She stood over the crib and looked at the small baby sleeping quietly within. Her fingers trembled as she reached hesitantly to tuck the blanket more snugly about the tiny form. He was a week old today. During that time, she heard him whimper, heard him cry, and watched as he slept. Her body considered her his mother even if her heart and mind refused to accept it. Tonight, she had let tepid water soothe her discomfort and disguise the stream of tears that ran down her face. She had stood outside the door and listened that first night as Pryce promised to love the boy regardless of her. Shame burned in her gut as those words pierced her. Hot tongues of guilt and regret coursed through her. She had abandoned her son. She had tossed him aside and wallowed in her own tarnished hopes and dreams. She took one last look at the slumbering baby and then quietly left the room.

She heard his screams and came running. The storm outside was deafening but the sounds of his distress woke her and had her moving before her eyes were fully open. She heard the muffled voice of her husband as she reached the door and paused just out of sight to listen as he comforted the boy. At the sound of footsteps approaching, she quickly drew back but let out a breath as the request for a story turned him toward the bed. She listened with a bitter taste in her mouth as he spun a fairy tale for their son about Katniss Everdeen. Listening to Peeta's excited questions, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The boy faithfully promised to go to sleep so she eased back to her room. When her husband entered shortly after, he didn't look beyond her closed eyes and even breathing. The next morning, she rose with the sun; only one thought in mind. She dug out Beatrice Mellark's old photo album and placed it inside the cabinet with the others. As she suspected, the five-year old made a beeline for the cupboard. She watched as he rifled through the book and pulled one from the pages. He headed for the bakery stairs leaving the album lying haphazardly on the table. She silently folded the plastic sheet back over the faded pictures and put them away.

She waited until he left for school before she went to his room and pulled the painting out of his desk drawer. She smiled slightly at the image of the smiling little girl with her loving mother. He had talent. She recognized it even in the wobbly lines and uncertain placement on the canvas. He had copied the picture exactly. She knew he carried it with him. She had seen him looking reverently at the photograph with a soft wondering expression. She remembered that look, had seen it before on her own face. She found it ironic that the son she had walked away from was the one most like her. Try as she might, she couldn't sever the tie completely. She had never been his mother, had never comforted him after a nightmare nor stayed up with him into the wee hours when he was sick. She couldn't breach the wall that was built the night he was born. Her guilt and regret kept her from taking that last step. It was too late now. She couldn't go back. Every now and then, she made a tentative gesture. That was the best she could do. One of those was the canvas. Her best friend growing up was Calliope Evershaw, more recently Calliope Evangeline. She was closer to Callie than anyone in the world. Callie agreed to pass along the occasional art supplies and not show where they came from. Maura was satisfied. She could never be his mother in fact. She had given up that right long ago. This was something she could give him. For now, it was enough.

She went through her trunks until she uncovered the old box of pencils. The bedraggled box coaxed forth a smile. She remembered well the day Pryce gave them to her. He made the weekly bread delivery and had helped himself to her sketchbook before she could protest. She wished to sink through the worn plank floor at the time because no one had ever seen her drawings. They were hers alone. He made no excuse or apology as he examined her innermost secrets. He just smiled and placed the book back in her hands. The next week saw another order delivered along with a daintily wrapped box bearing her name. She carefully removed the paper and ribbon, setting the latter aside to be used again. The pencils pulled a disbelieving sigh from her lips. "I thought such pretty pictures deserved a more natural depiction. Forgive me if I've overstepped." She clutched the pencils to her chest and shook her head. The following week, she gave him a delicately shaded portrait of the bakery and surrounding square. That picture hung behind the register to this day. Shaking free of old memories, she wrapped the pencils deftly and put them in her apron pocket. She pulled several eggs from the bakery stores and scrambled them before she lost her nerve. Hearing his heavy tread on the stairs, she gnawed her bottom lip and toyed with the present in her pocket. Ordinarily, she would give it to Callie to pass on but this time was different. She wanted to see his face as he peeled back the paper. She wanted him to know that she understood a part of him that nobody else ever could. She wanted him to see her and know that she did love him.

She stood before the easel, wringing her hands as she debated whether to lift the sheet. She hadn't spoken with him about art since the morning of his tenth birthday. She screwed up her courage and uncovered the painting. She could see right away the resemblance between the smiling toddler and the girl before her. The dark braid and silvery gaze clearly marked her out as did the wide-open smile. Maura felt an answering grin quirk her lips as she beheld the portrait. There was care and adoration in every line, every brush stroke. She could read his feelings like words on a page. She felt tears gather as her hand ghosted over the painstakingly drawn features of a girl long since gone. Here was-unguarded and unhidden- proof that this boy was hers in every way that counted. He loved without reservation; no holding back and no excuses made. She knew what it was to feel like that. She also knew what it was to dream and then have it crash down around you. She promised herself then and there that her son would never face that kind of heartache. Luckily for him, she knew exactly what she had to do. Long since gone didn't mean forever. And Haymitch Abernathy wasn't the only one who kept pigeons.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXO

Katniss Everdeen wasn't known for her patience. Those who were closest to her would say that she often let her emotions rule her head. She would react first and then consider the consequences. Therefore, it was no surprise that she was the first to lose her composure when faced with the entourage sent to keep her safe.

The first explosion came almost as soon as she was introduced to Effie Trinket in Haymitch's living room. After her father intervened, Katniss had no choice but to play the game according to the Capital escort's rules. She gritted her teeth and her glare should have melted steel but she acquiesced gracefully. Effie took her accommodations in stride, smiling all the while. She complimented the homey interior of Dodge and Delly's home but lamented what she called the archaic state of the bathrooms. "Never let it be said that Effie Trinket isn't flexible. I'm sure that the facilities will be adequate. I will have to adjust my morning routines. I'm sure that we girls can come up with a schedule that works for everyone. I only need two hours to get the essentials done." She looked at Delly and Katniss expectantly. The two girls exchanged flummoxed looks before deciding that the woman was indeed seriously expecting them to coordinate their morning ablutions.

Delly finally commented, "Dodge and I have our own bathroom so don't worry about me. I'm sure that you and Katniss can work something out."

Katniss rolled her eyes but smiled sweetly as she stated, "I just need to wash my face, brush my teeth and braid my hair in the morning so there shouldn't be a problem. Just do whatever you need to do, Effie. I'll be fine." The disapproving expression she received set her teeth on edge.

"Now, now. Really, Katniss, we will need to discuss the proper hygiene for a young woman. You have a handsome boy at your beck and call. You must make every effort to look your best. We will go through your clothes and toiletries first. Once I have an idea about what you need, we will get what we can here and send to the Capital for the rest. I'm not just here to give you companionship and to act as a chaperone. My job extends to helping you in any way that I can. You are lovely, dear. However, I've always felt that there is room to improve oneself. I only wish that I was able to bring a stylist with me. They would transform you into something truly special."

Katniss' reply was a garbled exhalation as she regarded the woman in horror. She couldn't be serious. Even Delly was giving her a sympathetic look. Katniss reined her temper in before she threw something metallic and pointed at the silly woman. She had promised her father to cooperate but there were limits to her willingness to play nice. A throat being cleared in the doorway cut off her murderous thoughts. Katniss looked up into a pair of cobalt eyes gazing at her adoringly and felt her anger fade away. She smiled shyly and then shook her head resignedly. "Whatever you think we need to do, Effie. I don't know what all the fuss is about. He hasn't complained about anything yet but I gave my word."

"Who hasn't complained?" Peeta questioned as he slid into an empty chair and looked around curiously. "What are you talking about?"

Delly chimed in with her usual exuberance, "Miss Trinket thinks that Katniss needs a makeover. It sounds so exciting. I almost wish that I could have one. It would be amazing."

Peeta's brow furrowed. "She's beautiful just the way she is. I wouldn't change a thing. Why does she need to do this?" His questioning gaze darted to Effie, clearly demanding a response. Katniss smiled gratefully as his eyes flicked briefly to meet hers. "We're just doing stuff here in Twelve. She's not being presented to the President. There's no reason for her to alter one detail of how she looks. I think she's perfect."

Effie's mouth opened briefly as she attempted to interject a comment. She looked from one to the other and her lips curled up ever so slightly. "You're absolutely correct, Peeta. She doesn't need to change a thing if she doesn't wish to. I merely wanted to offer my help. It is completely up to Katniss whether she chooses to take my advice. I must say that the two of you are quite different from I expected. It's refreshing to see two young people so caring and attentive to each other. I find it utterly charming." She rose gracefully to her feet and favored them with a benign smile. "Please excuse me. I must go speak to Haymitch. Some of the information that he provided me was inaccurate. I need to make sure that it doesn't happen again. It will make my job very difficult. I shall see the two of you for the evening meal. Please make sure that Ms. Mason stays with you if you leave the house, Katniss." She glided out the front door, luckily missing the grimace Katniss tossed at her retreating form.

"I find it utterly charming," Katniss mimicked the woman's chiming, clipped way of speaking. "I don't care what I told my father; there is no way that I can live with that woman. There has to be someone else." She met Delly and Peeta's sympathetic looks with a fatalistic one of her own. "I know that there isn't but a girl can dream, can't she? I don't care what she says; I'm not wearing some ridiculous clothes or painting my face like a clown." She gave a firm nod to further underscore her determination. She perched on the arm of Peeta's chair and gently grasped his arm. "Did you get all fixed up?"

He laughed softly at her awkward attempt to change the subject and reached up to clasp her hand. "I'm fine. It was a piece of cake. Beetee is already on his way back to the Capital. I came over to discuss the other two miscreants that we've been saddled with. As much as it pains me to suggest this, I want you to keep Finnick with you. I'm sure that Mason is competent but I would feel better if you had someone more sizable watching out for you if I can't be there. I'll have a talk with him and make sure that he knows to be on his best behavior. Would you agree to that?"

Katniss chewed on her bottom lip as she looked met his worried gaze. "I can't say that I'm thrilled but I'll agree to that if it will make you happy. You know that I can take care of myself, Peeta. I don't need a babysitter. I can handle Mason if that's what you're worried about. I think her bark is much worse than her bite."

"You're wrong there, little girl." Johanna chimed as she followed Finnick into the room. "My bite is much, much worse." She smirked as she glanced from one to the other. "I take it that I won't get to enjoy the show when Ms. Capital Fashionista tries to transform this hopeless girl into something presentable." She sidled over to the chair and playfully ruffled Peeta's errant curls. "I can't say that I'm disappointed. I think that Blondie and I will get along just fine. Won't we, Bread Boy?" Seeing Katniss' thunderous expression, Johanna chuckled and patted the younger girl fondly on her head. "I'm just teasing you, brainless. I'm actually not a fan of blondes. I also prefer my toys to have a little more experience under their belts if you catch my meaning. I'm sure that your sweetheart has a few friends that he wouldn't mind introducing me to. What do you say?"

Peeta chuckled both at Katniss' open display of jealousy and Johanna's irreverent commentary. "I might be able to think of something, Johanna. I guess we'll have to let you take a look around. You might see something that you like." He grinned mischievously. "Too bad you don't like blondes. I'd love for you to meet my brother, Seth." Dodson snorted quietly and both brothers burst into laughter.

Katniss looked at Johanna's suddenly interested expression and snorted to herself. "I think that Gale might be more what she's after, Peeta. Maybe you should see if he's up for more target practice. I think she would give him a run for his money."

Peeta's lips curled into a wicked half-smile that Katniss returned wholeheartedly. "You might have something, sweetheart. That's a brilliant suggestion."

"That sounds like something I can sink my teeth into," Johanna commented. "Lead me to the fresh meat, Blondie. I will need something to keep me occupied out here in the sticks." This time, the smile Katniss tossed the wide-eyed brunette was completely genuine. Johanna gave her a roguish wink and impishly cuffed Finnick in the shoulder as she followed Peeta outside.

"I think this is the first time I've ever pitied someone I've never met," Finnick mused to himself. "She's one of the best that we have but she plays by her own rules. I hope this Gale can handle himself or she'll eat him alive."

Dodge smirked knowingly and remarked, "Gale could stand to be taken down a peg or two. I'm with Peeta and Katniss on this one. She might be just what the healer ordered as far as Gale Hawthorne's swollen head is concerned." Delly tossed him a scolding look and Dodge held up a mollifying hand. "Don't give me that look, Delly. It wasn't my idea. I'm just looking forward to the show."

Delly's face softened and she threaded her arm through her husband's as a sunny smile broke across her face. "Me too. Gale won't know what hit him." She prodded Dodge in the ribs gently. "Come help me with dinner. We have to complete everything for the tournament tomorrow. I'm sure that Miss Trinket will want every detail laid out beforehand. We wouldn't want to disappoint her."

Katniss murmured, "I don't care if she's disappointed or not." Catching sight of Finnick's amused expression; she blushed as she realized he had heard the peevish comment. "Well, I don't." She repeated stoutly.

Finnick grinned and eyed her appreciatively. "Obviously or I wouldn't be here, now would I?" He plopped gracefully into one of the abandoned armchairs and scrutinized her thoroughly. "You remind me of someone, little girl. You have a lot in common with a girl I know back home. She isn't what she appears to be either. I wonder if Haymitch knows how much trouble you will cause. He doesn't or he would have requested a squad instead of the two of us. Are you going to give me a hard time?"

Katniss laughed. "How would the girl I remind you of answer that question?"

Finnick chuckled knowingly. "That's what I thought," he commented. "I'm all for having fun. It does make the time go by faster. Just make sure that you know when it's time to get serious. We don't want to ruin the party." He deftly rose to his feet and motioned for her to go with him. "Try not to let me distract you either. I know you find me devastatingly attractive. That's why you agreed so quickly to my guarding you. Don't be obvious about it. I don't want to be responsible for breaking poor Peeta's heart. He seems like such a nice guy."

Katniss rolled her eyes and retorted dryly, "I'll try to control myself. I don't want him to find out that you've stolen me already. He might never recover."

Finnick snickered approvingly. "I think we're going to get along just fine, Miss Everdeen. Just fine indeed."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXO

Seth Mellark perched on the back steps of the bakery and watched as Gale Hawthorne attempted to duplicate Katniss Everdeen's shooting performance. So far, it wasn't going well. Try as he might, he was unable to cluster the points so closely together. Each failed attempt resulted in a muffled curse that would have caused Hazelle Hawthorne to reach for the nearest blunt object. The more agitated Gale became, the worse his marksmanship. Seth had originally followed him to poke fun but the routine was beginning to wear on his nerves. Gale was determined to better the girl's exploit. He wouldn't be fit to live with until he made it happen.

Hearing voices coming closer, Seth turned and saw his baby brother entering the yard with a girl in tow that he had never seen before. "Where the hell is he finding them?" Seth mused to himself. The girl was about his own age or a little older. Her short brown hair was complemented by a pair of wide-set sable eyes. She moved with a cocky competence. Her manner held a self-confidence and brashness that Seth found strangely fitting. He grinned as she openly looked him over and then examined Gale just as closely. She murmured something to Peeta that caused his face to flush hotly. He laughed uncomfortably and gestured toward the porch. She shrugged and followed willingly enough. Seth sat up straighter and put on his best smile as the twosome came to a standstill a short distance away.

Peeta waved a hand jerkily, "Johanna, this is my brother Seth. Seth, meet Johanna Mason. She's going to be staying here in Twelve for a while. She'll be around often so try not to be too much of an ass. I know that's asking a lot."

Seth cringed at the graceless introduction. He glared at his baby brother, silently promising that payback would be an unpleasant experience. "Nice to meet you, Johanna. Ignore Peeta. He has always been the slowest one of us. Guess the genes were worn out by the time he hatched."

Johanna eyed him appraisingly. "I hate to say that the brainless one was right but in this case I have to agree, damn it. This one is too much like me. It wouldn't work even if he wasn't a blonde. Where is my diversion? You said that he would be here."

Seth sputtered in confusion at the pronouncement. Never had he been so quickly discounted. He looked at Peeta for some type of explanation only to have his jaw drop as Peeta gestured silently toward the fuming form currently yanking arrows out of the tree. Gale muttered to himself, clearly unaware that he had acquired an audience. He paced back to the mark and retrieved his bow. He carefully took aim and let the arrow fly. It quivered as it struck dead center of the gnarled knot. He swiftly nocked another one and let it go. This one hit just right of the first, the points almost touching. He fired yet again and cursed as this one hit the far left of the target with almost a hands width of distance between it and the center. "Damn it." Gale swore angrily and stomped toward the tree to retrieve his arrows.

Seth watched as a pleased smile blossomed on the strange girl's face and her eyes flared with a predatory light. "That will do nicely. Oh, yes. He's perfect." Her eyes skipped over the two Mellark boys before latching onto the unsuspecting figure. "Nice going, Bread Boy. I owe you one." She purred. Seth shivered as she continued to stare at his friend avidly. He looked questioningly at Peeta only to receive a smirk and shrug in response. Seth thanked his lucky stars that he was a blonde. This girl was crazy.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XO

The next morning found Katniss swearing under her breath as she followed Effie Trinket into the bakery. It had been decided the previous evening that Katniss would meet Delly at the shop and help with the last few items that needed to be taken over to the gymnasium. The bakery was providing an array of pastries, cookies, and baked goods along with drinks for the audience coming to watch the competition. Not to be deterred, Effie had roused Katniss at first light and ushered her into the bathroom. The woman had repeatedly bemoaned the lack of a stylist and proper equipment. She was determined to go forward with her vision of what was right and proper for an outing. Katniss had no choice but to comply with her escort's demands. She had given her word to her father that she would cooperate. As the morning progressed, she had given serious consideration to recanting that promise and returning to the woods. If not for Peeta, she would already be gone.

Effie finally pronounced her presentable and bade her to stay in the bedroom until she called her. She assembled the others in the living room before allowing Katniss to join them. Much to Effie's chagrin, the only ones available to admire her handiwork was Delly and her mother. Finnick lounged casually just outside the door but Effie overlooked him. She had been incensed to discover that he was guarding Katniss instead of Johanna. She had made her sentiments known in an icily polite discourse that took up most of the dinner conversation.

Both Katniss and Johanna had flatly refused to amend the arrangement, much to everyone else's delight. Effie vowed to speak with Haymitch and Boggs at first opportunity. Johanna cut her off with the announcement that both she and Finnick had been given broad discretion in carrying out their assignment. Effie silently seethed but eventually agreed to accept the plans. Having been so soundly defeated once, she was adamant that Katniss needed to be well turned-out for the wrestling tournament. She wouldn't be dissuaded no matter how they argued.

Delly and Mrs. Cartwright were effusive in their praise at Katniss' new look. Effie was thrilled by their response and continuously brushed aside their compliments. She modestly gave credit to Katniss' natural beauty and downplayed the antiquated equipment. She commented that a true stylist would have created something extraordinary had there been time to bring one in from the Capital. Katniss and the others were quick to assure her that her efforts were more than enough. Effie smiled kindly and rushed off to finish the schedule. She repeatedly assured them that nothing would go wrong. Not on her watch. Katniss breathed a sigh of relief when the woman finally stepped out to double-check the quickest route to the bakery.

Delly patted her sympathetically on the arm and remarked, "You really do look beautiful, Katniss. I know it's not what you wanted but Peeta will be dumbfounded. Maybe we should keep you out of sight until after the tournament?" She smiled teasingly. "He won't be able to keep his mind on the matches."

Katniss grinned despite her discomfort. "It won't be that bad. I'm still me even in this get-up. It's just a dress for crying out loud. I don't look that different."

Delly rolled her eyes. "Let's get a male opinion. That's the only way I'll be able to convince you." She opened the screen door and motioned for Finnick to enter. He swaggered in, a mocking smile already in place. When his eyes fell on her, they widened and his mischievous expression morphed into appreciative awe. Delly smiled smugly, "I told you. Mother and I are going to the bakery to get everything together. You will meet us there and then we'll go to the gym together. I can't wait to see Peeta's face. He won't know what hit him." She bounced excitedly and hugged the surprised girl tightly. "See you soon."

Katniss watched her go and then turned her attention to the man standing silently in the corner. She pointed a stiff finger in his direction and stated, "Not a word from you. If I have to wear this ridiculous thing, I don't want to hear any of your nonsense." She fidgeted with her skirt and glared angrily at the dainty sandals that Effie had forced her into. Her eyes sought Finnick's and she questioned hesitantly, "Will he really not know what hit him?"

Finnick gave her an actual smile and patted her shoulder in a supporting fashion. "I think you'll knock him dead, sweetheart."

She beamed gratefully and nodded once in thanks. "Let's get this over then." He assented and held the door open for her. Katniss paused and put a hand on his arm. When he looked at her inquiringly, she muttered, "Thank you, Finnick."

His lips turned up slightly at the corners but he replied solemnly, "You're welcome, Katniss. Let's get you to the bakery." They stepped out on the porch as Effie bustled up.

The bakery smelled of spices mingled with the earthy essence of flour and yeast. Katniss breathed the combination in greedily. It reminded her of Peeta. She glanced around anxiously as there was no sign of Delly or her mother. Effie wandered over to the front display and was closely examining the elaborately decorated cakes. She made appreciative noises which Katniss largely disregarded. She stood next to the main counter and looked around apprehensively. A clearing throat drew her attention to the kitchen.

The woman standing in the doorway immediately commanded notice. Her malt blonde hair was pulled back in an elegant knot. Her cerulean eyes were eerily familiar as was the shape of her nose and mouth. Katniss felt her breath catch as she realized that this was Peeta's mother. Her throat tightened as she became aware that she knew nothing about this woman. He had never mentioned her. All the stories, anecdotes, and exchanges that they had shared; none mentioned his mother. She had no idea how to go ahead. She did as she always had when faced with something unknown…she faced it boldly. "Hello. I'm supposed to meet Delly here. I'm…"

"I know who you are." The woman returned. "Delly is finishing up in the back. She'll be out shortly." Peeta's mother looked her over as she crossed the floor with her hand outstretched. "I'm Maura Mellark. I'm glad to meet you finally, Katniss. I've heard a great deal about you."

Katniss shook her hand tentatively and inclined her head. "Thank you, Mrs. Mellark. I'm pleased to meet you."

Maura's mouth quirked knowingly. "He didn't mention me, did he? I'm not surprised. It's nothing that can be helped. It's just the way things are. You had no way of knowing." Katniss shrugged uncomfortably which pulled another rueful smile from the woman. "I'd like to speak with you privately if you will allow me, Katniss. There's something that you should know." She indicated a door set off the main area. Katniss glanced toward Finnick lounging nearby. He raised a questioning brow and motioned her forward. She gestured discreetly to the door and he gave her the go-ahead. She let out a long breath and signaled for the woman to precede her into the office.

Once the door closed behind them, Maura let out a sigh of her own. Her fingers fidgeted with her apron as she looked at the girl thoughtfully. Gathering her courage, she broke the silence. "You should know that I abandoned my son. I'm not proud of it and I don't expect you to understand. There are things in the past that I'd rather not explain. The only reason that I mention it is because it does have bearing on what I want to talk to you about. Are you willing to hear me out?"

Katniss tilted her head as she looked at the woman in confusion. "I don't understand why you are telling me this. That being said, I'll listen to whatever you have to say."

Maura smiled slightly, "You look like your mother. You have your father's coloring but your face is your mother's. It's beyond belief. I'm sure that it was a shock for my husband when he first saw you." Katniss' brow furrowed but the woman waved a hand airily. "That's not important. You are aware that your mother and Peeta's father were friends growing up." Katniss nodded, which Maura took as a cue to continue. "My son has been preoccupied with you for some time. Eleven years to be exact. Most people would consider this a childhood preoccupation that would go away in time. I knew it was more even when he was younger. He loves you. He has from the first moment he saw your picture. I have no doubt that he has told you."

Katniss hesitantly revealed, "He told me about the picture and the story. I know he loves me."

Maura nodded once. "He's the best of us. He loves with his whole heart. It's astonishing that he's so open. I can't take credit for that. I wasn't there. My reason for coming to you is that I once loved that deeply. I had my heart broken and it changed me. I convinced myself that I was content being second best. It didn't matter as long as I was with him. I set unrealistic expectations and Peeta paid for it. I haven't been much of a mother. If I were honest, I barely deserve the title. Despite my shortcomings, he's become a special young man." Blue eyes eagerly sought questioning gray. "I have no right to ask anything of you. For my son's sake, I will selfishly do so anyway. If you are going to do this, don't hold anything back. If you're going to be with him, love him with everything you have. Give him your whole heart, Katniss. Give him that much or let him go. Better that he be hurt now than destroyed later."

Katniss felt her mouth fall open in shock. Of all the topics she expected, this wasn't even on the list. She stared in disbelief at the woman whose hopeful eyes never left her face. "I've had a picture of him since I was five. I didn't know his name. I just knew that he was the closest thing I had to a friend in the world. I would never hurt him. He means too much to me for that." She swallowed noisily and reached for the woman's hand. She was astounded when Maura Mellark reached back. "I don't know what will happen but he will never be second place. I can promise you that."

Maura squeezed her fingers and then let her go. "I can't ask for more than that. Thank you for listening." She stood up and headed for the office door. "I wouldn't mention this conversation to Peeta. He might think that I'm interfering. That isn't my intention but I can understand the confusion."

Katniss bit her lip but nodded in agreement. "I won't mention it. I think that he should know that you do care about him. You should tell him yourself. That's just my opinion."

Maura laughed softly, "You are like you mother in so many ways. I'll consider it."

As she turned away once more, Katniss asked one last question, "Mrs. Mellark, how did you know that I was here with Peeta? Did he mention it to you or did you hear it from Seth or Mr. Mellark?"

Maura paused and shot the girl an enigmatic look. "Pryce and Seth both mentioned that you were here but I had found out from another source." She smiled slightly. "Haymitch Abernathy isn't the only one with pigeons. Greasy Sae keeps a few left over from those Peeta's grandmother kept. She told me about them before she died. I've spoken with Hyacinth several times over the years about you and Peeta. Call it a mother's intuition but we knew there was a connection. We decided that if the time was ever right then you two should meet. Fate had the same idea. You found each other first." The girl's dumbfounded expression was priceless and somewhat gratifying. "You should go. Delly is probably wondering where you are."

Katniss nodded and walked toward the door in a daze. Maura gently grasped her arm, pulling the girl's bemused eyes to hers. "Remember what I said."

"I will," Katniss replied hoarsely. "I'll remember. Thank you."

"Don't thank me, girl. Just keep your word. That's all the thanks I need." Maura replied softly. Katniss gave her a faltering smile and headed for the kitchen. Delly's animated chatter soon filled the empty bakery. Maura watched silently as the two girls went out the back door loaded down with boxes and bags. She stood in front of the framed drawing, lost in thought then pulled out a clean rag and wiped down the counter. She had done all she could. The rest was out of her hands.

End Part 8

Notes: Sorry for the extended delay in getting this chapter out. Maura Mellark proved to be a hand full. I think this chapter is version five. I hope that you like how it turned out. I wanted to do a spin on Mrs. Mellark that hasn't been done a lot. She's still an emotional train wreck but underneath it all…she does love her boy. Hopefully, this chapter gave you a new window through which to view the bothersome woman. Thanks as always for reading. Until next time, Salanderjade.