here?"

Peeta smiled his thanks. "They are coming in later today. I'll be glad to see them. I don't want her wandering around by herself. She's more than capable of taking care of herself but I'll feel better with some extra pairs of eyes." Hearing footsteps, the brothers turned and were slightly surprised to find the two girls deep in conversation as they made their way downstairs. Dodson raised his eyebrows questioningly at Peeta who returned it with a curious one of his own.

"It's the most important one of the year. You can go over with me," Delly trilled. "Since Dodge is the coach and both Seth and Peeta are competing, it will be a family affair. You don't have to understand the rules." Delly laughed suddenly. "I still don't understand it and I never miss a match. It will be a good way to introduce you to everyone. The tournament is always a popular event."

Peeta's eyes widened and he shot Dodge a dismayed glare. Dodson concealed a grin behind his hand as he took in his brother's horrified expression. Having expected Peeta to blow off the competition, Dodson now had the perfect reason to make doubly sure that Peeta would take part. He watched in amusement as Katniss readily agreed, "That sounds great. It will be fun." Peeta's stifled groan left no doubt that his opinion differed drastically. Katniss heard his protesting noise and looked at him inquiringly. "Is something wrong?" She asked. Peeta weakly shook his head, shooting a pleading look at his brother. Dodge decided for once that he wasn't in the mood to be a protective big brother and left Peeta to fend for himself.

"Are you interested in wrestling, Katniss?" Dodge asked politely. "It's something of a tradition in this family. Didn't Peeta tell you that he came in second last year behind Seth? He has a good chance of winning this year."

Delly chimed in, "That's true, Katniss. Dodge said that he has done well in practice." Peeta's face flamed as Katniss turned interested eyes on him. He sank into the couch mortified as Delly continued, "He's stronger than Seth now. He can throw a hundred pound sack of flower over his head. I've seen it."

Katniss narrowed her eyes disbelievingly. "A hundred pounds? Really?" She looked him over appraisingly. "I don't know if I believe that or not. Fifty pounds maybe. I could imagine that but not a hundred pounds. Sorry, Delly."

Peeta's expression morphed from embarrassment to indignation in a blink. He set up slowly and then asked in a deceptively quiet tone, "You don't think that I can do it?" She smirked in a maddening fashion and shook her head. "Be careful, Ms. Everdeen, or you'll force me to have to prove myself. I told you not to doubt me again."

She laughed and edged away from him. "I never said that I doubted you, Peeta. I just think you're too scrawny to throw a hundred pounds around. I'd have to see it for myself." She watched him carefully, noting the tensed muscles and suddenly focused aura. She couldn't hold back the smile that broke over her face as she eased away from him. For all her watchfulness, she was still caught off guard when he lunged for her. She managed to hurdle the couch arm and dart for the front door but he was hard on her heels. She giggled as his hand knotted in her braid and let out a shriek when he tightened his grip and swung her off her feet. Tossing her over his shoulder, he nodded shortly to a grinning Dodge and shocked Delly and then made his way toward the back porch.

Once outside, he sat her carefully back on her feet and grinned at her expression. "Do you believe it now?" He asked cheekily. Her annoyed eye roll prompted a quiet chuckle. "I'm sorry but I was provoked. You practically dared me and you know it." He hesitated and then reached for her hand. "Look, I'm sorry. I just got carried away. Don't be mad."

She smiled slightly and muttered, "I'm not mad. I just didn't expect you to cart me off just to prove a point. It's pretty cute actually. Is that how you treat all the girls or is this something special just for me?"

He grinned back and playfully tugged her braid, "Only for you, sweetheart. It's just like the mud pies. I only do stuff like that for my girl." He was almost knocked off his feet when she threw herself into his arms. Their mouths met clumsily with him fighting for balance even as he leaned into the kiss. She wound her arms tightly around his neck, and met him move for move. Finally, he found the porch railing was able to steady himself. One hand tangled in her braid while the other coiled around her waist. He smiled against her lips and instead of deepening the embrace; he playfully dropped brief kisses over her upturned face. Finally, he rested his forehead against hers and met her gaze, "Does this mean our argument is over? If this is how we're going to make up, I hope we fight often.

Katniss laughed and rested her head on his chest as he toyed with her braid, twisting it around his fingers. It was some moments before he heard her quietly murmur, "Don't you want me to go to your tournament? I won't if you don't want me there."

He pulled back and met her solemn gray eyes. He shook his head and smiled as she nervously bit her lip. "Of course I want you to come. I was just embarrassed at how thick Dodge and Delly were piling it on. They would have you thinking that I'm going to win the damned thing in a cake walk but that's not true. I'm not bad but anyone can get lucky. I don't want you to be disappointed." He shrugged self-consciously. "I was going to blow it off anyway. It won't matter if I'm not there. I doubt anyone would notice."

Katniss tossed her head angrily and stepped away from him. She leaned against the rail and dug her nails into the chipped wood. Peeta watched her warily, unable to fathom what had brought about her sudden mood change. She turned to him, eyes flashing irritably. "Why do you do that? You always put yourself down. You did it with your painting earlier and now this." His confused look seemed to further fuel her ire. "You don't even realize that you're doing it. Damn it, Peeta, give yourself some credit. Your brother wouldn't say that you have a chance of winning if he didn't believe it. You're good at so many things. How can you not see that?"

Peeta looked at her with a wondering expression. "Katniss, I don't know what to say. I just never really think…"

She interrupted, "No, you don't think. You seem to have some stupid idea that whatever you do isn't important. You hang back. You avoid notice. I'm sorry but that's just not going to cut it anymore. I won't have it all right. You're important to me. You matter to me." She jabbed him in the chest roughly. "I mean it, Peeta."

He gaped at her fierce expression and absently rubbed the place where her finger had dug into him. "I can see that you mean it. Trust me. I have no doubt of that." He brought a hand up and cupped her cheek, bringing her eyes up to his. "You are the most amazing person I've ever known. I imagined you a hundred times over and never even came close. I just want you to know that." His lips lifted into a smile and he huffed out a laugh. "Fine. You win. I'll go to the damned tournament on one condition." His smile took on an impish edge. "I'll go and if I win then you have to do something for me. Deal?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly but she nodded her head. "Deal," she stated. "What do I have to do? I have to remind you that my father is still wandering around. You might want to keep that fact in mind before we go any further."

Peeta laughed softly, "I don't think we need to bring your father into this. However, we will have to talk about your penchant for bringing him up at the worst possible times." He sidled closer and wound an arm about her waist. Leaning down he murmured, "You have to sing for me if I win. No backing out or hedging. Those are my terms. Take it or leave it."

She rolled her eyes but nodded firmly. "Fine. Done. Agreed. Whatever you say. You win and I'll sing." She smirked up at him knowingly. "I guess that means that you will definitely be trying your hardest then."

"Guess so," he mouthed and bent to kiss her once more. The door being suddenly flung open startled them both. They leaped apart, faces flaming as Seth ambled out laughing uproariously.

"Didn't mean to interrupt, little brother." Seth commented into the uncomfortable silence as he looked from one pink tinged face to the other. "I just thought you should know that a hovercraft landed a few minutes ago and a group of people got off. They were headed toward Haymitch's house. You two might want to head over unless of course you want to continue that touching little scene I interrupted. I can let them know you'll be late."

Katniss growled furiously and only Peeta's tight hold on her arm kept her from launching herself at his brother. Seth was obviously aware of this because if anything, his teasing grin widened and he raised his eyebrows questioningly. Peeta shook his head and took a firmer hold on her. "That's not necessary. Thanks anyway, you ass. Let Dodge and Delly know that we'll be back soon." He pulled her with him, curbing the urge to laugh at Seth's suddenly anxious expression. Katniss continued to stare at him unblinkingly. Peeta started to intervene but decided against it. Seth usually managed to have the last laugh. It was good to see him on the receiving end for a change. He heard the quiet gulp as Katniss proceeded him out the door. Giving his brother one last look, Peeta trailed behind her smiling to himself.

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The two exchanged an uneasy glance before Peeta knocked on the door. He surreptitiously grabbed her hand as it swung open to show Haymitch wearing his usual smirk. He casually waved them in and announced, "Well, well. Here are our two lovebirds now. Come on in and meet your minders, children. I'm sure they are thrilled with babysitting duty. This should go well."

Peeta's gaze swept the room as he and Katniss took a seat on the dilapidated sofa. He nodded carefully to Basil and gave him a questioning look. Basil smiled slightly and then nodded once in return. Peeta let himself relax and turned his attention to the others in the room. They were all in civilian clothing but it wasn't hard to pick out the career soldiers in the group. There were five in all: two women and three men. Two of the men and the short-haired woman were clearly soldiers. The other man was small and slight with dark hair and ashen skin. He peered over his glasses as he studied them intently. The other woman was something of a surprise. Her hair was a vibrant shade of pink. Intertwined amid the towering fuchsia curls, small insects blinked and twinkled. Her pink and white striped suit fit like a glove and perfectly matched her three-inch heels. Her heavily made up face couldn't hide the curious expression or the shine of intelligence in the dark eyes studying them closely. Peeta slid a sideways look at Katniss and saw that she too was looking at the newcomers with interest.

"You weren't kidding about the babysitting," the short-haired woman commented sourly. "What are they-twelve? I thought this was a bodyguard assignment and not a nursemaid job. What the hell are we supposed to do with these two, boss?"

Haymitch snorted out a laugh and even Basil cracked a grin at the girl's surly tone. Katniss turned narrowed eyes on the woman and her hands curled absently into fists. Peeta twined their fingers together and pinned her arm between his own and his side. Her fingers flexed as she tested his hold but she made no noticeable attempt to get loose. The girl's wide brown eyes followed their actions with interest and she gave Katniss a provoking smile.

"You won't be having tea parties or playing dress up, Mason. This is serious so please keep your opinions to yourself." The third man bit out. The girl, Mason, snorted briefly but her taunting smirk faded. The older man turned his attention back to Katniss and Peeta and held out his hand, "I'm Darius Boggs. I command the counterinsurgency squad as well as President Paylor's personal security detail. President Paylor has given me the task to make sure that you come through this with your hides intact. We've got our best people out here to make sure of that." He gestured toward the pair watching silently from the couch. "These are two of my best. Katniss, I would like for you to meet Johanna Mason. She can be a little abrasive but she has handled security before. She has been a member of President Paylor's detail for the past six months. I'm sure that you two will get along nicely." He then turned to the man who had sat quietly during the introductions, his eyes flickering constantly from person to person. "Peeta, this is Finnick Odair. His usual duties are guarding Plutarch Heavensbee but we felt that his talents would come in handy for this particular outing."

Finnick rose smoothly and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'm sure that we'll have loads of fun out here in the sticks." His sea green eyes danced mischievously as they swept Katniss from head to toe. "Boggs, I think you might have screwed up the assignments. I would rather keep an eye on this adorable creäture. She looks like she has all sorts of secrets that she's dying to tell. I'm just the man to get them out of her." Both Peeta and Basil stood up causing the bronze haired man to hold up his hands in a placating fashion. "Easy there, fellows. I was only joking. No need to be so serious."

Johanna snorted, "I'm with Finnick. I would rather play with Blondie there. He, at least, looks like he knows how to have a good time. This brainless girl should be playing dress up with her dolls and let the adults take care of business." She flicked a dismissive glance at Katniss, who visibly stiffened. Peeta winced as her hand squeezed his fingers furiously but she still made no attempt to break free. As if she was well aware of the turmoil she had caused, Johanna's eyes dropped briefly to their joined hands and then back up to meet Peeta's annoyed gaze. "Relax, lover boy. I won't bother your little girlfriend anymore. I don't play well with others but I won't pick on her. It's not nice to torture innocent little things that can't fight back." Katniss' low growl widened Johanna's smile. "She does have spirit though. Maybe I will have time to make something out of her before we head back to civilization. Then she won't need a babysitter." Katniss' face flushed angrily. Johanna sat back and crossed her legs as if she had accomplished a goal known only to her. Peeta patted the frustrated girl's hand soothingly as he too glared at the aggravating woman. Johanna grinned and then turned her attention back to her commander, effectively dismissing them from her mind.

Haymitch clapped mockingly. "As much as I'm enjoying the show, we need to get down to business. These two comedians are strictly as back up. They are too obvious. We need something a little more subtle to make sure that nothing happens to you two. Since we are advertising that Katniss Everdeen has been hiding out for the past eleven years, we need to come up with a practical story about where she's been all this time. So, the official story will be that she has been in District One with a guardian from the Capital. Seeing as the Mellarks are friends of Katniss' late family, her guardian has arranged for a visit. Katniss, say hello to Effie Trinket who will be your constant companion until this little farce is over."

The woman bounded to her feet and promptly clasped both of Katniss' hands in her own. "I'm thrilled at this opportunity. I just know that we are going to have the most wonderful time. I look forward to getting to know you better, Ms. Everdeen. I'm sure that we will be the best of friends." She shot a stern look at Peeta which managed to not look ridiculous despite the feathery pink extensions surrounding her dark, somber eyes. "You, young man, will behave like a gentleman. I realize that we will be residing at your brother's home for the duration. That is no excuse to forego proper manners. You will discuss any outings with me prior to issuing an invitation to Katniss. It is my responsibility to make sure that she is looked after and I take that very seriously. I trust we understand each other."

Peeta just managed to keep his jaw from dropping as he nodded in agreement. "Yes, ma'am. I understand perfectly. Whatever you say." He exchanged an anguished look with Katniss, who looked furious enough to walk through a wall at this unexpected development. Even Finnick was giving the pair sympathetic looks from his perch across the room. Johanna merely looked bored.

Katniss finally found her voice, "I'd rather take my chances with Mason. There's no way that this is going to work out." Effie's scandalized huff was drowned out by Johanna's delighted laughter. Even Peeta had to smile at her nerve. She truly was without fear or just didn't care who she managed to piss off with her declaration. Katniss crossed her arms and glared at Haymitch defiantly.

It was Basil Everdeen who broke the impasse. "It will work out or you will go home now. Either cooperate or go get your stuff. It's your decision." He glanced at Peeta briefly and then turned his attention back to his stubborn daughter. "What's it going to be?"

Katniss held her rebellious stance for a few short-lived moments before her shoulders slumped in defeat. Her eyes briefly touched on Peeta and she let out a mournful breath before nodding. "Fine. I'll do it. I don't like it but I'll do it."

Effie took a seat, her testy expression clearly conveying her displeasure at Katniss' grudging acceptance. Basil shrugged, plainly unsurprised at his daughter's bad-tempered cooperation. Haymitch openly found the situation funny. His gaze swept the room, a grin turning up the edges of his mouth. He mockingly saluted them with his ever present flask and downed a large swallow before commenting, "Well that's settled. Everyone knows what they're supposed to do. Let's get settled and meet back here first thing tomorrow." He exchanged a wry glance with Basil. "From here on out, keep your eyes and ears open. It's anybody's game. Hopefully this time, the odds will be in our favor."

Katniss slid into Peeta's comforting embrace and whispered quietly, "I hope this is over soon." Peeta pulled her closer and buried his face in her hair. Catching a glimpse of Effie Trinket's disapproving frown, Peeta could only echo her wish. The sooner, the better as far as he was concerned. He only wanted her to be safe. After that, they had all the time in the world.

End Part 7