"Young congress hopeful, Peeta Mellark has probably achieved more than you and me in his 29 years of life," Madge reads out loud from the Washington Post during brunch. The glance she gives me Is one of almost disbelief, but I shrug before taking another bite of my omelette. "If the newspaper is writing about him like this, I really do have to meet him."
I'm spending the weekend in D.C. with Madge in an attempt to catch up on the two months of our lives we've missed. I originally insisted on staying in Philly to work, but Haymitch urged me to go, saying that we had earned enough in donations for me to take a break. Plus, I needed to pick up a dress for the Pennsylvania Democrat's Association annual gala, and I can't dress formally to save my life.
"Yeah, you really do. I wanted him to come and meet you and Gale, but Haymitch's got him on a tight schedule. But forget the guys, how are you doing?" I ask, eager to be filled in on my best friend's life.
She purses her lips together while she thinks. "I'm good, I think. Still looking for teaching jobs in D.C. and Maryland but I haven't found anything. But on the bright side, I think Gale's proposing soon." Her words make me nearly spit out my mimosa, and I stare at her with huge eyes as I try to recover.
"What? How do you know?" I ask, slightly shocked.
"Did Prim not tell you?" She asks, and I roll my eyes. My little sister Primrose was dating Gale's younger brother Rory, yet always manages to keep things like this from me. "Judging from your expression, I guess not. It's not a big deal really, it's just that he keeps asking me if I want to go on a fancy dinner and I know he hates those, plus I can't find the Tiffany's ring my mom got me for christmas." Madge tries to play it off, keeping the meek attitude she likes to maintain.
However as her best friend, I'm unable to let it go. "Is this a joke? Aside from the fact that I'm slightly offended he didn't call me, I'm so happy for you. I've been planning your wedding since the day you told me you met a "Raven Haired Cutie" at school." The smile and eye roll she gives me is enough to remind me why shes my best friend. "Alright, enough guy talk. Lets go shopping."
"Holy shit," I hear Peeta whisper while checking his phone at dinner.
I groan. "Didn't we decide no politics at dinner?" I know I sound like a mom, but I can't help but be paranoid that people are watching us. The paranoia is fairly reasonable, considering we've been interrupted three times during dinner at a local Italian place by people letting us know their opinions on the campaign.
"No, look you gotta see this." He hands me his iPhone, and I quickly scan the words on the screen. It's an email from the Mayor of Bakersfield, our old hometown, inviting Peeta and I to do an interview on this weekend's evening news about his campaign.
"Oh god," I whisper under my breath, handing him back the phone.
Peeta gives me a confused glance. "You don't seem too excited?" He questions my less than enthusiastic response while trying to hide his own.
"I know you love going back home and seeing your brothers, but there's nothing there for me," I sigh, already tired of this conversation. Guilt starts to creep up on me as I see his smile fall from his face as he bites his lip.
"Then I won't do it," he says nonchalantly, but I call his bluff. I've spent enough time around him to tell whether or not he cares about something or not, and he very clearly wants to do this interview.
I wave him off like he's being ridiculous. "You obviously want to go, don't let me stop you," I say as if it's obvious.
Peeta's tone suddenly gets serious, his blue eyes staring into mine. "Well I don't want to do it without you, so if you don't want to go, I don't want to go." The small pout he gives me if enough to push me over the edge, and I agree, just to see the way his face lights up.
"Fine, fine, I'll come with you," I agree, and I soon feel his hand grip mine from across the table. "But I'm going to say this now so we don't fight about it later- we don't see my mom unless I want to." The thought of seeing her makes my stomach turn, and I have to focus on Peeta for the feeling to go away.
I can tell he sees how serious I'm being, responding before even considering my words. "Deal."
As soon as we enter the Bakersfield city limits, I instantly feel out of place in Peeta's nice little Audi. "We should have taken my jeep, now everyone will recognize us from a mile away," I mumble from the passenger seat, still grouchy about the thought of being home.
Bakersfield is exactly the way I remember it-a small dead-end town, with closed minded people. I can confidently say the best things that have come out of this town in the past 20 years are Peeta and my sister.
Peeta rolls his eyes at my tone of voice, already used to my bad attitude. "Well, I wasn't in the mood to spend two hours on I-95 if your engine burst into flames," he retorts, sneaking a glance at me. "Plus you look pretty comfortable, so I wouldn't be complaining." I have to admit I am very comfortable, currently wrapped up in one of the soft blankets Peeta apparently keeps in his car all year round. The weather outside is finally getting nice, and it's a relief to see people walking around without jackets and heavy pants.
I can feel my stomach tightening as we pass by all the buildings I used to walk past every day. People start to notice us as we drive through town, most likely wondering why anybody with a car like that would be in a town like this. "We're going to your house first, right?" I ask, already knowing the answer but still wanting the reassurance.
"Yeah, apparently dad is grilling and mom is cooking, but she probably spit in the food so I'd watch what you eat," His tone reeks of resentment - while he was happy to be back with his family, Peeta's mother was a different story. I stroke his free hand, unsure of what to say to his comment.
We look at each other as he kills the engine once we pull up to his childhood house. I'm surprised when I find myself reassuring him, saying, "Just enjoy this time with your family. If your mom starts to be a bitch, just focus on the good things around you." I hold his gaze, reflexively reaching over to run a hand through his hair.
"Like you?" He answers, his intensity catching me off guard for a second. I go along with it, planting a gentle kiss on his lips. It's clear how much he needs this little confidence booster.
"Like me, and like that," My tone is steady and unwavering and I myself am surprised listening to those words coming out of my mouth. "Come on, I'm excited to see whether or not I picked the best Mellark."
Peeta knocks with his left and holds my hand with his right as we wait on his parent's front porch. We hear commotion and noises coming from inside, and I offer a weak smile when I find myself face to face with a taller, and slightly older version of Peeta.
"Rye!" Peeta shouts, soon enveloped into a big hug from his older brother. From what I remember Peeta describing to me, Rye was his favorite brother who loved playful fights and cracking jokes.
When they pull away he gives me an up and down, his mouth forming an O when he finally recognizes me. "Katniss Everdeen?" He says, looking back and forth between Peeta and I before bursting into laughter and shaking his head. "I knew Peet was bringing home his girlfriend but… Oh god, Wyatt's going to have a field day."
"Nice to meet you too," I mutter under my breath as we follow the older Mellark through the house. Peeta catches my snide comment and squeezes my hand tighter.
"Everyone's waiting in the backyard- Wyatt, Alyson, Hanna, Mom, Dad, Eva," he says listing names. As we walk through the house I notice pictures of Peeta and his brothers everywhere, and I make a mental note to snap a picture of some of them later.
As we step through the sliding doors in the kitchen leading to the backyard, I'm almost overwhelmed by Peeta's family. With the exception of the women I assumed to be Rye and Wyatt's wives, all the Mellarks were as tall and blond as ever. They all turn their attention away from the grill and to us- and suddenly I remember why I chose to be a political aid rather than a politician.
Mr. Mellark is the first to remember his manners, putting down his spatula before crossing the lawn over to us. "Katniss Everdeen, not a face I thought I would ever see again. How have you been?" He envelopes me in a hug that I barely reciprocate before he moves on to Peeta, holding him like a father genuinely excited to see his son. They exchange a few words in whispers, meant to be kept between the two.
I stand awkwardly as Peeta's brother's and their wives stare at me. "Hi, I'm Katniss," I say, introducing myself. They all seem to realize how rude they're being, and all start talking at once. "Can you say that again please? I think I missed it."
Peeta lets out a laugh at my mild demeanor, hanging his right arm over my shoulder while pointing to his relatives with his left. "That's Alyson, Rye's fiancee," he starts off with the smiling brunette. "Then my mom, who I'm sure you know." It's fairly obvious who she is by the way she's staring daggers at me, but I put on the smile I reserve for dealing with difficult clients. "Then Wyatt and his wife Hanna and baby Eva." In the blonde woman's arms was a little baby, who wouldn't stop giggling and squirming. "And Everyone," he says before sucking in his breath. "This is my girlfriend, Katniss. She actually grew up in Bakersfield."
I heard a chorus of "Nice to meet you" and "I'm glad you made it," before we sit down in the white plastic chairs clearly meant for us.
Rye hands both of us a Yeungling and a bottle opener, which I gladly accept. "It may not be as fancy as what you have in the city, but this is all we got here."
I wave him off, clinking my bottle with Peeta's before taking a big sip. "Tastes like senior year," I joke, and am pleasantly surprised when Peeta's family laughs along.
When the laughter dies down they all turn to face us, apparently interested "So Peeta, want to let us know how you ended up with the elusive Katniss Everdeen?" Wyatt asks, bouncing Eva in his lap. I raise my eyebrows at the word elusive, but the look on his face and the glare Peeta gives him is enough to not make me worry about it.
He looks at me to explain, but I gesture back to him. "It's your family," I say, loud enough that his whole family bursts out laughing once again, and I slowly start to understand why he loves coming home. I haven't even been here 10 minutes and I already feel like part of the family, save for the blond hair and culinary abilities.
I can't tell if it's the yeungling or the nice family atmosphere, but I'm in such a good mood during the family hangout that I can't help but whisper into Peeta's ear, "Why don't you give me a tour of the house?" His eyes widen to the size of saucers, questioning if I mean what he thinks I mean. I raise my eyebrows up and down to confirm his thoughts, reveling in the awe it causes him.
"Um, yeah," he stutters a little bit, licking his lips. Peeta abruptly stands up for his seat, and nods to follow him. "Guys, I'm going to give Katniss a tour of the house," he calls to his family, struggling to keep a straight face. They all momentarily look up from their respective conversations, seemingly oblivious to our intentions. Peeta looks back at me as I trail him into the house. "My room?"
"Mmmhmm," I hum, snaking my hand into his. When we enter I can't help but laugh at his teenage bedroom, poorly decorated and littered with High School memories. "Remind me that if I ever need to redecorate that you're the one to call," I tease, moving towards Peeta. We're close enough that I can see the freckles lining his nose and smell the yeungling on his breath.
Peeta goes in first, capturing my lips in a kiss before I slowly walk him backwards. He doesn't miss a beat when his legs hit the bed, holding my waist tight as I straddle him. "Not kidding, it was my teenage fantasy to make out with you in my little twin-sized bed," he confesses, pulling away from me.
"Then I'm about to make all your dreams come true," I breathe, kissing a trail down his chest while my hands fiddle with his belt.
When we emerge from his room and settle around the dining table 15 minutes later, it was clear that our absence had not gone unnoticed. I thank god Mrs. Mellark was oblivious, because I don't think I would be able to take the knowing glance I'm getting from Rye from someone who actually hates me.
Rye leans down to whisper to me when I sit down next to him at the big plastic table. "I cannot believe you defiled my baby brother in my parent's house," he whispers animatedly into my ear. I roll my eyes, unable to form a response to his accusation before I hear Peeta call my name from where he's standing at the fridge.
"Want anything to drink?" He asks innocently, and Rye, Wyatt, Alyson and Hanna are unable to control their laughter. Mrs. and Mr. Mellark share a confused glance, while Peeta's cheeks slowly turn pink.
"I think you already took care of that," Wyatt whispers under his breath, loud enough for everyone to hear. I hang my head in shame, sending a helpless look towards Peeta.
"Orange juice is great, thank you."
Teasing aside, the visit to Peeta's family is enjoyable. His mom manages to keep her mean comments to herself, and the food is better than I expected. When we leave, his sister-in-laws insist we visit more often, telling me I'm more than welcome at the next Mellark family get together. So when Peeta casually suggests we take a walk over to the Seam before the interview, I send him the meanest scowl I can muster. "It's like a 5 minute walk from the high school, c'mon Katniss," he says while driving. "We have like 30 minutes before they're even expecting us."
I know he has good intentions, but I can't help but be annoyed that he's ruining my good mood. "I told you, I don't want to see her," I say, shifting away from him. "I can't believe you're even suggesting that." Peeta doesn't have to look away from the road to see that I'm pissed off, it's clear from my biting tone.
"I just saw how happy you were being with my family," he tries to explain. "Why wouldn't you want to recreate that with your own?" Everything he's saying makes sense, but I can't stop the images from my last encounter with my mom from flashing through my head.
I check my phone for the millionth time, groaning in anger as it flashes 3:55. "Mom, we're already late!" I scream outside of her bedroom, unable to hide my frustration. Prim's high school graduation started in 5 minutes, and my mom was making no effort to get ready. I start banging on her bedroom door when she doesn't respond - there's no way I'm going to be late to my baby sister's graduation. Being in Bakersfield after 4 years in college was stressful enough, and I didn't want to deal with this. I know exactly the reason she won't get out of bed, but that doesn't change the situation. "I swear to god I'd leave your ass at home if it wouldn't make Prim cry," I threaten.
When I still get no response, I fling the door open. I hate to admit I'm disgusted, but not surprised by what I see- my mom, curled up in bed in a nightgown, looking like she hasn't showered or eaten in days. In her hand she's clutching a picture of my dad, and I sigh loudly.
"He would have been 48 today," she murmurs.
I want to pity her, but I know this isn't the right time. "I know mom," I say, trying to soften my voice. "We all know. It's hard for Prim and I too. But it's her graduation today, and you owe it to her to pull yourself together and be there for her."
"He was the love of my life," my mother mutters, her eyes glazing over.
I can't help but feel the anger return. "He was my father!" I cry, the tears threatening to fall from my eyes. "I miss him too but you need to stop living in the past. Your beautiful, intelligent daughter is about to walk across the stage and begin the rest of her life, and if you don't want to be there, that's on you. But I'm going. I'm not going to let her down the way you have her entire life."
I wait for her to say something, say anything. But she doesn't, so I turn on my heel, and walk out of the house.
"You know what?" I turn to Peeta, my voice snarky. "Let's go. I want you to see how big of a trainwreck it's going to be so you never have to bother me about it ever again." I'm mad and he knows it, which is why he doesn't say a word before turning the car onto the dirt road on the next left.
We ride in silence, but I can tell he wants to say something before we step out of the car. I get out before the words make their way out of his mouth, making my way to my mother's porch. The outside of the house is the same as I remember it, however there are newly planted flowers in the front yard.
As I knock he wraps an arm around my waist, and presses a kiss to my cheek. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I shouldn't have pushed you." His words melt the anger inside of me, and I can't help but lean into his touch.
I want to respond, but suddenly I find Theresa Everdeen standing in front of me, looking like she's seen a ghost. "Katniss?" She says in disbelief. Her eyes flutter from my face, to Peeta, to his arm wrapped around me, like she was unsure of what to look at first.
"Hi mom," I say awkwardly. "This is, um, my boyfriend, Peeta."
She looks at him with recognition, a soft smile instantly spreading across her face. "Peeta Mellark, is that you?"
"Nice to see you again Mrs. Everdeen," he offers, as charming as ever.
Her eyes linger on his grip on me before shes snaps out of it. "Well, come in. Don't be strangers." The smile she offers us is one I haven't seen in a long time, and I hate to admit it makes me uneasy. We follow her through my childhood home, and I still see traces of Prim and I everywhere "I would have cleaned up had I known you were coming," she says to no one in particular.
"It's fine Mrs. Everdeen, you have a beautiful home," Peeta says. I roll my eyes and smile at his naturally friendly and kiss up nature. The house isn't exactly beautiful, but it has a homey lived in feel with evidence there was once life here.
"Still the sweet boy I knew." We stop in the kitchen, my mom gesturing for us to sit at the small cluttered table. "Do you want some tea?" she asks, getting up to fill the kettle without waiting for a response. "So, what brings you two here?" She questions, finally sitting down across from us.
"I'm actually working on Peeta's congressional campaign in Philadelphia," I say, and I feel Peeta grab my hand under the table.
My mom raises her eyebrows. "Congressional campaign?"
Peeta waves her off in an attempt to stay modest. "It's nothing, really."
I scoff loudly. "Don't downplay yourself Peeta," I say before turning back to my mom. "We're here because the local news wanted to interview us."
She seems lost for a second, her eyes glazing over as she looks at us. "Impressive," she mutters. The sound of the kettle whistling startles her, and she abruptly gets up to grab three cups. "Is mint tea ok?"
I refrain from saying that mint tea reminds me of the days where we had nothing but it in our pantry, instead nodding my head politely.
"How long have you two been together?" She asks when she places the hot mugs in front of us. Peeta sips his gratefully while I stand up to grab the sugar from the pantry.
"Two and a half months?" I ballpark, and Peeta shrugs.
"Sounds about right," Peeta confirms, and she looks at us with a glance I haven't seen her use in years.
My mom looks like she wants to say something, but all the lights in the house flicker before she can. "I know I paid the electricity bill this month," she murmurs to herself before sighing.
"I can go check it out," Peeta offers, shooting up from his chair. "I was practically the bakery handyman after Wyatt left the house."
While he may have some electrical experience, its obvious that he wants to give me and my mother some time to talk. "Oh, thank you," she says, surprised by his generosity. "Just make a right down the hallway and theres a door that leads to the basement on the left hand side. Everything's down there."
"Don't electrocute yourself babe," I call after him. He turns around to wink at me and I bite my lip, which doesn't go unnoticed by my mom.
We sit in silence, both of us unsure of what to say. She breaks it first. "You look happy," she remarks, studying my face. "It looks good on you."
I sigh, settling back into my chair. "I am. Peeta is a really great guy." Silence fills the room again, and I internally hope that Peeta comes back soon. i feel bad for not trying to further the conversation, but it doesn't look like she takes it personally.
"Katniss, look," she starts again. "I'm so sorry for the way I acted the last time I saw you. I truly thought you were never going to come see me again, and I couldn't bear to lose a daughter too. That motivated me to get my life back together; I'm working at the hospital again, seeing a therapist. I just hope that now you can forgive me, and that you understand what I mean when I say that losing your father felt like losing a limb." The lights flicker back on, and we both smile.
She reaches for my hand across the table, and I barely hesitate before grabbing it back. "Mom," is the only word I manage to get out before i hear Peeta's heavy footfalls from the hallway. "It's ok. I forgive you." I accept her apology, but her words still ring through my ears. I hope you understand what I felt.
Do I? I can't help but ask myself as Peeta emerges, a casual smile on his face. He looks at me for confirmation, and bends down to kiss me on the cheek when I nod.
I glance at the clock above my mother's head. "Babe, we have to be at the high school in a couple of minutes," I remind him, suddenly feeling suffocated in the room.
"Oh, right," he agrees, glancing at the clock himself. "Thank you so much for having us Mrs. Everdeen, sorry we just dropped by unannounced," Peeta apologizes as she walks us to the door.
She waves him off like it's no big deal. "I'm just glad I got to see you two." I turn to leave, but I feel my mom capture me in an awkward hug first. "Thank you," she whispers in my ear.
I nod, sending her a weak smile before making my way back to Peeta's car. As we sit down I'm waiting for an "I told you so," but it doesn't come.
"I'm just glad you had a good time," Peeta says, starting the car. I only smile in response, but I feel my stomach slightly tighten. As we drive back to the high school, my moms words echo in my head, and I realize that maybe I do understand the way she felt about my father. And the thought of that terrifies me.
Thank you so much for all the reviews and favorites! Please leave a review and let me know how you felt about this chapter. I will try to update soon!