She had her head in his lap, grinning quietly to herself as he played absently with her hair. He seems fascinated by it and for the life of her, she couldn't understand why. Feeling a familiar twisting, she glanced up to see him deftly braiding a few strands together and then winding them about his fingers. At her soft chuckle, he playfully tugged on the twined braid and questioned, "What's so funny?"

"You," she returned. "It's just hair, you know. There's nothing special about it."

He shook his head slightly. "You still don't know the effect that you have. Katniss, you've always made me feel better no matter what was going on around me. As long as I could see you, I knew everything was going to be okay." His face flushed, his eyes flicking away from hers. "I mean, I know that it was an old picture and then drawings but that didn't matter. It never did. It was always you."

She sat up abruptly and pushed the tangled strands away from her face. Pulling her knees up, she curled her arms around her legs and rested her chin on her knees. "You're not the only one who carried around an old picture, Peeta. You're not the only one that needed a safety blanket. We both did." She studied the floor, chewing on her bottom lip thoughtfully. "I used to talk to you for hours. About anything and everything. It didn't matter," her mouth quirked ruefully. "After Prim came, I thought that things might change but they didn't. I can't tell you how many times I wished that you would show up so I wouldn't be alone anymore."

"Guess it was a lucky thing that I took that path, huh?" He asked softly. "It led me right to you."

"This would have happened anyway," She returned just as softly. "I'm yours just like you're mine." She reached over and grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers. "You realize that I'm going to have to kiss your brother when we get out of here. I owe him big time."

Peeta laughed and turned their clasped hands until he pressed his lips to her upturned palm. "You do that and the shock might finish him off, Katniss." He suddenly sobered and her heart clinched at the desperately pleading expression that blossomed on his face. "Tell me he'll be okay."

She cradled his face in both hands and stated firmly, "He'll be fine. They'll be here any minute to take you to him. Don't worry."

He blew out a relieved breath and then surprised her as he chuckled quietly. "He'll never let me hear the end of this. Seth doesn't let things go especially when they give him the upper hand. He's going to be hell to live with. I guarantee that."

Katniss grinned back. "Why doesn't that surprise me? No doubt he'll be intolerable." She bumped his shoulder with hers. "If it starts to get out of hand, we can always pawn him off on Gale and Finnick. I'm sure they'll be able to handle him."

Peeta winced at that prospect. "Remind me never to get on your bad side. You've got a vengeful streak."

"Not vengeful," she replied. "Merely a healthy sense of self-preservation." She tossed him an impish grin. "I also don't believe in fighting fair. That's not a bad thing is it?"

Before he could reply, the door swung open to reveal Seeder's stoic face. The woman eyed the two solemnly before she announced, "The boy will be just fine. The medic patched him up and put him in a room to get some rest. Boggs put a guard on the door to make sure that he's not disturbed." She cracked a slight smile at their relieved expressions. "Boss wants you two brought over to headquarters so that they can get this sorted out. I'll be right outside when you're ready to go."

Peeta thanked her and the impassive woman merely nodded before closing the door. He smiled broadly and pulled a jubilant Katniss into a crushing embrace. "That's the best news I've heard all day," he said. "He's okay. I don't know what I would have done if…"

Katniss cut him off as she covered his mouth with both hands. "Don't say that." She ordered. "He's fine. We're fine. It's done. Don't even think about what might have happened. Just be grateful that he's going to be okay. Leave it at that."

"Yes, ma'am," he returned smartly. "Whatever you say, Miss Everdeen." She dropped her hands, stepping carefully away as she straightened her skirt and clumsily fastened her flimsy sandals. He watched her struggle with the thin strap before kneeling down and deftly sliding the band through the tiny clasp. He laughed to himself at her irritated huff. Swiftly securing the other shoe, he caught her eye and grinned at her put out expression. "I didn't mention it earlier but you look really pretty. Orange is definitely your color."

She scowled fiercely. "Yeah well don't get too attached. This was Effie's idea. She wouldn't stop until I agreed. This is a one-off, Peeta. Can't exactly hunt in these things."

He looked wistful as they made their way to the door. "That's too bad," he mused. "I kind of like it."

She rolled her eyes and looped her arms through his as they joined Seeder in the hallway. "What happened to 'I wouldn't change a thing. I think she's perfect.'?" She teased. "One look at me in this get-up and you've completely changed your tune."

"Don't put words in my mouth. I never said that I wanted you to look like this all the time. I merely pointed out that you look pretty and I like it." He retorted. His eyes softened as they roved her features. "I really do love you."

She huffed irritably. "Fine. I'll wear the damned dresses more often." His brows drew together in confusion. She confounded him further by rising up on her toes to place a tiny kiss on his chin. "Let's go, Bread Boy. We don't want to keep them waiting."

Seeder's rare laughter followed them down the hallway and out into the orange-hued afternoon.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXO

The mood was understandably tense in Haymitch Abernathy's living room. After all, it wasn't every day that a soldier wearing the uniform of the Capital teamed up with a quasi-rebel operative and then tried to assassinate a civilian that he was assigned to protect. Darius Boggs wanted answers. He held himself personally responsible for the events that had occurred. Had Seth Mellark died today, the fault would rest solely on his shoulders. He wasn't one to shirk his responsibilities. His eye for detail and his demand for absolute excellence in those that served under him had allowed him to rise swiftly through the ranks. He was commander of the squadron that protected President Paylor herself. To have been so easily misled galled at him. He was oath-bound to do his duty. He would follow the tentative threads to their source. Then he would gut the bastard that thought they could pull something on his watch.

This train of thought was broken by raised voices and the sudden violent explosion of glass being forcibly thrown against a hard surface. Boggs pulled himself from his musings and made his way to the adjoining door. The scene before him pulled a reluctant grin from the usually impassive man. His eyes met those of Johanna Mason. He frowned in displeasure at the girl's open appreciation as yet another piece of crockery shattered against the hardwood floor. He sent her a quelling look which only stoked her amusement further. Had Johanna not been an exceptional soldier with the uncanny ability to handle almost any kind of weaponry; he would have long ago regaled her to a solitary post in the wilds of District 13 just to get her out-of-the-way. .

Her insouciance and disregard for proper protocol had been very well documented. Her file was at least three inches thick as other commanders chose to pass the problem along and not finding a way to deal with her. Boggs had long ago discovered that it was best to work outside the box when it came to exceptional talent. Those like Johanna required a more deft touch; a certain flexibility to get the desired outcome. He allowed her certain freedoms and privileges. In return, she had become one of his most effective operatives. If a mission was deemed unachievable, Boggs assigned it to Johanna. The tiny woman refused to fail. She would find a way to win come hell or high water. It wasn't in her nature to lose. Still, he sometimes wished that she would learn a bare minimum of tact and decorum. It would make dealing with her so much easier. He gestured casually to Finnick Odair and watched with no small amusement as the man rolled his eyes before tapping Johanna on the shoulder and shaking his head. She glared briefly but then settled into an alert guard stance, her gaze sweeping the room for any anomalies. Boggs nodded once in satisfaction and then turned his attention to the argument that Johanna had been so overtly watching.

It had begun so innocently. The primary parties had gathered to discuss the latest happenings and reevaluate their mission parameters. The original goals had been for the Mellark boy and Katniss Everdeen to stay under constant guard but allowed enough freedom to draw those who were complicit in trying to bring down Paylor's presidency out in the open. Nobody expected one of their own to have joined the enemy's ranks. It certainly wasn't anticipated that they would try a risky and highly visible attempt on the boy's life. That hadn't even been considered. Unfortunately, the unexpected had a tendency to become fact regardless of plans to the contrary. The first inkling that the situation had gone from tense to volatile was his first glimpse of Basil Everdeen's face. The man was livid, no furious. His gray eyes were explosive as they stared fixedly at the front door. He ignored Haymitch's repeated efforts to pull him aside. The man had one thought on his mind-his daughter. Everything else was secondary. He wouldn't be satisfied until the girl was standing front and center, hopefully unharmed and unmarked.

She entered shortly thereafter and the man had wasted no time in gathering her up in a massive embrace which was gladly returned. He smiled in relief when told that the Mellark boy had been successfully treated. All too soon, his face became blank and his bearing ramrod stiff. "Peeta, I'm sorry for what happened and for my part in it. I owe your family a debt. Once I get Katniss settled, I'll come back and make sure that your brother is kept safe until he's able to go home."

Peeta's head cocked as he eyed the man in confusion. "Thank you, sir. I'm sure that my father appreciates everything that you're doing." He paused before continuing, his tone questioning. "What do you mean, once you get Katniss settled?"

Basil met his look squarely, "She's going home. It's too dangerous for her here. I should have never agreed to this." Katniss began to sputter, her eyes wide in indignation. Basil ignored her protests, continuing to look at Peeta steadily. "I can't have her here in the middle of this. I won't be responsible for you being put in harm's way. I'm sorry but there's nothing else to be done. She has to go for her safety and yours."

"I'm not going!" She burst out. "I won't leave. I promised him that I would stay. I want to stay here." Basil glared at her and shook his head once inflexibly. The girl drew in a furious breath, her eyes shooting furious sparks. "I won't leave. I don't care what you say."

"You will go home where you belong." He thundered. "I'm your father, Katniss. You will do as I say."

"I'm not a child," She declared. "I won't be dragged off and tucked away unless he goes with me. It's just as dangerous for him here. Who's to say that they won't try again? I'm not leaving him here alone. You'll have to find another way."

Peeta gulped as the man's infuriated gaze came to rest on him. However, he refused to back down and leave her to face her father's ire alone. He placed his hands on her shoulders and stated, "I go where she goes, Mr. Everdeen. I can't stay here not knowing. Besides, they know about her now. She can't disappear again. You don't know what information has been passed along. Your house might not be safe any longer."

Basil's jaw firmed and he pointed a stiff finger at the pair. "We're relocating my wife and daughters to another safe house. Haymitch and I planned for this a long time ago. They will be protected. Katniss say whatever goodbyes that you must and then we'll leave. We don't have much time."

The first vase detonated against the wall. Peeta's mouth dropped open in disbelief as he gaped at the enraged girl standing before him. She had given no sign of what she intended before throwing the vase as hard as she could. The dumbfounded expression on her father's face matched the one on his. "What the hell did you do that for?" He choked out. "Are you crazy?"

She whirled on him incensed. "He's not listening to me. He just assumes that I'll go meekly just because he said so. I had to get his attention somehow."

Peeta flicked a glance at the fuming expression of the man standing amid the shattered remains. "Katniss, I don't think that was such a good idea. I know that you're mad. I'm mad too but throwing a vase at your father's head won't fix it. I'm pretty sure it's going to make it worse."

Basil's uncompromising voice interrupted, "He's right, Katniss. This little tantrum changes nothing. You're going. That's final." Her only reply was to fling a bowl in the general direction that the vase had travelled. The shards clinked musically against the floor as the dish burst. "Damn it, girl! I said that's enough." Basil barked.

Much to Peeta's surprise and trepidation, she didn't back down. She was determined to have her say, consequences be damned. She stepped forward, obviously hopping mad. "I'm not even closed to being done, Dad. You will hear me out. I'm not leaving. I won't go off and hide. I won't."

Basil regarded her with narrowed eyes. His gaze suddenly swung toward Peeta, an intent look on his face. "What do you say? Are you going to show some sense or are you standing with this stone stubborn girl? Speak up, son. I don't have a lot of patience left."

Peeta felt her fingers curl into his clenched hands. He grasped hers gratefully, pulling strength from her determination. "I go where she goes. I won't stay here while she goes off alone. I promised her. "

Haymitch Abernathy had watched the exchange with interest. He cackled sardonically and raised his flask to the pair in a drunken salute. "If they weren't so abysmally stupid, this little display could almost be heartwarming." He lurched toward them and leveled a finger. "That wasn't rubber bullets bouncing around today. Those idiots were shooting to kill. You got lucky, boy. Next time, you might not be so fortunate."

Peeta glared at the old man, his fingers tightening involuntarily on Katniss's. "I know exactly how lucky I am. My brother wasn't so fortunate. He's in that bed because of me." His gaze swung to the now silent man who watched him so closely. "This is just as personal for me now as it is for you. Can't you see that?"

Haymitch shook his head in amusement. "I told you the boy was sharp, Basil. And he has a point. We knew from the start that she would be exposed. They managed to pull one over on us by using one of our own and going for the boy. They won't be able to pull that trick twice." He turned toward his longtime friend and stated softly, "I know this is hard. The hardest thing a man can do is to stand aside as someone he loves puts themselves in danger. Sometimes, you have to make the tough call no matter how much it hurts."

Basil closed his eyes and seemed to fold in upon himself. His face suddenly looked older. Peeta glanced at Katniss to gauge her reaction. Her eyes carried a hint of moisture but the determined line of her jaw didn't diminish. If anything, she looked more resolute. His heart swelled as he watched her. She truly was indomitable. He mimicked her unbendable expression and clasped her hand tighter. "Are you sure about this, Peeta?" Basil questioned softly. "You're not just putting yourself on the line. She will be there too along with your family and friends. You've seen what they're capable of. Are you willing to take the risk?" He nodded decisively and Basil let out a forlorn sigh. He looked from one to the other and then bowed his head. "Okay. We need to figure out where to go from here then." He gestured for Haymitch and Boggs to join him. The three withdrew to a corner and began to whisper quietly.

Peeta pulled Katniss to him and turned her until he was able to look directly into her eyes. "Are you sure about this? We're taking a big chance, sweetheart. Think about it before you decide. Your mother and sister need you as much as I do."

Her hands untangled from his and grasped his forearms tightly, almost to the point of pain. "I've been hidden away for over half my life. My mother left everything she knew behind because she loved my father enough to let all that go. Do you honestly think that I love you any less, Peeta? I don't want to hold on to safe and familiar. I want to be with you. I can't do that by running off to the woods at the first hint of trouble."

"I don't know what to say," he replied honestly. "Nobody's ever cared about me that much…" he trailed off and swiped a rough hand across eyes that were suddenly damp and threatening to overflow. "You're the first one."

"You're more loved than you know," she replied quietly. His confused look pulled an unwilling smile from her. "It's not my story to tell but I know for a fact that what you just said isn't true." She suddenly grabbed his hand and turned toward the door. "Come on. We're getting out of here." She waved surreptitiously to Johanna and Finnick who flanked the pair as they made their way to the door. "I don't care what she says. You need to know the truth and she's going to tell you."

He followed her willingly but allowed his confusion to show at her parting remark. "I don't understand. Where are we going? Who do you want me to talk to?"

She smiled knowingly and squeezed his hand. "We're going to lay this notion of yours that you've never been loved to rest once and for all. It's gone on long enough. You've been hurt and I won't allow it to go any further. She'll just have to get over it."

He pulled her to a halt and studied her elated expression curiously. "I don't understand. Who will have to get over it? What are you talking about?"

She smiled up at him and cupped his cheek gently. "Your mother. She has something to tell you and I'm coming along to make sure that you hear it. You believe a lie and its high time that she sets you straight. Do you trust me?" He studied her intently before he nodded. Her smile widened. "Well, come on then." His heart pounding, he followed her without question.

End Part 10