A/N: Well this has been 20 minutes short of forever... Thank you for your patience with this update. Believe me when I tell you, life happened in the interim. There's a lot in this chapter, and I really, really hope you find it to be worth the wait. And special thanks to everyone who's taken time to comment on this story and to those who checked on this update. After all this writing and rewriting, comments are greatly appreciated. Happy reading!

The melody, indistinct at first, waltzed from some dark corner of Katniss's mind, slowly making its way to the forefront.

It was The Meadow Song, an anguished version in her own soprano. It was Rue's eyes, closing for the last time, acquiescing to death as a cannon blast announced that she would never be a victor.

And now, in the waning daylight of District 12 with the thick black smoke from the charred Hawthorne home twisting through the air, Katniss was immobilized as she watched Posy - sweet, innocent Posy – twirling the long stem between her fingers, eyeing President Snow's death threat of a white rose with fascination.

The four-year-old loved pretty things. She always noticed pretty things – like Katniss's opal necklace or a ribbon in Prim's hair. And every perfect curve of the alabaster petals was beyond pretty. The rose was evil in its loveliest form, a reminder that Snow had no problem killing children.

The Meadow Song grew louder, and louder, and…

"No," Katniss gasped, panic jolting her from her momentary stupor.

Only Peeta, who'd studied her movements and moods for years, could react in time. He hooked his arm around her waist just as her body made its initial arc toward a sprint through the crowd. Before she could resist, she was leaning, slightly off balance, against his chest. To anyone watching, it was simply an act of affection between a husband and wife. But he pinned her with his gaze, his eyes demanding her full attention, willing her to understand the urgent message he couldn't speak aloud - especially not in a Peacekeeper's hearing.

"Everything's fine," Peeta said mildly, glancing over his shoulder to respond to Lester's question. His eyes were immediately back to Katniss. "My wife loves white roses because they were a part of her wedding bouquet, and it's been hard finding them here in District 12," he explained.

Katniss fought for equanimity as she tried to follow Peeta's clues. He rubbed her back with long, reassuring strokes.

"Sweetheart, why don't you see if you can get that rose from Posy without upsetting her and causing a scene. Tell Posy I'll bake her some cookies to make up for it."

Suddenly, Katniss understood. Peeta knew she would storm through the crowd and snatch the rose from Posy's grip. But that reaction wouldn't go unnoticed by the crowd or by President Snow who was probably watching and waiting for some misstep. She had to remain calm.

Katniss forced a smile and nodded before swiftly and silently navigating the crowd. But beyond what any eye could see, the fire she thought she'd lost was catching in her heart, consuming every trace of fear with an intensity that could destroy an entire government and its army.

It was almost 7 p.m., in District 12. Before the next hour came, the skies would be cloaked in shades of indigo and pepper gray that ushered in nightfall.

After giving his account to the Peacekeepers, Rory trudged back to where Prim stood, adjacent to the Hawthorne home with her arm encircling Vick's shoulder.

If every raven-haired, gray-eyed male in Panem were squeezed into District 12, it would still be easy to pick out the members of the Hawthorne family. Rory was practically a carbon copy of Gale with the only difference being a smattering of freckles across the bridge of Rory's nose and cheeks. All of the children inherited Hazelle's argent-colored eyes, but the boys had Emory Hawthorne's chiseled features and olive complexion, which made them look like progressive versions of the same person. Posy shared the same complexion, hair, and eyes, but her face was heart-shaped and she carried a long dimple in her right cheek that appeared when she smiled and chewed.

Prim had known Rory since the first day of school. They were the last two students to arrive that morning, and since they both were nervous, their mothers made them hold hands as they walked into the classroom. They clung to one another's side for the rest of the day, and later that afternoon, they partnered for a rousing game of tag that sealed their fate as friends.

But eventually, their missing-tooth smiles became crooked, bashful grins, and they were holding hands as often as they could, for as long as they could. Now, Prim slid her hand inside Rory's, and he responded by clutching her hand, soft and warm, as if it were a life source.

She watched him gnaw on his bottom lip, his brows squeezed with worry. She'd seen a version of this look in math class, when he hunched over one of Ms. Flynn's quizzes. But this was different, damning, and far more intense.

"There was nothing you could do, Rory," Prim said quietly, knowingly. "This wasn't your fault."

He didn't respond. Instead, his eyes locked on Gale who was still on the other side of the home, surrounded by Thom, a lady named Madge whom Rory had just met, and several of Gale's miner friends who had helped extinguish the flames.

Gale had no idea how closely Rory watched him, how much Rory admired his older brother's strength and leadership, how desperately Rory wanted to be Gale's confidant and the person he trusted most. Rory even weighed his own actions by how he thought his older brother would react. If he thought something would be met with Gale's disapproval, Rory immediately changed course.

Rory had always looked up to Gale, but everything changed when Emory Hawthorne died in the mine explosion. Their father was hard working and dedicated to his family. But Rory, the middle child at the time, got little of Emory's attention. When he wasn't at work or at The Hob, Emory spent most of his time with Gale. Their mother, pregnant with the child Emory hoped would be a girl, came in as a close second. Vick, the youngest at the time, always had a spot on Emory's lap at the end of the day.

But Rory's role was to assist. Assist his older brother with cleaning the game. Assist his mother with putting on her coat. Assist his younger brother with tying his shoes. And Rory always moved quickly, dutifully, never having to be given an order twice. Occasionally, Emory would affectionately tousle Rory's hair as the elder Hawthorne ambled to bed. But most nights, Emory had consumed so much brew that he probably didn't know which child's head he'd touched.

The sudden loss of their father was devastating, but Gale didn't cry, so Rory didn't cry. And with the chasm left by their father's absence, Rory was determined to silently prove to Gale that he could be to his big brother what Gale was to their father – someone he could trust, someone he could rely on. Someone he could be proud of.

But now, every smoke-tinged breath Rory inhaled reminded him of his failure, as did the distress on Gale's face. Gale would never rely on him after this.

I should have gone back and tried to put out the flames. Now we're homeless because I wasn't brave enough to go back on my own. If Gale were home, the house wouldn't have burned to the ground and we wouldn't have lost everything. This is all my fault.

Prim gently squeezed his hand, and he nodded absently, not sure if she was waiting on his response. He followed her gaze through the crowd to her older sister, the person Prim admired most, the person whose strength she wished she had.

And in that moment, Katniss looked absolutely horrified.

Prim and Rory watched Peeta pull Katniss to him. He turned briefly to Lester, but his focus was quickly back to his wife. Whatever he said next seemed to steady her. Moments later, she was walking briskly, purposefully to... to... Posy?

Then Prim saw it, and her breath stuck in her throat. A white rose. A perfect white rose. One that Prim had seen only twice in her life before now: on the lapel of President Snow's jacket when he surprised Katniss at their home immediately after the Games, and filling the church and Katniss's bouquet on the day of her marriage to Peeta.

And now Rory was staring quizzically at Prim, unsure of why the color had suddenly drained from her face.

It was called the trade-off game. Katniss created it shortly after her father died as a way to "trade" Prim's worry over their mother's unresponsiveness for laughter – usually the result of Katniss's tickles to Prim's neck and ribs.

Now Katniss was playing a different version of the trade-off game with Posy. And if there was anything that could rival Posy's love for pretty things, it was her love for sweets.

Katniss squatted, coming eye level with the girl. One, potentially poisonous white rose for…

"Cookies, baked by Peeta," Katniss said with just enough cheer in her voice to fool a four-year-old.

But Posy stared at the rose, silently analyzing the terms of the trade. Her nose wrinkled in dissatisfaction.

"I love cookies, but this is a special rose, Katniss," Posy argued. "It's worth more than cookies."

Katniss blinked in surprise at the girl's refusal. Shit. Posy drives a hard bargain. She needs her own booth at The Hob.

"Okay then… one whole cake, baked by Peeta," Katniss spouted, desperate to separate Posy from the rose. "The flavor of your choice."

The rose dropped from Posy's grip as the girl lifted both arms in the air in excitement, bouncing on her toes in happy acceptance of the offer.

"There's just one other thing," Katniss cautioned. "I need to give you the secret pass code for your cake."

"Pass code?"

"Yep, the secret pass code."

This was Katniss's way of quickly inspecting Posy's hands to be sure she hadn't been scratched by any of the thorns. Katniss kissed each palm, designating one for a butter cake with chocolate icing and the other for strawberry shortcake.

"Now don't decide just yet, Posy. This is a very important decision. You're going to Prim's house tonight. Right before you go to bed, let me know what you decide, and I'll personally put in the order with Peeta. Okay?"

"Okay Katniss," Posy nodded excitedly. "I'll give it a lot of thought."

Posy rushed to Hazelle and Maura, several yards away, to share the good news. And Katniss used the toe of her sandal to gingerly shove the white rose underneath a blackened plank of wood, watching as the petals flared a luminescent blue before disintegrating into a brittle, grayish black.

Trolley had asked the Hawthornes not to touch, move, or remove anything belonging to the home until he and Lester completed an incident report. So Gale just stood there staring at the ruins, his mind trying to piece together how this happened.

This doesn't make sense. Rory said he saw the fire outside, not inside. How could it have started outside? And how did our home burn so fast? Everyone says it was engulfed in a matter of seconds.

Gale scrubbed his hand through his hair. Tension spread like a wave from the nape of his neck down to his shoulder blades. It was hard enough making ends meet when they had a roof over their heads. Now, they were homeless with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Thom and Madge stood on either side of Gale. Four other miners faced them, forming a makeshift circle, tin pails with residual drops of water at their feet. They were also marveling at the speed and intensity of the flames when Gale's mind drifted to a memory of his father's throat bobbing with laughter.

Gale silently ached for him. If his father were alive, at least they could figure this out together. Now, Gale had no one.

The singsong lilt in her voice pulled him back to reality. Madge was responding to something about types of wood, noting that softwoods such as pine tended to have more resin and would burn faster than other types. By the looks on the men's faces, they were thoroughly impressed by this smart, engaging, comely Merchant girl who stood among them, unfazed by the soot on their faces and the dirt underneath their fingernails.

Gale didn't expect the subtle smile that curled his lips. Thom was right. She is pretty amazing.

"Gale."

Peeta was standing behind him; something in his eyes didn't match his placid expression.

"I need to talk to you for a moment. In private."

Peeta led Gale around the side of the house, behind the wall of a storage shed that had been attached to the back of the house. That wall was one of the few that hadn't completely succumbed to the flames.

Peeta's eyes darted around them. He seemed to be in search of something he hoped he wouldn't find.

"What is it?" Gale asked, his eyes jumping along the path Peeta set. Gale's hair was peaked haphazardly, the result of frustrated hands scrubbing through his closely cropped mane. "What's wrong?"

Peeta studied him pensively. Ever since he visited Gale's home several weeks ago, there was an unspoken truce between them. But Peeta didn't trust him. And he hoped Gale could handle the sensitive information he was about the share; it was a matter of life or death for the Hawthorne family.

Peeta's voice was barely louder than a whisper. "You cannot react to what I'm about to tell you. We are probably being watched."

"Okay," Gale shrugged dismissively, exhaustion embedded on his face. "At this point, nothing you say will make this day any worse."

Peeta drew a deep breath. "This was no accident, Gale. This was arson. The Capitol made an attempt on your family's lives."

Gale was wrong. An already terrible day instantly became worse. A parade of emotions flashed across his face. Among them was a look of revelation that made Peeta uneasy.

"What?!"

"Shh!" Peeta glanced around them. "You have to keep your voice down and stay calm."

Gale paced slowly with his eyes squeezed shut. "How…" He stopped pacing and rubbed both hands up and down his face. "How do you know this was Snow?"

"There was a white rose left beside your house. It's Snow's calling card. Posy found it, and –"

"Shit!"

Gale spun on his heels, his eyes wild with panic. Peeta tailed him, and as Gale raced around the side of the house he nearly collided with Katniss. Madge had pointed her in the direction where Peeta and Gale had walked.

"Posy," he said breathlessly, attempting to sidestep Katniss in his haste. But she blocked him, her palms lifted in front of his chest.

"No, Gale. Don't make a scene. She's fine."

He tried to sidestep her again, but this time she reached for his face with both hands. Madge and Thom, who were now in their line of sight, watched with discreet curiosity.

"Look at me," Katniss demanded, keeping her volume low. His eyes frantically scanned what little he could see of the crowd from where he stood. "Gale, look at me."

He reluctantly lowered his eyes to hers. And she immediately wished he hadn't. The ruined Hawthorne home paled in comparison to the devastation she saw in his eyes. This wasn't just the fresh pain of losing his home. This look was built from years of disappointment, layers of hardship, sacrifice, and sorrow that had permeated the depths of his being. It was a reality that Katniss knew too well, a memory that no amount of winnings from surviving the Games could erase.

"I got it from her, and I destroyed it."

Gale's eyes watered. "If anything ever happened to her, to them…"

"She's fine, I promise. I wouldn't lie to you, Gale," she said with conviction. "You know I wouldn't lie to you."

Her words stung in Peeta's ears. No, you wouldn't lie to him, he thought wistfully. But you would lie to me. And to yourself. No matter what you say, your heart will always belong to Gale.

Katniss dropped her hands but held her gaze, willing him to trust her. And finally, after drawing and releasing a long breath, he did. Katniss watched his anxiety yield to a familiar look of longing that she couldn't reciprocate. She didn't want to.

So there she stood, Gale brimming with confidence that she belonged to him despite their circumstances, and Peeta also confident that she didn't belong to him – that she would always find her way back to Gale.

Neither of them knew how wrong they were.

Katniss slid her hand into Peeta's, their fingers interlocking. Both men assumed she did it just in case there were cameras. Again, neither Gale nor Peeta knew how wrong they were.

The three of them stood listlessly, wearing fatigue like heavy garments. Peeta broke the silence. "Did she say what kind of cookies she wants in exchange for the rose?"

"None," Katniss said flatly. "She wants a whole cake."

Peeta gawked at her, his jaw dropping in stunned silence. Then, he doubled over with laughter. Soon Katniss and Gale were also laughing uncontrollably, fighting to keep their voices down.

Peeta was nearly breathless. "Katniss… I think Posy might be the real girl on fire." He wrapped his arm across his stomach and sighed. "You might need to give her the title."

"That's my baby sister," Gale laughed. "My sweet, demanding, little…"

His eyes latched on to a silver trail of smoke twisting toward the sky. And as Katniss and Peeta's laughter subsided, the events of the day caved in on Gale. His level of anxiety belied his stoic nature. A rushed plea escaped his lips.

"I know Thom offered to let me stay with him, but I can't stay in the Seam tonight or any other night. I have to be with my family. It's my job to protect them, to keep them safe, and they shouldn't have to pay for this. I'll sleep outside if I have to. I just need to be –"

"Wait a minute." Peeta held up his hand, his eyes narrowing on Gale. "What do you mean 'they shouldn't have to pay for this?'"

Katniss heard it too. She stared worriedly at Gale who'd fallen silent.

"Gale." Peeta's tone was deliberate. "Is there something you're not telling us? Do you know why your home was torched?"

"I just need to be with my family. That's the point I'm trying to make."

But Katniss knew him too well. He was hiding something. "You're not answering the question, Gale. We, of all people, need to know if something is going on."

The truth was that Gale had known as soon as Peeta said it was arson from the Capitol. He averted his eyes from Katniss's quicksilver stare, focusing on where Madge and Thom stood in the distance. The other miners must have left because Madge and Thom were alone, talking to one another.

"Gale," Katniss demanded.

He swallowed hard. "Lately, I've been telling some of the guys that District 12 should be more active in the rebellion. That we should show our support for the effort by gradually cutting off the supply of coal to the Capitol. That we should lead the way because… because the girl who sparked the rebellion is from our district."

Peeta and Katniss's eyes widened in horror. Gale was inciting rebellion against the Capitol, in the worst possible place in all of Panem: the home district of the two rebellious winners of the most recent Games. President Snow was already doggedly watching Katniss and Peeta, and Gale had tied Katniss to grassroot efforts to overthrow the government. Suddenly, it all made sense; the near loss of his job in the mines had been a warning. And now, the burning of his house with his family inside was much more than a threat.

"You what?!" Peeta bellowed, startling Katniss and drawing stares from Thom and Madge. "Are you fucking kidding me?! You could have gotten her killed! You could have gotten us all killed!"

Katniss was just as ready to rip into Gale, but she needed to tend to Peeta first. He'd come undone, completely abandoning his "don't cause a scene" strategy. The crowd had started to dissipate, but a few people walked up to Madge and Thom and tried to peer around the side of the house. Madge and Thom instinctively acted as gatekeepers, telling the others that everything was fine.

Katniss laid her palm on her husband's heaving chest. "Peeta, calm down. You have to calm down."

But he didn't. He couldn't. Not when it came to her safety and wellbeing.

"Why the hell would you bring her into this?! Not to mention your entire family!"

Gale humbled himself, his eyes and his words heavy with remorse.

"I realize that now, and I'm so sorry. I would never intentionally put Katniss or my family in danger. I was angry. I didn't think Snow was watching me, and I didn't think it would result in him trying to kill my family."

"Well it did! And you know what we're up against. You already know –"

Suddenly, Katniss grabbed Peeta's face and pressed her lips to his. His body tempered, but when their lips parted, they were still tethered by their gazes, full of vulnerability and longing and unanswered questions. A force stronger than gravity pulled them back into each other's arms, back to each other's lips, residual passion from what almost happened in their bedroom the night before. And in those moments, there was no rebellion, no President Snow, no danger, no dread of white roses… no one else in the world. They were in that realm where only they existed, and everything made sense.

But none of it made sense to Gale. He watched with furrowed brows, trying to convince himself that this was yet another act for the cameras. That Katniss still belonged to him, and Peeta was still firm in his decision to not pursue her. That these were desperate times and desperate measures were necessary.

But that kiss was real. The way they looked at one another was real. And there was something disturbingly intimate about the way she clutched a mound of shirt at his chest in her hand…

"I'm okay, Peeta," she whispered.

He drew a shaky breath. "After all we've survived… I can't take the thought of anything happening to you –"

"Nothing will," she said resolutely, her hand back on his chest. "Nothing will. We have to stick to your original plan. We have to stay calm and think this through."

Peeta steadied his emotions. "Excuse us," he gritted at Gale before pressing his hand to the small of Katniss's back and guiding her out of earshot.

"Turns out your cousin is a complete idiot."

Katniss chuckled despite herself.

"I know he wants to be with his family, but I don't know if he should be in Victor's Village. Having him there could do more harm than good for everyone else."

The thought had already crossed Katniss's mind. Her first concern was for the safety of her family – her sister, her mother, and her… husband. Peeta was family. The thought didn't surprise her mind; it surprised her heart. She watched his lips move, but for the next few seconds she didn't hear a word he said.

"I'm just not sure, Katniss." She caught this part. "What do you think?"

Gale's actions threatened everyone associated with him. This could have been Snow's plan all along – get the Hawthornes and the Everdeens together with Katniss and Peeta nearby, and make examples of them all. So much could go wrong.

But she couldn't deny shelter to the Hawthornes, and she couldn't deny Gale the chance to protect his family, despite his incredible lack of judgment.

"He made a really, really stupid mistake, Peeta. He thought he didn't matter to Snow, and he probably wouldn't if he weren't associated with me. But I think he clearly sees how serious Snow's threats are, and now he just wants to keep his family safe."

"So you think we should let him stay in Victor's Village," Peeta said matter-of-factly.

"I think he'll find his way there no matter what we say."

Peeta pressed the heels of his hands into his eyelids to relieve the buzzing tension.

"You're probably right," he conceded. "And I can understand him wanting to protect his family, especially since this is his fault."

Peeta stared at the ground, deep in thought.

"I can't believe I'm saying this…" He shook his head in disbelief. "What if Gale and his family use our home for the next few days until they find another place. If you and Maura agree, you and I can move in with your mother. That'll keep him and his family together in one place, and we can watch over Maura and Prim. But Gale will have to keep his distance from you; we do not need to aggravate Snow. And one word about rebellion, and he's gone."

Katniss gaped at Peeta. "You would do that for them? Peeta… that's a huge sacrifice."

"I'm 98 percent sure it's the worst idea I've ever had." He reached for her hand. "But I have two very special people to consider."

"Really?" A smile twitched on her lips. "And who are those special people?"

"You're number one." He shrugged as if no explanation was needed. "You care for him and for his family. You won't be in any peace if they're not okay. And Posy is number two. She just lost her home; it might upset her if Gale were suddenly gone too."

"And you owe her a cake," Katniss grinned sheepishly. "She'll tell me what flavor later tonight."

Peeta chuckled and shook his head. "Remind me to talk with you about your negotiation skills."

As they walked back to Gale – hand-in-hand – Peeta thought of another, more strategic reason for agreeing to have Gale so close. Like Katniss, Gale was good with a bow. And if Snow had something major planned, it couldn't hurt to have another skilled shooter nearby.

It was a few minutes before 7:30 p.m. Soon, the wind would start to pick up, adding whiffs of coal dust to the scent of charred home.

The crowd had mostly cleared, some on their own accord and others by way of the Peacekeepers. All who remained were Madge and Thom, Peeta, Katniss, and Gale, the Hawthorne and Everdeen families, and a few men who approached Gale to offer support with clearing the debris from his home.

Lester approached and gave Gale a copy of the incident report.

"We could find no just cause for the fire, but nightfall will catch us soon. We can take another look on tomorrow."

"No, thanks." Gale signed the incident report. "I'll just focus on recovering what we can and finding another place."

Thom again offered to let Gale stay at his house. But Gale fabricated an excuse about Posy having nightmares and needing him to calm her. "I'd better stay close to them for a while, especially since she'll be in an unfamiliar setting."

"Do you want to start sifting through the rubble tonight? I'd be happy to lend a hand while there's a little daylight left."

"You're a good man for asking, but I know you've worked all day, and you need your rest. I'll get started tomorrow morning after my shift ends in the mines. If you feel up to it when you get off, we could use your help. If not, I completely understand."

Thom vowed to return the following afternoon. Then he shook hands with Gale and Peeta, nodded his head politely to Katniss and Madge, and headed home.

Katniss wandered a few steps, her arms tightly folded across her chest as she watched the Hawthornes and her family in the distance. No matter what Gale did to attract Snow's fury, Katniss know that all of this – this entire rebellion and the danger they all faced – was her fault.

If she'd died in the arena, there'd be no rebellion. Peeta would be the victor, and his life would be much simpler without her. Everyone would be safer.

She began to fantasize about how she could have ingested the berries without Peeta knocking them from her hands to stop her. When the game maker reverted to having only one victor, she could have taken aim at Peeta with her bow and arrow; he'd told her to shoot him. But while his eyes were shut and awaiting death, she could have pulled the nightlock from her pocket and swallowed them. She'd be dead before he opened his eyes and –

"Stop it."

She startled, coming face-to-face with Peeta's arresting stare. He knew what she was thinking. How could he possibly know? Like earlier; how did he know she was about to run through the crowd to get to Posy?

She decided to be defiant. "You don't know what I was thinking."

He seemed amused. "I've watched you come and go every day for over a decade. For an entire year when we were in the seventh grade, I traded lunches with Nate Ewell – whose name was after yours in the alphabet – so I could sit right behind you. Believe it or not, until I was severely injured in the arena, I knew where you were 98 percent of the time. And now that we live together, I know that stare, the one you get when your mind is condemning you and you think no one is watching. So just stop it. This isn't your fault."

Her lips parted wordlessly. And she knew that despite their disaster from the night before when he vehemently refused her advances, Peeta's love for her was more real than the ground on which they stood. He only needed to be able to trust her again. And she would do whatever it took to regain his trust.

A soft grin shaped her lips. "Doesn't that make you a stalker?"

"I prefer the term 'number one fan.'" He glanced at the darkening skies. "It's getting late. You should head back to Victor's Village, get everyone indoors before nightfall."

"What do you mean I should head back to Victor's Village? Aren't you coming with us?"

"I need to check on my family. And I want to grab some of my old clothes for the boys. I'll be along in a few minutes."

"Peeta," she stepped closer, "it's not safe out here for you after nightfall. You're just as much of a target for Snow as I am."

"I know, but I have to be sure they're okay," he lowered his voice, "that there are no white roses at the bakery or Thatch's house. I won't be long, and I'll feel better knowing that you're heading indoors."

"That's hypocritical! You can be concerned about my safety, but I can't be concerned about yours? How is that fair?"

"That's not what I…" Peeta rubbed his eyes in exasperation. "Well what do you think we should do Katniss? Should we all walk to the Merchant's Quarters together? All of us take the walk back to Victor's Village in the dark? I know it's unfair, but when it comes to your safety and wellbeing, I won't apologize for being unfair."

"That's the thing, Peeta," she said in a hushed tone. "I won't be well until I know you're okay. We're a team. We protect one another. It's what we do."

"I'll go with Peeta."

Neither of them saw Gale approach, his expression unreadable. "I'm walking Madge home. I can wait for Peeta at the bakery. We'll walk back to Victor's Village together. That'll be safer."

Katniss looked dubiously between them.

"But I agree with Peeta," Gale continued. "You need to get indoors before nightfall. And I greatly appreciate you getting my family and yours indoors as well."

Katniss tried, fruitlessly, to think of a suitable counterargument. Then, she huffed in annoyance.

"Fine," she said tersely to Peeta. "You have exactly 30 minutes to make it home. If you're not back by then, I'm coming out alone to look for you." She shifted her eyes to Gale. "Both of you."

"Deal," Peeta smiled softly.

Gale turned to Madge and told her he'd be ready in a minute. Then, he beckoned to Rory who rushed over.

"Listen, Rory. You, your mother and your siblings are going back to Ms. Maura and Prim's house. I need you to stay by Katniss's side and be her helper. Whatever she needs you to do, do it, okay?"

"Okay, Gale," Rory said, eagerly. "I won't let you down again."

Gale and Katniss exchanged quizzical looks as Rory waited dutifully at Katniss's side, rolling a pebble with the toe of his shoe. Gale quietly watched his younger brother.

"Rory."

The boy rushed over.

"What do you mean when you say you 'won't let me down again?' You do know that none of this," Gale gestured toward the destroyed home, "Is your fault. Right?"

Rory shrugged uncomfortably. "I was just thinking that maybe if I'd gone back to try to put out the fire, we'd still have a place to live."

And Gale saw the depths of his brother's brokenness. Rory was so self-reliant and dependable that Gale never checked on him. Rory probably felt just as overlooked as Gale did.

Gale gripped his brother's shoulders. "If you went back in there, you would have died. And if you died," Gale's voice cracked with emotion, "it would have killed me." Gale cleared his throat. "You did the right thing, Rory. You saved all that mattered in that home – your life, Vick's life, and Posy's life."

Madge's soft voice came over Gale's shoulder. "He's right, Rory. I just met you, but it's obvious to me that you're a hero."

Rory basked in her reassuring smile. Peeta and Katniss were also smiling and nodding in agreement. Rory looked to Gale.

"Really?"

"Really," Gale nodded. "I'm so proud of you and so glad you're my little brother." He pulled Rory's head to his chest and wrapped him in a long-overdue hug. Rory beamed.

"Now go ahead and help Katniss get everyone indoors safely, okay? Peeta and I will be there soon."

As they parted ways, Gale glanced over his shoulder. He felt overwhelming relief that his family was safe, and he promised himself that he would be more of a father figure to his younger siblings. But deep down, Gale wrestled with a nagging dread over the kiss he witnessed between Katniss and Peeta.

With one last look, Gale saw her glance over her shoulder. And his heart sank when he realized that it wasn't his eyes she was looking into.

It was Peeta's.

Lester and Trolley compared notes.

"It's strange that there were no witnesses," Lester said. "Someone had to see something, especially if the fire started outside the home."

"Uh, yeah," Trolley said absently.

Trolley was glad that much of his face was shielded by his helmet. It was harder to see his distress. His mind raced.

When I got the call, I had no idea there'd be fire. It was just supposed to be another warning, like the rose and the notes to Victor's Village and the roses at Darius's house. What if I tipped someone off to set fire to the home? What if the Hawthorne children died in the blaze? I couldn't live with myself.

Trolley stole a glance at the Hawthorne children. The older boy was taking the lead, walking with purposeful steps toward Victor's Village. The younger boy was at his mother's side, and Hazelle Hawthorne carried the little girl in her arms. Katniss, and her mother and sister brought up the rear.

Trolley felt relieved... and resolute.

I've got to tell him tomorrow. I don't know what's going on, but I can't do this anymore. I can't be a part of whatever twisted game Haymitch is playing.

On the walk to Victor's Village, Prim quietly told Katniss that she knew there was danger. She knew the significance of the white rose that lay beside the Hawthorne home.

Katniss pursed her lips but didn't break her concentration on the path ahead. "I never wanted you to know this fear, little duck."

"I'm with you Katniss," Prim whispered. "Mom and I are with you. You don't have to bear all of this alone."

Maura was walking on the other side of Katniss. "She's right," Maura whispered, still staring ahead.

Katniss looked between her mother and her sister, her heart filling with gratitude. Haymitch was right. She did have much more than what many victors had. She had family - her mother, her sister... her husband. She wasn't alone. And for that, she was infinitely grateful.

"Thank you," she murmured, grasping both of their hands as they continued to walk.

"By the way," Maura whispered, "did I ever tell you where James took me on our first five or so dates?"

Katniss turned surprised eyes to her mother. Maura never talked casually about their father, and she never spoke his name.

"Where?"

"To the woods," Maura smiled at the memory. "He said that he planned to make me an Everdeen one day. And as an Everdeen, I would need to know how to shoot. I'm not as accurate as you, but I'll be damned if I miss."

Maybe she was worried or happy or sad or proud or flat-out exhausted. But for reasons she couldn't quite explain, Katniss's eyes filled with tears.

Haymitch tried to ignore the banging at his front door. It was either Katniss or Peeta. And now wasn't a good time.

But they had a spare key to his home. If he didn't think Haymitch was lying in his own vomit and in need of help, Peeta would have the decency to come back later. Katniss, on the other hand, would bang at the door long enough to annoy him, and then she would go home, get the spare key, and barge in with a mouthful of insults.

He couldn't risk having her barge in. Not today.

Haymitch grabbed the liquor bottle and headed to the door, angrily snatching it open. He stumbled onto the front porch and blocked the entrance with his body. Katniss wasn't alone. A boy, Gale's replica but Prim's age, stood at her side, a cautious look in his eyes.

Haymitch turned the bottle of clear liquid to his mouth and smeared the sleeve of his shirt across his lips.

"What'd you do sweetheart? Shrink Hawthorne so you can keep him in your pocket?"

Katniss quickly grew incensed. She needed Haymitch to know what happened in the Seam that night and to help them strategize. Now was the worst possible time for him to be drunk.

"Dammit Haymitch! We need your help and look at you! You're a sorry mess. Move out the way. I'll make you a pot of coffee. Maybe you can sober up and be useful for a change."

He refused to move. There was no way he was letting her into his house.

"Go to hell, sweetheart," he slurred, pointing his finger menacingly. "Take your little friend with you."

She slapped his hand away.

"You'd better be glad my little friend is here or else I would have broken your finger off the moment you pointed it at me. Now move aside and let us in. We need your help."

"I don't give a damn what you need! You can go off into the woods and die for all I care!"

Katniss was stunned silent. They'd had their squabbles, but she knew deep down that Haymitch would do all he could to keep her and Peeta alive. Something wasn't right about the way Haymitch was acting. And lately, both she and Peeta noticed how reclusive he'd been.

"Maybe we should go, Katniss," Rory said, eyeing Haymitch warily.

"Fine!" She hurled the word at Haymitch. Then, as she seemed to be turning away, she spun around and snatched the liquor bottle from his hand, shattering it when she slammed it to the porch. Some of the clear liquid sloshed over her hand in the process.

"Let's go Rory," she gritted, turning and stomping down the steps. Haymitch didn't bother to clean up the glass. He receded into his house, slamming the front door resoundingly shut.

Back inside, he secured his front door and hoped he'd offended her so deeply that she didn't return. It was for her own good. Then, he rushed back to where they all were waiting.

"Is everything secure?" A woman with a curt, authoritative manner asked from one monitor.

"Yes. Threat averted."

"It's still your call since they're your victors," a hefty man said from a different monitor. "We are in position with our plan B –"

"Which is a damn good plan B, I might add," came a younger man's voice and dazzling grin.

"What do you want to do Haymitch?" A younger woman's voice asked from yet another monitor. "Do you want to go forth with Operation Slay the Mockingjay and put an end to this rebellion?"

Haymitch gnawed on his bottom lip. There was so much risk, so much at stake. But it would always be dangerous. Three versions of the plan and a slew of contingencies had been ready for months. It was now or never.

"Do it," Haymitch said. "Proceed with Plan B. Let's put an end to this rebellion."

"What's with that guy?" Rory sounded aggravated as he and Katniss walked back to the Everdeen home.

"He's an ass."

"If I tell my brother, he'll put him in his place for talking to you like that."

Katniss was about to respond, to tell Rory not to bother and that Gale didn't need to defend her when she instinctively sniffed the clear liquid on her hands.

She stopped in her tracks.

"Rory, do you know what liquor smells like?"

Rory look confused by her question. "Umm… yes. My dad kept some in the house."

"Smell this."

She lifted her hands to Rory's nose.

"I don't smell anything, Katniss. It certainly doesn't smell like liquor."

She touched the back of her hand to her lips and tasted. "That's because it's not liquor, Rory. It's water. Haymitch was drinking water."

Gale paced anxiously outside Mellark Bakery while he waited for Peeta to emerge. The final trace of daylight would only survive another 10 minutes before surrendering to nightfall, and Gale wanted to get back to his family.

Peeta appeared from the back stairwell of his parent's bakery maneuvering out the narrow doorway with two stuffed duffel bags – presumably clothes for the boys – and two folding chairs.

"Whoa," Gale said, lifting a hand as Peeta approached. "We appreciate everything but that's way too much. The boys only need a couple of shirts and pants to carry them for a few days. I'll go hunting and trade for the rest."

Peeta shrugged and loaded the bags and chairs into the motorized bakery cart. "I don't need these clothes anymore, Gale. Besides, we don't know if any of this will fit them. If the clothes fit, let the boys keep them. If you want to return them when they no longer need them, that'll be fine."

Gale lowered into the passenger seat. "I'll pay you for use of the clothes and for use of your home. I'll find us another place as soon as possible."

Peeta started the cart and began navigating toward the Seam. "Do whatever you think is best."

Gale stared mournfully as they passed his house, which was now surrounded by warning tape and signage promising arrest and punishment to unauthorized persons. But his mind was still on the side of the house, watching Katniss and Peeta lose themselves in a kiss that neither of them should have wanted.

Peeta started to strategize.

"Katniss has an extra bow at her mother's house. I'm sure she'll want you to have access to one of them. When we get back, you and I can make sure my house is secure before we – No. On second thought, we'd better let Katniss know we're back so she doesn't come looking for us since we're getting close to our 30-minute limit. And I think you and I should take turns keeping watch over both homes tonight. Just a precaution. My dad gave me tomorrow morning off, so I can take more than one shift tonight. Katniss will want to take a shift, but she's exhausted; she'll probably fall asleep as soon as she sits down, so let's plan to help cover her rotation. And –"

"Are you sleeping with her?"

Strategy died on Peeta's lips. He stared incredulously at Gale.

"Excuse me?"

Gale's eyes flared. "I'm no fool, Peeta. I saw that kiss. I saw the way she looked at you – "

"Gale, you are way out of line –"

"Have you gone back on your word, Peeta?" Gale pressed angrily. "Are you and Katniss having sex?"

Peeta slammed on brakes. They were on an illuminated part of the path to Victor's Village.

"Let me tell you something, Gale," Peeta seethed. "My marriage and what my wife and I do in our home is none of your damn business. You are not entitled to an explanation of our lives or our decisions. And right now, you should be more concerned with how President Coriolanus Snow feels about you and your family, and stop worrying about Katniss Everdeen Mellark."

Gale, not wanting to jeopardize his invitation to stay with his family, dropped the issue. But his absolute resentment for Peeta grew deeper roots.

This was his plan all along, to keep me at bay so he could lure her from me. And I fell for it. Now, with all that's going on – I have no way to get to her. I'm losing the girl I love.

Peeta sped along the path to Victor's Village. He needed to get out of that cart with Gale as quickly as possible; after tying Katniss to the rebellion and his question about his and Katniss's intimacy, Peeta couldn't take much more of Gale Hawthorne.

But he and Gale did have one thing in common: they both realized that the kiss in the Seam was more than a show for the cameras. It was… real. And Peeta's whole world was in a tailspin.

She kissed me in front of Gale. She meant it. I could feel it.

Peeta thought back to the night before when she kissed him awake, the supple warmth of her body rolling underneath his like a wave, the heat of her kisses trailing his neck.

Please, Peeta. I'm so hungry. Please make love to me.

And in that moment, as Victor's Village came into view, Peeta couldn't think of a single reason why he'd turned her down.

Katniss stopped gnawing on her bottom lip and staring out the window when Peeta and Gale pulled up in front of Maura's house.

You got the cart so you two wouldn't have to walk back. She nodded with approval. Great idea.

Gale marched in carrying two duffel bags, and Peeta followed with two folding chairs. Their faces were tight with disdain.

She followed Peeta to the bathroom inside the downstairs guest bedroom.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," he said, unconvincingly. He placed one chair inside the shower and another outside the shower door. "Everything's fine. How are things here?"

"Fine. Rory and I checked everything out."

Earlier, Maura insisted that the Hawthornes eat dinner and pack food for Gale. Prim gathered some of her old clothes for Posy to wear, and Hazelle bathed Posy and dressed her for bed before Peeta and Gale arrived.

Katniss and Peeta rejoined the Hawthornes in the living room, where Posy slept in Hazelle's arms.

"Let's go next door so you all can get settled in," Katniss said, leading the way to her and Peeta's house. Peeta lagged behind to check the perimeters of both homes.

"What a beautiful portrait," Hazelle said, admiring the wedding picture above the fireplace in the living room.

"Thank you," Katniss said distractedly as she quickly checked all the rooms downstairs. "I hung it myself." She caught Gale's stone-faced stare. And again, she was gnawing on her bottom lip.

"I'll show you all to your rooms."

With the exception of the master bedroom, all of the bedrooms had full-sized beds. Katniss started with the unused upstairs bedroom, where Hazelle laid Posy. Then, Katniss pointed out the hall bathroom as they walked to the bedroom where Peeta had been sleeping.

"The boys can sleep in here," Katniss said.

Although the room looked untouched, Katniss pulled fresh linen from the closet and handed it to Hazelle. At that moment, Katniss realized that Gale had disappeared.

"Wow," Vick gushed at the painting above the bed. "That sunset looks so real."

"It's beautiful isn't it? Peeta painted it."

While Hazelle, Rory, and Vick buzzed about Peeta's artistic ability and began changing the bed linen, Katniss quietly gathered Peeta's clothes from the dresser drawers. She was surprised to find Gale across the hall in the master bedroom, scowling at the intimate portrait above the bed. She quickly headed to the closet, where she placed Peeta's clothes, unnoticed by Gale. For everyone's safety, it was best if they didn't know that she and Peeta had been sleeping in separate rooms.

"You can use the guest bedroom downstairs," Katniss said quietly. "Being on the ground floor will give you a better advantage should you need to defend the home."

"I guess you hung this one too, huh."

And here it was. The confrontation she knew was coming.

"Don't start, Gale. Please."

"Either you've become one hell of an actress, or he's better at playing the game than I thought. But I can't blame you; he even manipulated me for a while."

Katniss glared in disbelief. "Peeta's the reason you're here. Are you really going to disrespect him in his own –"

"I'll pay Peeta for his hospitality," Gale said caustically. He stepped closer. "Just tell me one thing, Katniss. What was that kiss about? And don't tell me it was for the cameras because there wasn't a damn camera in sight—"

"I'm in love with him, Gale," she blurted, her heart drumming in her chest. "That's what that kiss was about."

He looked as if his walls were crumbling, and Katniss couldn't take it. "Listen. I'm sorry. I know this is the worst possible time to tell you. But it's real for me. This," she stretched her arms wide motioning to her home, "is real for me."

Gale moistened his lips with his tongue and stared for several moments at nothing in particular.

"Katniss," he said quietly. "People fall in and out of love every day. Being in love is a temporary, useless emotion. It's based on circumstance, like being forced to marry your fellow victor and live with him in some lavish home purchased with the Capitol's wealth. You and I have a love that has developed over time, over good days and bad. Before you were reaped, I was your fellow tribute and you and I lived a game of hunger and survival every day." He took another step closer. "Don't let this illusion of a life with Peeta make you forget what's real. You and I are real, and our love will outlast your temporary feelings for Peeta."

Katniss grew somber at his words. She wasn't prepared to say that she loved Peeta. The only person she was certain she loved was Prim. But she knew she wanted to be with Peeta and she wanted her marriage to work. And for now, that was all she needed to know.

"I'm sorry, Gale," she whispered. "I've hurt you, and I'm sorry."

She fidgeted under his intense gaze.

"That's the other thing about love. It holds on until there's nothing left to fight for." Their eyes met. "Be careful, Katniss. Otherwise, Peeta will make a fool of you. Mark my words."

As Gale headed downstairs, the front door shut with Peeta's entry. And Katniss lowered to the bed, trying to push Gale's words from her mind.

Peeta found her seated on the side of the bed, staring aimlessly. Now it was his turn to ask.

"Is everything okay?"

She snapped her eyes to his at the sound of his voice. She hadn't even heard him climbing the stairs. But then again, the house wasn't as quiet as usual.

"Yeah. I'm just a little tired."

Peeta pulled her into his arms. Her entire body sank with relief.

"It's been a really long day, but it's almost over," he murmured.

"I'm so glad," she smiled against his chest. She reluctantly pulled away. "We should probably start packing."

"Ugh. I hate packing," Peeta wrinkled his nose in a look that Katniss thought was completely adorable.

"Come on," she chided playfully, pulling him to the bathroom. They collected two of his prosthetic limbs, his crutches, and their toiletries. They placed everything except the crutches into one oversized suitcase along with several pieces of clothing. They could always come back for things they needed.

"Are you going to let Gale use the bow you have here or the one at Maura's house?"

"The one here. I don't want Snow to see me transporting weapons. The less he knows the better."

"Good idea."

Downstairs, Hazelle and Gale were sorting through Peeta's old clothes, holding individual pieces to the boys' bodies to gauge the fit. Peeta and Katniss descended the stairs with the packed suitcase and the crutches.

"You're incredibly generous, Peeta," Hazelle said. "Thank you so much for letting us borrow the clothes and use your home for a few days."

The boys chimed in with thanks.

"It's no problem," Peeta smiled warmly. "I'm glad we could help."

"Peeta," Vick said excitedly. "Your painting upstairs looks just like a sunset. Can you teach me how to paint like that?"

"Peeta's busy," Gale grumbled. Busy manipulating everyone. Gale held a short-sleeved gray shirt to Rory's chest.

"I'd be glad to," Peeta said to Vick. "Maybe we can start in the fall. The colors are prettier in the fall."

"Can we start before you leave for your Victory Tour?" Vick asked hopefully.

Katniss's eyes widened in realization.

The Victory Tour… She'd forgotten all about it. Two whole weeks away from District 12, just her and Peeta (Haymitch and Effie and their prep teams). She didn't look forward to visiting the districts and eulogizing the fallen tributes. But, this tour could mark a new beginning for her and Peeta. They could leave District 12 behind for a couple of weeks and focus on their relationship.

They were in a good place despite what happened the night before when he'd rejected her advances. But by his own admission, Peeta was still afraid to love her, still saving his heart for someone else. Katniss realized that while she may not have clear answers about love, she knew one thing for sure – she didn't want him to want anyone else.

The Victory Tour, she thought as she bit her lips to suppress her grin.

Prim was already in bed when Katniss finished her shower in the hall bathroom upstairs, but the light was still on in Maura's room.

Her knock was faint, just in case her mother had fallen asleep with the light on, which she was known to do.

"Mom? You awake?"

"Yeah, honey. Come in."

Katniss climbed onto the edge of the bed, facing Maura who sat with her back to the headboard. She was rubbing a lightly-scented lotion the length of her arms. Her wettish hair was twisted into a low bun whereas Katniss's damp hair hung in lazy tendrils.

"I was hoping I could talk to you about something."

Maura studied her quietly. "It must be something serious. Your hair is drying and you haven't started untangling the knots." Maura patted the vacant side of the bed. "Come. Prim doesn't let me do this anymore."

Katniss crawled higher on the bed, turning her back to Maura who reached for the hairbrush on the nightstand. She started brushing at the end and working her way up her daughter's tresses.

"What's on your mind?"

"It's a heavy question."

"Okay."

Katniss sighed. "Mom, how did you know you loved dad and not Daniel Mellark?"

Maura stopped brushing for a moment. "Oh, that's easy," she said softly. "Sacrifice."

"Sacrifice?"

"I was willing to give up everything for your father. That's how I knew I loved him."

Katniss glanced over her shoulder, catching Maura in the corner of her eye. "I'm not entirely sure what you mean."

"Love is about sacrifice. If you're not willing to give up something meaningful, something you can't replace, then it's not love. For me, I gave up everything for your father. Friends, family, status - everything. And there hasn't been a single moment when I've regretted my decision."

Katniss smiled wryly. "You make it sound so simple."

"It's not that hard."

Katniss hugged her knees to her chest. "Is there a difference between being in love and loving someone? Is one more real than the other?"

"I think it's possible to have one without the other. Some people think that being in love is mere infatuation, but that's not necessarily the case. We should want to be in love and we should want love. If we're lucky, we'll find both with the same person."

Katniss nodded.

"By the way, are we talking about Peeta or Gale?"

"Peeta," Katniss said, a bashful smile playing on her face.

"And you're trying to decide if you love him?"

Katniss nodded.

"I see." Maura fell silent for several moments as she worked the brush through the other side of Katniss's hair.

"You know, Katniss, I was pretty mad at you during the Games."

"What? Why?"

"When you and Peeta were in the cave and the announcement was made, I'll admit that I didn't want you to go to the cornucopia to get his medicine. It was clearly a trap, another bloodbath to weed out tributes. But you went. Why did you do that?"

Katniss shrugged her shoulders. "What choice did I have? I couldn't just let him die, mom."

"You couldn't?"

"No," she said, growing exasperated. "I couldn't."

"Katniss," Maura said gently, turning her daughter so they were face to face. "That was the whole point of the Games – for people to die. I watched you risk your life for him. You could have been killed."

"I couldn't live with myself if I let him die. As much as I wanted to come home, if it came down to it, I would die so… he could… live…"

The revelation set in. Maura lifted an eyebrow, a knowing look on her face.

Katniss swallowed hard. "Mom, are you saying that I—"

"You were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Peeta. Based on everything I've learned about life thus far, that sounds like love to me."

Katniss chewed thoughtfully on her bottom lip. "Well what about being in love? Where does that fit in?"

Maura grinned girlishly. "Oh, well that's when you start thinking about him the moment he leaves your presence. That's the goofy-looking grin that's plastered to your face when you think about something he said or did that made you laugh. That's the tingle that shoots up your spine when he touches the small of your back and guides you into a room."

Katniss dipped her head, a smile trembling on her lips.

"That's the goofy smile I was talking about."

They laughed generously.

"Honey, love can seem confusing at first because we don't want to get it wrong. But I think you love Peeta. I think you've loved him for longer than you've even realized. And if you're wondering if it's possible to love Gale too, it is – but in a different way. You can care very much for Gale and want to see him happy. But your heart can only belong to one person."

And that person was on her mind. The boy with the dimple and sunlit eyelashes. The boy who had endured abuse but maintained his gentle nature. The boy who became a man in the face of danger, who would risk life and limb to defend and protect her. The boy with the bread.

"Thanks mom."

"You're welcome honey."

As they continued to talk, Maura sectioned Katniss's hair into two long braids, just like her daughter wore when she was little, long before the nation knew her name.

Peeta didn't hear her until the floorboard creaked at the foot of the stairs. Katniss was suddenly nervous, averting her eyes when theirs met.

But Peeta couldn't look away. His eyes scanned her body – her bare olive skin, the racerback tank top and those shorts she wore to bed on warm nights, her hair plaited into two long braids instead of one. His manhood responded with great interest, and he was glad the lower part of his body was hidden beneath the table.

She chose the seat directly in front of him.

"Just so you know, I'm gonna kick Haymitch's ass as soon as he falls out of bed in the morning."

Peeta emitted a short burst of laughter. "I almost feel sorry for the guy. Like I should warn him or something."

"No. Don't warn him." She said flatly with an impish grin. "I don't want him to see this one coming."

"What did he do now?"

Katniss proceeded to tell Peeta about her and Rory's hostile interaction with Haymitch earlier that night. How he refused to allow her entry into his home. How he'd cursed her out on his front porch and told her he didn't care if she died.

Peeta frowned. "Something weird has been going on with Haymitch lately. I've gone by twice in the past week, and I've gotten as far as his front porch."

"That's not the best part." She leaned forward conspiratorially, unaware that her cleavage was showing. Peeta ached with need but willed himself to keep his eyes on her face. "The weirdest thing was when I grabbed his liquor bottle and some of it got on my hand. It wasn't alcohol, Peeta. It was water, or at least something non-alcoholic. Haymitch was behaving like he was drunk, but liquor wasn't in that bottle."

"I'm at a loss," Peeta slowly shook his head. "Maybe he's on some medications that are affecting him? Maura could tell us if medicine would have that effect on him."

Katniss sighed. "I don't know. I guess I'll give you a chance to check on him before I assault him. Just in case something is really going on."

"How kind of you," Peeta smirked. She grinned in response.

They sat in heavy silence, each of their minds preparing their mouths for something the needed to say. Katniss shifted in her seat.

"Peeta… about the kiss tonight in the Seam."

His eyes shot to hers. He'd been thinking about the same thing.

"I wasn't trying to disrespect your boundaries. I know we just talked about boundaries on last night. I hope I didn't offend you."

Offend me? That kiss was real for me. Maybe it wasn't real for her if she feels the need to apologize for it. Okay, wait. You don't need to start confusing yourself again. She still doesn't love you. You don't have her heart.

"It's okay. I wasn't offended." He feigned apathy. "It was a really, uh… a really smart and strategic move, you kissing me in front of Gale." He took a sip of his water and waited for her to disagree with him, but she just listened quietly. "Snow should love that. And I hope you don't mind me kissing you in front of Lester. He was watching us like a hawk. It was part of my strategy to keep you calm."

Her heart sank at his words. Their kiss felt so real; she was hoping that by bringing it up, they could talk about what happened between them. But Peeta saw everything as strategy – even her affections. She didn't know if she would ever regain his trust.

"Yeah." She lifted her eyes to his. "Thanks for that."

This time, the silence was awkward.

"You're dressed like you're going outside," she said. "I thought you took a shower."

"Oh, I did. I got dressed again. I'm going to keep watch for a few hours."

"I'll stay up with you."

"No." His reply came more abruptly than he intended. "I know you didn't sleep well last night after… I saw you leave and come over here."

"Oh."

"You should get some rest."

She swallowed hard and took a chance. "You don't have to sleep on the couch, you know. When you get tired, you can come to bed. I'll stay on my side. Or I'll come out here and keep watch, if you want."

"Thanks, Katniss. Since my dad gave me the morning off, I may be out here most of the night. Besides, you'll need your energy for that colossal ass-kicking in the morning."

She smiled weakly, trying to hide her disappointment. "Yep, I will." She pushed from the table, wishing he was ready to give her another chance – especially now that she knew she loved him. But she would have to be patient like Natalie said and work on convincing him. It felt like yet another fight…

"Good night, Peeta."

"Good night, Katniss." Their eyes met, his crystal blue to her gray. And there was no doubt in her mind that he was worth fighting for.

Peeta thought he saw a hint of dejection as she walked away, and she swore she felt longing eyes on her back. They were stuck in the same misunderstanding, and they desperately wished the other was ready to love or trust enough to move forward in their relationship. Because despite all the uncertainty that constantly shaped their lives, they were both certain of one thing on that spring night: they wanted to make love.

Peeta lifted his head from the kitchen table around 2:30 a.m., his plan to stay awake thwarted sometime after midnight.

So much for keeping watch, he thought as he ambled to the living room window. His house next door was completely dark. All appeared to be well. He wished he could say the same for his unstable emotions.

The past two days had caught Peeta completely off guard. Katniss's advances in their bedroom. His outrage, accusations, and subsequent remorse. The shambles they made of their emotions. Their tearful reconciliation. Her brokenness as she confessed that she wished she'd died in the Games…

Peeta shook his head as if to clear it. He couldn't think about that outcome. Ever.

Then there was the way she looked at and soothed Gale when they were in the Seam the evening before. Any fool could see the depth of their bond. As soon as he had convinced himself that her heart belonged to Gale, Peeta's entire defense system short circuited when he and Katniss kissed, reawakening a torrent of emotions and validating her advances from the night before. And Peeta realized that it wasn't over for him, that despite his every attempt to safeguard his heart, she still had an access code that even he didn't know.

He wanted more. He thought she did too, until a few hours ago when they talked in Maura's kitchen.

Everything in me believed that kiss was real. But I've been wrong before. She's forced to be here with me. If she had a choice, she would be with Gale. She's in survival mode, and she's gotten use to playing the game – in public and in private.

But that's not fair to her. Look at how far Katniss has come. She's warmed up to me far more than I expected. She just needs time. Maybe one day she'll make room for me in her heart.

But I can't even think about taking things further with her knowing that her heart is with someone else. It's not just sex for me; I'd be setting myself up for a major heartbreak. It's like dad said: I can't allow myself to be swayed by her emotions. And I shouldn't do anything to confuse her about who she really wants, even if she can't have him right now.

But it's not her emotions that worry me. It's my own. I mean, she wears a tank top and I fall in love all over again. So how am I supposed to do this? How am I supposed to live with the woman who has my heart and never give her my body?

I don't know. I'm tired. I need to lie down. Maybe I should sleep on the couch tonight. I shouldn't be alone with her right now.

Peeta pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes in frustration.

"This is ridiculous," he said aloud. "You're tired, go to bed. It's as simple as that."

He carefully twisted the door knob and entered so as not to wake her. She lay facing the window, curled in the fetal position, a diagonal swath of moonlight across her back. It was as if she were trying to hold herself since his arms were no longer there.

He removed his shoes and set them aside. Then, he slid underneath the covers, his body idling down as he watched her unsettled breathing. He yearned to hold her.

Just close your eyes, Peeta. If you were at your house, you two would be in separate rooms. Just close your eyes and go to sleep.

But he couldn't stand it. If they were together in the same bedroom, he needed to have her in his arms. He rolled onto his side and wrapped one arm around both of hers, spooning her. She took to him like a remedy, sighing in her sleep, her body relaxing into his.

I don't know how do this. I don't know how to not love her.

He inhaled the lavender in her hair like it was an indulgence. Moments later, she twisted in his embrace. He was again on his back, her head on his chest, her hand reaching for his shirt, his arms wrapping snuggly around her willowy frame.

He exhaled in relief. This… This is when I'm happiest. This makes sense.

"Peeta?" She was awake.

"Yeah," he said softly.

"I wish we'd gotten the small radio and a few music discs. I want to dance."

"You what?" He chuckled lightly. "It's almost 3 a.m., and you want to dance?"

He could feel her smile against his chest.

"Mmm, hmm. I want to dance."

He thought for a moment, allowing his lips to graze her hair.

"Well, let's dance then."

Katniss lifted her head so their eyes met.

"You're not going back over there tonight for the radio are you?"

"Nope. We'll dance right here, in this guest bedroom in the wee hours of the morning."

"What are we going to do for music?"

"Why do you think I keep you around?" He poked her side playfully. "You can sing for us. Not unless you want me to sing. I mean, I'd be happy to –"

Katniss threw off the covers.

"No," she said as she climbed from bed. "No, I'll sing."

Peeta stifled a laugh. She met him on his side of the bed.

"So, what good early morning songs do you know?"

A song was already playing in her head. It was the same song she'd heard when she first realized she was falling for him.

"It's a slow song. Is that okay?"

"Sure. Whatever you want."

They smiled sheepishly, unexplainably awkward as they got into position, his hand resting lightly on her waist and her hands laid gently on his shoulders. She shut her eyes, and began to sing.

Just like a star across my sky
Just like an angel off the page
You have appeared to my life
Feel like I'll never be the same

Just like a song in my heart
Just like oil on my hands
Honored to love you

Her voice was scratchy from sleep, but Peeta was mesmerized, just like he'd been when he heard her sing the Valley Song in school all those years ago, the same two long braids in her hair.

Still I wonder why it is
I don't argue like this
With anyone but you
We do it all the time
Blowing out my mind

You've got this look I can't describe
You make me feel like I'm alive
When everything else is a fade
Without a doubt you're on my side

He yearned to pull her closer, but he couldn't stop staring at her as the moonlight played on her features and her voice caressed each lyric.

Heaven has been away too long
Can't find the words to write this song
Oh, your love

Still I wonder why it is
I don't argue like this
With anyone but you
We do it all the time
Blowing out my mind

She didn't want to seduce him or disrespect his boundaries. But she had to take a chance. So she opened her eyes and held his gaze making the next lyrics a personal serenade.

I have come to understand
The way it is, it's not a secret anymore
'Cause we've been through that before
From tonight I know that you're the only one
I've been confused and in the dark, now I understand

For Peeta, every internal alarm was muted. He desperately needed to kiss her. And before he could stop himself, he'd cupped her face in his hands, their lips colliding in a voracious kiss that nourished them and stirred their appetites for more. Her soft, supple breasts contradicted the firmness of his chest, and their feet inched them closer to the bed without waiting on their minds to grant them permission.

The back of her knees hit the side of the mattress, causing her to plop down in a sitting position. She reclined, propping on her elbows, biting the corner of her bottom lip, her eyes reflecting the inferno in her heart. He stood over her as the moonlight illuminated one side of her face and neck and the hardened peak of one of her breasts.

But the brief intermission was long enough for reality to fill the space between them. Peeta sobered to what they were doing – what they were about to do. He would never recover. He breathed her name with uncertainty.

She wanted to tell him that it was okay. That she wanted to make love… because she loved him. But would he believe her? She couldn't say those words two nights ago. If she said them now, would he think that she was telling him what he wanted to hear so he would sleep with her?

No. I can't afford to rush this. I want him, but I have to earn his trust. I can't give him another reason to doubt me.

"Katniss." He squeezed his eyes shut. It was obviously that he was fighting with his desire to make love to her and his urge to walk away before he did.

"It's okay, Peeta," she reassured, still trying to regulate her breathing as she pulled herself back to a sitting position. "We can take our time like you said. We don't have to rush into anything."

Their eyes met in the moonlit darkness. Finally, he nodded in acceptance, drawing a deep breath to steady himself as he backed away from the bed.

"I promise; I will make sure you're satisfied. Just like I said I would."

"What about your satisfaction?" she asked. "I want you to be satisfied too."

He cast a sideways glance as he reached for his shoes. "I want more than just satisfaction, Katniss."

His words were an indictment, and she held her breath. Should she tell him? Was now the best time? No. It wouldn't seem genuine. She had to wait. She had to work on restoring his trust, not just blurt out an 'I love you' that he might not believe. The Victory Tour. She would tell him during the Victory Tour when they were truly alone.

"Where are you going?"

"To the living room." He exhaled air from his cheeks. "It wasn't a good idea for me to be in here with you. I should have known better."

"Peeta."

Her tone stopped him.

"I'm just as scared as you are."

She sounded completely defenseless, as if her heart was also unguarded. Peeta didn't know how to respond; he just knew that he was still in danger of pulling her back into his arms. And this time, he wouldn't stop unless she told him to.

"Hhmp," he grinned, using humor to lighten the mood. "And here I thought you were only scared of my singing."

She smiled softly. "Your singing is what I'm most afraid of."

"Good one, Everdeen," he said offhandedly as he reached for the door. He didn't even realize he'd called her by her maiden name. The door clicked shut.

"Mellark," she whispered, crestfallen. "My name is Katniss Mellark."

Katniss didn't know which was worse – sleeping or staying awake.

Before Peeta lay beside her, she was having that nagging recurring dream where she was running to meet her father after his shift in the mines, only to find herself in Gale's arms. Lately, Peeta appeared in her dream, just out of reach, with downcast eyes.

If she stayed awake, she would obsess about what just happened in her mother's downstairs guest bedroom.

She crawled higher on the bed, sitting with her back to the headboard and drawing her knees to her chest. Just like two nights before, Katniss wanted to make love to her husband. And unlike two nights before, this time Peeta initiated their physical contact. His fervent kiss that captured her lips, his hands held her face to his. But ultimately, he wasn't ready; he didn't know that she'd realized her love for him, and she had no real way of telling him.

But then, on his way out the door, he called her by her maiden name. She hated the effect he had on her, the emotional riptide that she couldn't save herself from. Maybe what he said meant nothing, just a slip of the tongue. Or maybe it was a sign of emotional withdrawal. Although he desired her physically, maybe his heart was out of reach – just like he was in her dream.

Sleeping was the less agonizing option. She laughed bitterly at the irony.

Her head had barely touched the pillow when she heard it. Intense banging on the front door. Then came Peeta's hurried, heavy footsteps. His was a matching look of uncertainty and dread.

"Stay in here," Peeta ordered, twisting the lock on the knob and shutting the door behind him.

"Not a chance." She clamored out of the bed and reached for her bow and arrows beside the nightstand.

The banging was relentless. Katniss aimed her bow as she as Peeta crept closer to the door.

"Hey Sweetheart! Boy! Open up! It's me. Haymitch."

Peeta swore under his breath. "If he's drunk, you have my blessing to shoot him on sight."

He yanked open the front door. "Haymitch, you'd better have a damn good reason for being here right now."

At the top of the stairs, Maura glanced over her shoulder at Prim. "It's only Haymitch." They descended the stairs hurriedly. "Haymitch, what's wrong?"

"We've got to go to my house. Right now. Until we get the all clear."

"What are you talking about?" Katniss snapped, her bow still trained on her mentor. "Are you drunk? Because Peeta won't stop me from making a wall ornament out of you."

But there was actual urgency in his eyes. "I'm not drunk now, and I wasn't drunk earlier." She lowered her bow, baffled.

"Look, I'll explain later, but for now, we're going to my basement."

"What about the Hawthornes?" Prim asked worriedly as she and Maura slipped on their shoes. "They're right next door."

"Peeta," Haymitch said. "Go get them. Bring them all to my house right now. Enter through the back door." Haymitch shot Katniss a withering look. "There's broken glass on my front porch."

"I'm going with Peeta," Katniss said, reaching for her sandals from the coat closet. "Gale has a bow and arrow and no reason to shoot me."

"Good point," Haymitch said. "Remember, get to my house pronto. Don't stop to grab anything."

Peeta pulled off his top shirt and gave it to Katniss as a covering, leaving him in his short-sleeved undershirt. And they rushed to the back door just as Maura grabbed her medicine bag and followed Haymitch and Prim out the front.

Haymitch gestured for Katniss, Peeta, and Gale to follow him out of the basement where the children and their mothers had just settled on comforters and patchwork quilts.

They reached the main level of the home.

"What's going on, Haymitch," Katniss asked tiredly. "Are we in danger? We still have family in the Merchant's Quarter. Are they safe?"

Peeta regarded her tenderly at her concern for his – their family. Gale simply looked annoyed – by her concern for her in-laws and because she was wearing Peeta's shirt.

"They're fine. Lester is with Peeta's oldest brother and Trolley is with Peeta's parents."

Gale exhaled loudly. "So what's going on?"

"We have to wait for the all clear." Haymitch's lips twitched into a smirk. "Follow me."

The four of them traipsed through his unkempt living room to his unkempt kitchen, and to the pantry door. But Haymitch's home didn't have the standard four-shelf pantry that was in the Everdeen and Mellark homes. His was a walk-in pantry. Inside, he tugged on a string hanging from the ceiling that turned on the light bulb.

"Our home doesn't have a walk-in pantry," Peeta noted, admiring the long, narrow room lined with countertops and floor to ceiling cabinets and shelving.

"I built it myself."

Katniss looked amazed. "I didn't know you were a carpenter. This is pretty good work."

"My father taught me," Haymitch mumbled. "Before I was reaped."

"I've never heard you talk about your father before," Katniss said absently as the three of them continued to ogle the pantry.

"He died before I made it to the Capitol. Seeing me reaped was too much for his heart."

They fell silent in respect to his father's memory.

But nothing could prepare them for happened next. On one of the bottom shelves was an oversized silver canister labeled "Grains." Haymitch got down on all fours, pulled out a long rattan basket beside the canister, and pushed the canister to the opposite end of the shelf. He grunted as he pulled himself to his feet. Then, he lifted his foot to touch the wall behind where the canister had been. There was a light beep, then the entire set of shelves opened like a door. It was a secret passageway.

"Right this way."

The low ceiling caused Haymitch, Gale and Peeta to have to crouch for three or four steps. But then, surprisingly, they entered another room, dimly-lit and much wider than the pantry. Their eyes widened at the nine, flat-screen monitors affixed to the wall in three neat columns and rows. A long, clear table with soft white backlighting was in the center of the room, in view of the monitors. The surface of the table was marked with intricate scribbles and arrows and notes. A handful of colorful markers and several headsets with attached microphones were piled on one end of the table. In an opposite corner of the room sat a vertical rattan basket that held several large, rolled papers, probably floor-sized maps.

"What the…" Peeta blinked slowly.

"Welcome boys and girl to my control room."

"Haymitch…" Katniss gawked. "What is all this for?"

He grinned. "Ending the rebellion. You, my disagreeable junior victor, provided the spark for a national revolt. You're Panem's Mockingjay. This is the control room for Operation Slay the Mockingjay."

They all tensed.

"What?" Gale took a menacing step closer to Haymitch. Peeta didn't believe Haymitch would harm Katniss, but he stepped in front of her, protectively, nonetheless. Katniss folded her arms across her chest defiantly, but she felt uneasy. Because Haymitch had been acting strange lately, she had no idea what he was going to say next.

Haymitch didn't seem to notice. He turned and walked to the table and picked up one of the headsets. "Yeah, it's not the best name, I agree. I didn't come up with it, but it is clever. Although there have been times – "

"Start explaining, Haymitch," Peeta demanded.

He turned to face them, propping against the table. "We've ended the rebellion and the need for our girl here," he gestured to Katniss, "to be the Mockingjay."

"How's that?" Katniss asked, stepping from behind Peeta.

"Simple, sweetheart," Haymitch grinned darkly. "We just successfully executed our plan of attack on the government of Panem. President Snow is dead."

First there was stunned silence. Then confused silence. Then silent disbelief. Katniss, Peeta, and Gale just stood there like statues, unsure of how to react.

"Haymitch." Peeta stood shaking his head. "Did you just say that President Snow is dead?"

"Take a look for yourself."

Haymitch pressed a button on the side of the table, and instantly, all nine monitors came to life, working in tandem to form one large, segmented screen.

"This is a recording of the internal feed from earlier tonight. Snow's dinner meeting with his cabinet to finalize plans for the 75th Hunger Games – also known as the Quarter Quell."

"Weren't you in a Quarter Quell?" Katniss asked.

Haymitch nodded. "The 50th Games. If you can even fathom it, the Quarter Quells are more insidious than the regular Games."

Katniss regarded Haymitch with compassion. Sometimes she forgot that he knew this pain firsthand.

There was no audio. Snow stood before his entire cabinet who were seated around a massive mahogany conference table. He gestured to his left, and a pudgy man with wispy hair stood, a smug grin on his face.

"That's Plutarch Heavensbee," Haymitch explained. "The new head game maker."

"After Seneca Crane, I can't imagine that he had much competition for that job," Peeta quipped. Katniss grinned but kept her eyes on the screen.

Snow said a few words, and then he waved his hand ceremoniously. Several Avoxes appeared carrying round silver trays with plates of food and served everyone in attendance. Snow took his seat, unfolding his napkin in his lap. Plutarch stood and reached for his glass.

"What is he saying?" Gale peered at the screens.

"He's making a toast to the success of the Quarter Quell and to the continued reign of the Capitol among the districts. Watch what happens next."

After the toast, everyone started their meals, nodding and smiling collegially. But mere moments later, there was pandemonium as Snow's entire cabinet – with the exception of Plutarch – pushed abruptly from the table, clutching their throats and dribbling blood into their plates of food. Snow sprung from his chair, panicked. But Plutarch crossed his legs and swirled his glass in his hand, a wicked smile creasing his lips.

"Plutarch is an architect of the rebellion. He's on our side," Haymitch explained to Peeta, Katniss, and Gale, who stared at the screen with widened eyes.

"Why isn't Snow choking?" Gale asked.

"Snow's food wasn't poisoned. Alma wanted the pleasure of executing him herself."

"Who's Alma?" Katniss asked.

"Alma Coin. She was the leader of District 13."

"District 13?" Peeta asked the question on all three of their faces. "There is no District 13. It was obliterated after the first rebellion years ago."

"They rebuilt," Haymitch said, watching the screen. "They formed an entire community underground with weaponry that rivaled the Capitol's best. Alma had been planning an attack on Snow for years, but she knew it was a suicide mission to act alone. She needed the support of the districts. She needed something to move us all to action." Haymitch turned to Peeta and Katniss. "Your stunt with the nightlock berries was just the ticket. It galvanized people, inspired them to rebel."

Two Peacekeepers had their guns trained on Snow.

"I would never have thought that his soldiers would turn against him," Katniss said to herself.

"Normally, they wouldn't. But we, ah, unearthed Snow's plans to kill all the existing Peacekeepers and replace them with a high-tech, mechanical militia… robots. He also planned to reap Capitol children in the Quarter Quell, and supposedly, Snow was going to relocate the capitol to another region of Panem – one that was richer in minerals and natural resources.

"Here?" Gale asked incredulously. "He was moving the capitol closer to District 12?"

"Perhaps." Haymitch shrugged, feigning innocence. "Then again, maybe we made the entire thing up, made it all look like official communication from Snow's desk to get his faithful to turn against him."

A smile crept onto Peeta's lips. "Brilliant."

On the screen, an Avox with an intricate head covering approached and struck Snow squarely on the jaw, sending him crashing against the wall and sliding to the floor. The double doors of the banquet room flung open, and in rushed Snow's family and all the family of every member of Snow's cabinet under the scope of Peacekeeper guns. They seemed to wail at the sight of their loved ones who were spewing what remained of their lives into their plates.

"Snow and is cabinet deserved what was coming to them." Haymitch's voice grew somber. "But I don't take any pleasure in what happens next."

Snow's granddaughter entered, a girl with chocolate brown hair hanging in a side braid over her shoulder. She looked to be about 10 years old, and she was visibly upset. She screamed when she saw her grandfather on the floor, broke free of the woman who clutched her hand, and ran to Snow. Her white satin nightgown exploded with bursts of crimson amid the orange fire of gunshots. She fell, lifeless, at his feet.

Katniss drew a shaky hand to cover her mouth and looked away. Peeta held her to his side.

"All's fair in war," Gale whispered, his jaw clenched. Katniss looked at him warily.

"We can skip this part. More bloodshed." Haymitch reached to the side of the table and the footage sped through what appeared to be a mass execution of the family members.

"Here's the part you'll want to see."

A woman with even sheets of silver hair approached slowly, taking care to step on the dead bodies in her path. Plutarch stood and gestured to the woman. Snow who had been staring in shock at his granddaughter, looked completely unhinged as he turned his eyes to Plutarch then to the woman – Alma Coin. The Peacekeepers guarding Snow pulled him to his knees and one of them cuffed his hands behind his back. Snow was babbling angrily, almost foaming at the mouth. She nodded to one of the Peacekeepers who tied a gag between his lips.

Then, Alma Coin crouched in front of Snow and seemed to whisper words that amused her. She stood and aimed her gun directly for his head. Just as she was about to pull the trigger, a member of Snow's cabinet who wore a variation of a Peacekeeper's uniform had enough life remaining to lurch to his feet and fire several shots. The Peacekeepers riddled his body with bullets.

"Romulus Thread. Head Peacekeeper," Haymitch explained ruefully.

Thread had fantastic aim. The Avox who had punched Snow dropped to the floor, and the side of Coin's gray uniform was blossoming in the same crimson as Snow's granddaughter's nightgown.

"I warn you," Haymitch said. "This may be hard to watch although it's worth seeing."

None of them looked away. Coin fell to her knees, her gun still aimed. With her last shot, the side of Snow's head exploded. And Coin fell atop his granddaughter, dead.

Katniss's breathing was ragged, as if she'd just woken from a nightmare. "Let's sit down," Peeta whispered, pulling out a chair for Katniss and taking the seat beside her. Gale and Haymitch continued to stand, but they both watched Katniss carefully.

"You okay, sweetheart?" Haymitch asked.

"Yeah." Her breathing normalized.

"Now's not the best time, but I should mention that the Avox who punched Snow and was just gunned down was Darius. After that Allister Canty guy assaulted you, Katniss, Darius bent the rules to allow Peeta to beat him up. Snow sent for Darius to transport Allister to the Capitol for punishment, and he told Cray that he was awarding Darius for arresting the man who assaulted a victor. But Snow had other plans. He questioned Darius for information about your involvement in the rebellion. When Darius couldn't offer anything of value, Snow made him an Avox."

"Oh no," Peeta buried his face in his hands. Katniss leaned her forehead on his shoulder and stroked his forearm, her eyes welling with tears at the memory of her assault.

"Darius cared about people," Gale said quietly, in a rare show of support for Peeta. "If he had it to do all over again, he would have done the exact same thing." Peeta stared sorrowfully at the screen. Katniss smiled at Gale with gratitude.

Gale turned his focus back to Haymitch. "So if Coin is dead, who's in charge? Who's running the country?"

"We're in the capable hands of Salima Paylor, a commander in the rebellion from District 8. I don't trust many people, but I trust Salima. She's good and ethical and humane. There won't be another Hunger Games, which means you two will never have to be reaped again or mentor –"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Peeta looked alarmed. "What do you mean reaped again?"

"That was Snow's plan, Peeta. He wanted Katniss dead, but it would only stoke the rebellion if he just killed her. So his plan for the Quarter Quell was to reap past victors. Katniss, you would have no choice but to return and either I or Peeta –"

"I never would have let her go back into that arena without me."

"I know," Haymitch nodded. "And Snow knew that too. He was banking on both of you returning to the arena. If you two were among the last three remaining tributes, Snow planned to send a parachute to Peeta with a liquid that would stop his heart – for a few hours. Peeta, when he lifted you from the arena, he planned to torture you for information. If Katniss won the Quarter Quell, Snow was going to publicly execute Peeta unless Katniss called off the rebellion and turned herself in for treason."

"He was pure evil," Peeta gritted.

"And you know this because of Plutarch Heavensbee," Gale said.

"Yes. Plutarch had to be barbaric and outlandish in designing the Quarter Quell to gain a measure of Snow's trust." Haymitch folded his arms decisively across his chest. "But Gale, you almost blew our entire plan."

"How?"

"You incited Snow's fury by trying to bolster support for the rebellion in District 12. Our initial plan was to storm the Capitol later this summer before the next reaping, but when you linked Katniss to the rebellion, Snow was planning to bomb the entire district, to make an example out of rebellious 12. And he was going to start with your home."

Now Gale lowered to a seat at the table. Haymitch continued.

"You see, all the white roses that you two received," he gestured to Katniss and Peeta, "were left by Trolley at my and Plutarch's direction. Snow didn't know I was involved; he thought Plutarch was taking initiative in sending them. Trolley sympathizes with the rebellion, but he wasn't involved in the planning."

"I don't understand Haymitch. Why would you send white roses to me and Peeta?"

"To keep you both on script. Happy marriage. Togetherness. Star-crossed lovers. That was the role you both needed to play. You had no idea how precarious things were with Snow. Several times, Plutarch had to think of a plausible reason to keep Snow from giving an order to kill you both. Snow needed to believe that he had you two under his control. That you both feared him and feared for the lives of your loved ones, so you'd have no part of the rebellion."

"And the white rose at my house…" Gale looked as if he were piecing clues together. He shot from his chair. "Were you responsible for burning my home and almost killing my siblings?"

"No," Haymitch said. "But that's why we had to carry out our plan B. Plutarch knew Snow's plans… until he didn't."

"Come again?" Katniss asked.

"Snow ordered the reduction of your hours in the mines, Gale, and that was just for your drunken rants in the Hob about Capitol conspiracies. When you started trying to gain support for the rebellion when you were sober, Plutarch and I sent a white rose to your house with a threatening note attached, hoping it would quiet you for a few months, at least – until we could overthrow Snow. But Snow must have been suspicious of Plutarch because he ordered a parachute like the ones from the Games to descend on your house without Plutarch's knowledge. Fortunately, Beetee Latier – a former victor who is a tech genius and is responsible for our underground communications and this control room – spotted the parachute on his radar. He wasn't able to intercept the GPS, but he did remotely disarm much of the bomb. Otherwise, it would have decimated your house, your family, and anyone within a five-mile radius at the time of impact. What was left was the smaller detonation. And that was powerful enough to start the fire outside your home and consume it in seconds."

Gale plopped back down in his chair, overwhelmed. "Thank you," he repeated, resting his head in his hands.

"It's over," Peeta said, the realization landing. His eyes flashed to everyone in the room. "We're free." A smile mounted his face and spread to the other sets of lips. "No more Games, no more reapings…"

"No more unequal distribution of wealth," Gale added.

"No more mentoring tributes," Haymitch continued. "No more arenas. No more Victory Tours. We're free!"

Joy erupted in the control room. Peeta and Haymitch embraced. Peeta and Gale even embraced. Katniss was pulled into three sets of arms. They thought she was just in shock, but she was stunned by another reality.

No Victory Tour. No more of Snow's mandates… My marriage. What'll happen to my marriage?

The all clear came about 10 minutes later.

Beetee, a middle-aged man with thick-rimmed glasses appeared on one of Haymitch's monitors, smiling broadly. Haymitch put on a headset.

"All deaths have been confirmed, Haymitch. And my radars haven't detected any explosives or traps in District 12. We are officially a free Panem."

Haymitch turned to Peeta, Katniss, and Gale and gave the thumbs up sign.

Peeta and Gale couldn't contain their excitement. Peeta rushed out of the room to call his father and brother. Gale hastened to the basement to tell their families.

But Katniss didn't budge from her seat in the control room. She stared at the blank monitors and gnawed distractedly on her bottom lip.

Haymitch removed his headset. "You look awfully worried for a free woman."

"I guess I'm still in shock," she lied. Now wasn't the time to share her fears.

Katniss followed Haymitch out of the control room. Everyone had converged in his living room, so elated by the news that they overlooked the smell. A groggy Posy was in Gale's arms, her head resting on his shoulder. She lifted her head when she saw Peeta.

"Butter cake. With chocolate icing," she said, her voice still hoarse from sleep.

They all laughed. "Well can you say good morning first?" Gale asked, planting a kiss on her forehead.

She smiled sheepishly. "Good morning." Posy wriggled from Gale's arms and reached for Peeta who immediately hoisted her into the air, prompting a round of giggles.

Katniss watched their interaction, each of Posy's squeals bringing a smile to her own face.

He would make a great father. Katniss's eyes watered and she didn't know why. She slipped quietly onto the back porch.

Katniss knew her mother's footsteps. She quickly pushed a stubborn tear from her eyelash.

"This is amazing news, isn't it honey?" Maura's tone was celebratory, but her eyes were watchful.

Katniss nodded.

"My only regret is that this didn't happen sooner. So many lives lost. But now, we can all hope for a brighter future. A new Panem."

Katniss had never allowed herself to dream of a new Panem before. It always seemed impossible, like the odds were against them, and she wasn't one for getting her hopes up. Now, even with the end of Snow's reign, she still wasn't sure what she should hope for. All she could think about was Peeta and all the uncertainty that lie ahead.

"Mom? Now that we're free, can the Hawthornes stay with you tonight?"

It was nearing 5 a.m., and everyone was still gathered in Haymitch's living room. At one point, they all laughed as the children made up silly songs about freedom. Posy even got Haymitch to sing along.

Hazelle started to clean. She began by boiling a pot of water and simmering sliced oranges, lemon and cinnamon sticks to naturally freshen the home. Then, she cleared the empty liquor bottles from the floor, took a straw broom to the carpet, and used oils to remove layers of dust from the coffee table and fireplace mantle. She took ownership of the house, freely opening cabinets and draws in search of cleaning supplies.

"You should hire me," she quipped as she brushed past Haymitch in the kitchen to replace the broom.

"Done."

Hazelle spun around to face him, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"You do good work," he shrugged as if no explanation was needed. "Name your price."

"Well… For cleaning your living room, two pairs of pants and two shirts for Gale. All his clothing was destroyed in the fire."

"Done. And your salary for your cleaning services?"

"Let me finish cleaning the downstairs first." She flipped on the faucet over the collection of grimy dishes in the kitchen sink. "I'd rather talk price after you see what I can really do."

Haymitch went to gather the clothes for Gale.

Around the coffee table, Peeta was teaching Posy and Vick to draw a turkey with the outline of their hands, Prim and Rory sat together on the floor in a conversation of their own, and Maura had retrieved her medical bag from the basement when Gale rubbed his shoulder and winced in pain. He tried to tell her that it was probably nothing – he'd pulled a heavy box from a top shelf at the Justice Building the day before. But Maura wouldn't be dissuaded; she made him pull his arm from his shirt sleeve, and she applied a mentholated salve to his shoulder.

"Thanks Maura," Gale said. "Unfortunately, I'll need to wash it off in a few minutes. I need to get ready for work."

"No need," Haymitch said, appearing with the clothes and handing them to Gale. From the kitchen, Hazelle nodded to Gale to accept them.

"Every school and Capitol-influenced business is closed today. That includes the mines and the Justice Building. They'll be an announcement from our new president at some point today. But, I do want you to sit in on the meeting Katniss, Peeta, I will have at 6 a.m."

"What meeting?" Katniss asked, the same perplexed look showing on Peeta's face.

"Now that we're free, we have to rebuild Panem. Victors are the most visible among us, and believe it or not, we tend to have influence with others. We have to take the lead, blaze the path for others to follow. Gale, you're not a Hunger Games victor, but Beetee wants to meet you. He was impressed by something you'd said to the miners about integrating technology and defense something-or-the-other."

Gale's eyes flashed with excitement. If Haymitch's control room was any indication, he really wanted to meet Beetee Latier – and he wanted a seat at the table with the architects of a new Panem. "That sounds great. I'll be here."

Peeta stood. "I think I need to blaze a path to a bed before the meeting. I'm exhausted."

"We'll just go home," Katniss said a little too eagerly. "I mean… Hazelle and the kids are going to be at my mom's house. You and I can go home."

"Well, why don't we stay put until tonight," Peeta suggested in his typical easy manner. "We can revisit all the sleeping arrangements then."

Katniss overanalyzed his words, her mind racing through scenarios.

Does that include us? Our sleeping arrangements? If we revisit all the sleeping arrangements, could he and I end up back in the same bedroom? Maybe it's just the opposite. Maybe he wants to permanently sleep separately. Maybe he wants to find his soulmate. Damn it! What is happening to me? I'm not myself right now.

"Katniss?"

She didn't even realize that Peeta was still talking to her. His hand was extended to her.

"We could both probably use a power nap before our meeting. Are you coming?"

She nodded and bit her lip to try to contain the smile spreading across her face. Yet another instance of the goofy grin her mother had mentioned. Her hand slid into his.

"We'll be back in a few, Haymitch," Peeta said as he followed Maura and the children out the back door. Hazelle stayed behind to clean, and Gale walked out behind Katniss and Peeta.

Gale's resentment for Peeta resurged with the smitten look on Katniss's face. And suddenly, he realized that everything had changed with Snow's death. Everything. He didn't have to lose the girl he loved.

And Gale knew exactly what he had to do, no matter how much he hated the thought of hurting her.

We're free. This is a brand new Panem. It's time for new beginnings.

Now that the children were wide awake, they didn't want to go back to sleep. Maura took them all to her house, where she made them breakfast.

Katniss and Peeta went to their house since Maura's house would be noisy with the children. Gale also went to the Mellark home to shower and dress in the downstairs guest bedroom. He'd spend the night on the living room couch in his efforts to guard the home. And, he didn't want to accept any more of Peeta's hospitality than he needed to. His jealousy burned as he glanced Katniss and Peeta climbing the stairs to their bedroom.

Inside the master bedroom, Peeta had just enough energy to remove his prosthesis before flopping face first in the bed, fully clothed. Katniss set the alarm and lay beside him, watching him snore gently into his pillow.

Using the back of her fingers, she gently touched his jawline. There was no time to talk now, but she realized that she needed to tell him how she felt. There would be no Victory Tour. She was out of time, and there was no incentive to wait.

Sleep was about to pull her under when she rolled out of the bed and opened the window, just like Peeta liked it. She returned to her spot, happily inhaling the trace of him that lingered in his shirt as she began to fade.

This time, her father approached to an incessant blaring noise that confused her. Effie and Cinna were dancing to it, some ridiculous, stilted set of moves. The sound grew louder. Now Portia was dancing too. And… Caesar Flickerman was washing his hair?

Katniss lurched forward in the bed. The alarm. She almost slept right through it. And Peeta was still face first in his pillow. They only had seven minutes to get to Haymitch's control room.

"Peeta." She shook him gently. He groaned and mumbled something incoherent.

"Wake up, Peeta. It's time to go."

Something else, incoherent.

"We have our meeting with Haymitch. It's almost six."

Peeta lifted his head from the pillow, bleary eyed. He rolled to a sitting position on the edge of the bed.

"Crap." His voice was gravelly. He reached to the side of the bed for his prosthesis. "I don't think I've overslept a day in my life."

"The past few days have been exhausting." Katniss disappeared into their walk-in closet. She emerged wearing a wrinkled pair of pants that were slightly too large for her frame and a loose-fitting gray t-shirt. The clothes she usually wore were in the suitcase in her mother's guest bedroom. Peeta lumbered to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face and comb his hair. They plodded down the stairs, Katniss calling out to Gale.

"He must have already left," she said as they rushed out the front door.

Nightfall was steadily rolling back its covers, but the skies were still dim. It was sizing up to be a warm day, and – with the news of President Snow's death and a free Panem – a perfect day. They reached Haymitch's back door at exactly 6 a.m.

The door was propped open, and Haymitch was at the kitchen sink. Washing a plate...

"I must still be dreaming," Peeta said, exchanging a dumbfounded look with Katniss at the sight of their mentor with a scouring sponge in hand.

"Yeah, yeah." Haymitch grumbled, but he looked positively happy. "Joke if you must, but my home looks amazing."

Katniss smirked. "And you're washing a plate in tribute?"

Peeta snickered.

Haymitch shut off the water and propped the plate in the dish drain on the cabinet.

"Take a look at what Hazelle did to my house since you all left."

It was amazing. Hazelle had mopped, vacuumed, dusted, polished, freshened, and sanitized every square inch of the downstairs portion of Haymitch's home. She'd also cleaned the broken glass from the front porch.

"She even took my jackets that were piled on the floor of the coat closet and put them all on hangers. She's got a load of clothes going, and she's upstairs now, vacuuming."

"Where has she been all our lives?" Peeta said drolly as Katniss bit her lips to suppress a laugh. Haymitch ignored their amusement.

"Well, I couldn't let outsiders in – lately I couldn't let you two in either. I didn't want anyone to discover my control room. Anyways, it didn't feel right to leave the dirty plate in the sink."

Katniss glanced at the clock on the wall. "Aren't we late for our meeting?"

"They moved it 15 minutes."

"Has Gale been here yet?"

"He came back at 5:30. Prim and Rory brought over breakfast for me and Hazelle, but they didn't realize Gale was here. He walked over to Maura's house to eat. The kid's pretty excited to talk with Beetee."

"Well, he's had no opportunities here in 12," Katniss said fondly. "He deserves a break."

"You two have time to get a quick breakfast if you want. We still have about 10 minutes before the meeting starts."

Katniss and Peeta exchanged glances. Breakfast sounded great, but rushing next door, eating, and rushing back to Haymitch's house would take precious energy that neither of them had. They decided to wait until after the meeting.

Back inside the control room, a few of the monitors were broadcasting empty sofas in rooms of varying décor. So far, there was a plush red sofa with an intricate black and white tapestry hanging on the wall. A set of built-in shelves could be seen behind a tufted, leather couch on another monitor. A slate blue couch with oversized pillows and a wheat-colored throw was accentuated by the warm glow of a round-bottom lamp on a side table. Most interesting thus far was a black couch in front of a wall that still dripped with fresh black spray paint. Katniss squinted, and she could make out the letter "F" and the curve of an "e."

It was now 6:10 a.m. Haymitch's headset was hanging on his neck, and he was separating the other headsets.

"The microphones on these things are powerful," Haymitch explained. "They'll pick up just about anything once Beetee turns them on, so you don't have to put them on until the meeting starts. And when this first meeting ends, I want us all to sit on Beetee's meeting with Gale, just in case there's something Beetee needs us to do."

Haymitch handed a headset to Peeta, who was seated next to him at the light table, then Katniss. He placed a headset on the other side of Katniss for Gale.

The leftmost monitor on the middle row flashed, and Beetee reappeared. Haymitch pulled on his headset and the two men spoke briefly. "Gale Hawthorne will be joining us for the first meeting, and then we can meet with you afterward."

Katniss couldn't hear Beetee's response since she wasn't wearing her headset, but from the look on his face, Beetee seemed just as excited to talk with Gale as Gale was to talk with him. Gale had never said as much, but Katniss knew he desperately missed the mentorship he received from his father. Katniss decided in that moment that she liked Beetee.

More people started to appear on the monitors. On the first monitor on the top row, an older woman with long, languid, silver tresses took a seat on the slate blue couch and pulled the throw over her shoulders.

A slender pair of legs scurried past the red sofa, but quickly reappeared with another pair of legs in tow. They settled onto the couch, hand-in-hand: a young woman whose hair was a few shades lighter than the couch, and an attractive guy with an impressive physique and perfectly-coiffed amber-bronze hair.

Finnick Odair. Katniss recognized him instantly. He'd been the youngest winner of the Games and the most marketable and popular. Whenever she did care to turn on the viewer, Katniss usually saw Finnick Odair endorsing something on the Capitol's behalf.

He is a leader of the rebellion? I never would have guessed it.

A stately woman with austere features lowered onto the leather couch, the last monitor on the bottom row. She waited, poised and silently drumming two fingers on her lips.

Underneath Beetee's monitor appeared a woman, late twenties perhaps, with flowing blonde hair and a dazzling smile. At the top right, another woman in her mid-to-late 20s carried a confident gaze and a sleek, brown ponytail. She perched on the edge of a navy blue wingback chair.

The black sofa was still unoccupied. Two monitors on the middle row remained blank.

Haymitch pulled his headset back down to his neck and turned to Katniss and Peeta. "I'll introduce everyone once we get started. We have a few more folks to go."

The far right monitor on the middle row flipped to a man with hazelnut skin and dark, piercing eyes.

"Hey, look who it is!" Haymitch cackled as he and the man exchanged enthusiastic waves.

"Chaff Douglas. Good guy. Gotta watch him though. He'll come to your house and drink up all your liquor."

"Birds of a feather," Peeta whispered to Katniss. They exchanged quiet, mischievous laugh.

Haymitch pulled on his headset and was again talking to Beetee. "No Plutarch... Well that's understandable. And what about Ju –… Oh good. Any word from – … Uh huh. Okay. Sounds great."

Haymitch removed his headset. "Everyone should be here in the next two minutes. I wonder what happened to the kid. Maybe he –" Haymitch snapped his fingers in sudden realization. "I had the door propped. Did it shut behind you two when you came in?"

"I think so," Peeta shrugged.

"It locks automatically now. Another safety feature I installed. We won't be able to hear Gale at the door from in here, and if Hazelle is upstairs vacuuming, she won't hear him either. Sweetheart, go check and see if he's outside."

Katniss found Gale knocking at the back door.

"Hey. Come in. We just realized tha —"

He pulled her to him, their faces inches apart.

"Gale…" She protested, her voice a mixture of tiredness and frustration.

"I know," he said in a hushed tone. "You're in love with him. I just want you to remember that no matter what, I'm here for you. I've always been here, and I'm not going anywhere. Okay?"

It wasn't his touch that made her uncomfortable. It was his words. They felt cryptic. She nodded in response and tried to dismiss the nagging feeling that he knew something about her life that she didn't.

They entered the pantry and were meandering through the short corridor when they heard Peeta's voice.

"Who is that?" His level of interest and intrigue made Katniss feel a sudden jolt of insecurity. She stilled, instantly going into stealth mode as if she were approaching an animal in its natural habitat who was oblivious to her presence.

Haymitch responded, but Katniss didn't process his words.

"She's beautiful," Peeta said quietly, his eyes riveted on the girl who'd appeared on the center screen in the middle row.

Katniss could see her from where she stood just past the doorway of the control room. Strawberry blonde hair infused with honey brown, falling in soft waves just past her shoulders. Hazel green eyes that shone like diamonds on the screen. High cheekbones, plump limps and a slight dimple imprinting her chin. Her almond-shaped eyes were darkened by makeup to her lids and lashes. Her lips were glazed in something the color of the caramel cakes on display at Mellark Bakery.

She was absolutely stunning.

Katniss couldn't move. It was as if her chest and stomach and head were constricting at the same time. And there she stood, suddenly hyperaware of her own mussied twin braids, her wrinkled, oversized clothes, and her drab features.

Peeta still hadn't noticed that Katniss and Gale were in the doorway, that they'd heard what he said. But Haymitch caught it all.

"Great timing." He motioned to Katniss and Gale. "We were just about to get started."

From the corner of her eye, Katniss could see Peeta turn to look at her. She took her seat without acknowledging him, her face like stone.

They each put on a headset and angled the microphones to their lips. There was a light buzzing noise at first when Beetee turned them on. Haymitch started the meeting with introductions, beginning with their top row of monitors.

The silver-haired lady was Magdalena "Mags" Bronson, the oldest living victor. Finnick Odair and Annie Cresta were on the red sofa in front of the tapestry. Enobaria Garu was the woman with the sleek ponytail and the self-assured eyes. Her smile revealed that her teeth had been filed into fangs.

Haymitch moved to the bottom row. Cashmere Dennis, the blonde with the sparkling smile waved from the left monitor. By stark contrast to Cashmere, Johanna Mason, a girl with dark hair and blunt-cut bangs smirked from the middle monitor. Johanna was the owner of the black couch and the spray-painted wall. The stately lady on the leather couch was Commander Paola Lyme from District 2.

"I've already mentioned Beetee Latier, our technological guru extraordinaire. We'll talk with him after this meeting. Chaff Douglas, my old friend, is to the far right. And last, but not least…"

Her name was Julianna English. Everyone affectionately called her Jules.

"I must say publicly that Jules is amazing," Haymitch gushed. "Aside from Plutarch and the late President Coin, Jules is the only non-victor to serve as an architect of this rebellion. She's been working voluntarily as Plutarch's logistics coordinator and she single-handedly managed underground intel nationwide. She's incredibly brave, one of Panem's finest, and she's only 17 years old."

Finnick catcalled and howled "Jules," which prompted a round of spirited applause for the girl whose cheeks colored so red that she looked like she could burst into a fireball and disintegrate.

That would be fine by me, Katniss thought sourly.

"Okay, that's enough. Stop. Stop." Jules lifted her palms, a dimple ghosting heer cheek when she smiled. "You all are the victors, not me. I'm just glad I could do it." She smiled wistfully. "For Drayton. And for a free Panem."

Haymitch covered his microphone with his hand. "Her boyfriend was reaped two years ago and died in the Games. She's been a supporter ever since."

"I and all of Panem should be thanking you guys, especially Katniss and Peeta. You two are the brave ones to publicly defy President Snow, and your actions ignited this successful rebellion."

This time, the applause was for them, and neither Katniss nor Peeta expected it. Katniss sensed Peeta's soft smile on her cheek. But she refused to look at him.

Let him smile at Julianna – excuse me – Jules.

Jules's voice was singsong, like a melody, especially when she laughed. "Haymitch, I bet they almost gave you a heart attack when they defied Snow, huh?"

Everyone laughed except Katniss.

"They sure did. Speaking of which, I guess I should properly introduce them. Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen Mellark. The last Hunger Games victors ever."

Another burst of applause. Peeta's smile was now morphing into a mild look of worry because it was obvious that Katniss was ignoring him.

Did something happen between her and Gale? Something must have happened. She was fine before she left the control room, and now she seems upset with me, and I don't know why.

Peeta decided to speak up so he could test the waters with Katniss.

"Katniss and I are very grateful to everyone." He paused and looked at her to let her speak or at the very least, he was prompting her to look at him. She offered nothing. "And we want to especially thank Haymitch who's done a great job of keeping us alive, and keeping us out of the way of the rebellion."

More applause, for Haymitch.

"Katniss and I had no idea all this was happening."

"You couldn't know," Commander Lyme said. She seemed more personable than her exterior and mannerisms suggested. "Snow's eyes were on you, but he was also trying to locate the source of the rebellion. Every time he watched you two, he needed to be convinced that no rebel activity was happening on your end because you two were his main suspects."

"Which brings me to our final guest," Haymitch grinned. "Besides Jules, he is the only other non-victor in our closed circuit room. Gale Hawthorne."

A round of greetings went forth for Gale. He nodded and smiled politely.

"I've chided Gale for haphazardly attempting to bring the rebellion to District 12, but what Gale did forced us to take action. As you all know, our initial plan was for the victors to storm the Capitol with 13's militia later this summer, and take down Snow. Because of Gale, we moved to Finnick's plan B, using the Avoxes and turning the Peacekeepers and the Capitol citizens against Snow. There are always casualties in warfare, but I think there was far less bloodshed as a result of going to plan B."

Finnick grinned smugly from Annie's side. Haymitch uncapped a marker and used his shirt sleeve to erase some of the writing on the light table. "Okay Jules," he nodded. "I'm done with introductions. It's all yours."

Katniss bristled. Jules? She's leading the meeting? With all these victors, she's leading the meeting? Oh please! I survived a fucking bloodbath arena. Little miss wonderful Jules wouldn't have made it past the cornucopia.

"Alright everyone. I know this is a pretty early meeting for some of you depending on your time zone, so thank you all for being here. As you've probably guessed, Plutarch couldn't join us because he's planning the memorial for our fallen leader, Alma Coin, and he's working on President Salima Paylor's message to Panem that will broadcast later this afternoon."

"So this is where we are now," Jules said. "Now that the rebellion has ended and we were successful, we need to begin rebuilding our nation and making it what we all hoped it could always be."

Katniss quickly realized that she hadn't given Jules enough credit. The girl was smart, engaging, confident, passionate, and able to take charge and provide leadership beyond her years. Everything about her seemed effortless. And every time she gingerly tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, Katniss swore she heard Peeta's breath hitch.

Gale glanced at Katniss; he'd heard what Peeta said about Jules, and he'd watched Katniss's entire demeanor change. She met Gale's gaze, and she knew he knew exactly what she was thinking. It brought her a strange sense of comfort.

"As victors, you have respect and influence throughout Panem," Jules continued. "As a result, I've been able to garner enthusiastic support within communities nationwide and with leaders who would be honored to work with the fiercest among them to make this nation whole."

"And how do we know none of these leaders were Snow supporters," Katniss interrupted, a sharp edge to her voice.

"Nearly all of Snow's support came from the Capitol, where children were never reaped and their quality of life was immensely better than in the districts," Jules explained. "So as part of the rebellion, we made sure to turn enough people against him. If Snow had any support, it died with him and his cabinet."

Peeta didn't realize he was nodding in earnest agreement. "This all sounds fantastic, Jules," Peeta grinned. "I'm excited."

Oh now you're calling her Jules too? For fuck's sake, Peeta, you just met her.

"So am I, Peeta," Jules responded warmly. His eyes fluttered from the screen, bashfully.

"Hey Jules." There was an impishness to Johanna's voice. "Be sure to call me after this meeting and tell me how it felt to finally speak to Peeta Mellark."

Johanna made obnoxious kissing noises. Katniss's eyes flared with a level of anger should could barely contain. Peeta's eyes darted involuntarily to Julianna, then to Katniss.

"Jo," Jules said pleadingly.

"You know you're her favorite victor, right Mellark?" Johanna continued. "Not that I blame her. You are hot."

Jules looked absolutely mortified and Peeta looked trapped. Katniss gaped at the screen, offense stamped on her face. Haymitch found it amusing. So did Gale, but he did a better job of hiding it.

"Stop it, Jo," Annie scolded.

"Yeah," Finnick said slyly. "We all know our newest victors are happily married of their own accord. Right? Or was Snow behind your nuptials?"

Annie turned on the couch and swatted Finnick on the arm.

"Owww!"

"Don't you get started," Annie warned.

"What?" Finnick said in his own defense. "We all have been wondering that since their engagement was announced."

Johanna folded her arms across her chest, decisively. "I vote that Snow was behind it."

Katniss was fuming, but she still wouldn't look at Peeta. Now would be a great time to say something, Peeta, to stop them from making a mockery of our lives.

Mags spoke up, sweetly but with authority. "Johanna, Finnick, that's enough. It's their lives, and it's none of our business. Jules?"

Jules cleared her throat, trying unsuccessfully to hide her mortification as Johanna snickered.

"Back to our meeting. With the rebuilding, we have, umm…" she fumbled with several sheets of paper. "We have suggested assignments for everyone. Umm… everyone here has agreed to them already." She drew a deep, shaky breath. "Mellarks, you two are the only ones who couldn't receive prior notice."

Katniss's eyes narrowed on Julianna as if she were her prey.

"And what do you want us to do, Jules?" Katniss said, mimicking the girl's voice. Haymitch and Peeta shot Katniss a disapproving look.

If Jules noticed Katniss's tone, she didn't let on. She was steadily regaining her composure. "Katniss, I know you're close to your sister, and you spend a lot of time in nature –"

"Yes," she said tersely. "I love my sister, and I love the woods. What's your point?"

Jules didn't appear fazed. "Well, I was thinking that you could work with Madge Undersee and her father, the mayor in District 12, to determine the needs and resources for your district to include a younger viewpoint. Your district would benefit from job opportunities other than mining, so you three would be determining what those other opportunities could be. Also, it's important that the lush forests of District 12 be conserved for future generations. I know you'll work to protect them, to keep them from being destroyed. Is that something you'd be interested in?"

Shit. I hate to admit it, but that sounds perfect for me. "Sure. Whatever."

"Awesome," Jules smiled good-naturedly. "You'll report to Commander Lyme who will oversee the rebuild for districts in your region."

"I look forward to working with you, Katniss," Commander Lyme said with a nod.

"Likewise."

"And Peeta," Jules continued, nervously clearing her throat. There was more rustling of pages. "You seem like a natural-born leader, but you also seem patient and kind."

What the hell is that supposed to mean? Katniss seethed. Am I not patient and kind?! Am I not a natural-born leader?!

"You're creative and you have a personality that would be great with children. Now that no child will have to fear or train for The Hunger Games, the children of Panem need someone who will consider a unique facet of their needs. I was thinking that you could work with each district to build youth centers – safe places outside of schools where students could go to play, learn, practice their creativity, and prepare for a more well-rounded life."

"Like painting," Gale spoke up, to Katniss's surprise. "My brother wants Peeta to teach him how to paint."

"Exactly," Jules said emphatically. "Painting, dancing, writing, music, theatre, design, tutoring… you would be assembling a team of people to help you, and these youth centers would be entirely under your command."

Peeta gawked at Jules. The brightest smile Katniss think she's ever seen spread across his face. "Wow… That sounds… amazing. Absolutely amazing."

"But there's good news and bad news," Jules cautioned. "The good news is that with this job, you can live anywhere in Panem. It's not district specific."

Peeta nodded. "Okay."

"The bad news is that this job requires a lot of travel, at least for the first couple of years, until all the centers are built and staffed. And… if you choose this job, you must come to District 2 in two weeks to start three months of training before you can begin. That will take you away from your wife and family for the next three months."

Katniss wanted to go punch the monitor that held Jules's perfect little face. What does she mean by wife and family? It's one and the same! I am his family! And if you think for a second that Peeta is going to just walk away from me and his father and his… family and that you'll get your hands on him while I'm forced to stay here in 12, you've got another thing coming!

"If that doesn't work for you, Peeta, that's completely fine," Jules quickly added. "You can turn down this offer for another one. There's plenty to be done. An immediate alternative is to work with Katniss and Madge and Mayor Undersee to improve District 12. And you could still serve as a local contact for establishing a youth center in 12 without having to leave home and travel Panem."

Peeta nodded contemplatively. "Thank you. I'll talk them over with my family."

Katniss overlooked Peeta and addressed Haymitch. "So what did Jules find for you to do, Haymitch?"

"Katniss," Peeta said in low admonishment. Her eyes locked angrily on his. And if it weren't for wanting to hear what Beetee had in store for Gale, Katniss would have stormed out right then. She fastened her eyes back to the screen. Peeta sat up straighter in his chair.

"I'll continue working on a national level as needed," Haymitch explained. "I'll get marching orders from President Paylor."

Jules reached for something someone was handing her off camera. Her eyes quickly scanned the sheet of paper.

"This just came in from Plutarch," she said. "First, he wanted me to say 'go team' and to thank everyone for the role they played in Operation Slay the Mockingjay."

That name was probably Jules's idea, Katniss decided.

"He also wanted me to make two announcements: President's Paylor's address will be at 11 a.m. Capitol time. If possible, he's asking for all the victors to be present at their town square for the remote live broadcast – did you get that Beetee?"

"Yep. I'm on it."

"And announcement number two is that Alma Coin's memorial service will be held tomorrow at 3 p.m., Capitol time – that's 7 p.m. for the latter time zones of districts 13, 12, 10, and 8. She will be placed in the burial plot that was a part of Snow's estate. The service will be broadcast live, but given the time zone difference and all the work that's ahead for all of us, everyone can watch from their homes or from their town square. Oh, and please reach out to the other living victors you know and let them know that I'll be getting in touch with them soon to discuss the rebuild effort."

Everyone agreed, Johanna, with her signature smirk.

"Well, I think that does it," Jules said. "Either I or someone from Plutarch's team will be in touch in the next two days. Peeta, you can tell us at that time which assignment you'd prefer. Does anyone have anything else to add for the good of the whole?… Well then, meeting adjourned. Thanks everyone!"

The other screens went dark and then Beetee's face was segmented across all nine monitors. Katniss was beyond ready to leave. Thankfully, Beetee wasted no time.

"Gale, one of my jobs in this operation was to monitor talk of rebellion in the districts and to… mask any significant banter from Snow's radars and audio feeds. That's how I overheard some of your conversations with the miners. You have strong opinions and good ideas. Are you interested at all in learning about digital interfacing, military technology, and defense strategy? We still need a trained militia to maintain order in our country, and I think someone young and passionate such as yourself would be a great asset to our efforts."

"Absolutely," Gale said eagerly. "It would be an honor."

"You would have to stop working in the mines and the Justice Building, but like the victors, you would be on the national payroll. Are you okay with that?"

"Ab, uh, sur, uh, yes!"

Katniss smiled and squeezed Gale's forearm.

"Okay. I'll be in 12 four days from now rewiring the Justice Building. We can meet in person. That'll give you a little time to focus on personal matters, clearing your home and all. And I'll see if Lieutenant Absalom Boggs, head of District 13's militia can join us for the meeting. He's someone you want to know. Stop by the Justice building anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. By the way, Haymitch, Boggs and I might need to stay at your house for the night. Would that be alright?"

"Absolutely!" Haymitch beamed. "My house is a damn masterpiece right now."

Beetee chuckled. "Well, that sounds great. Gale, I'll see you in four days."

"Thank you, Mr. Latier. I really appreciate this."

"It's Beetee, son. Just call me Beetee."

"Thank you Beetee. Thank you very much."

The meeting hadn't ended a second when Katniss ripped off her headset and rushed out of the control room. Peeta caught up to her on the main level of Haymitch's home. Gale and Haymitch weren't far behind.

"Katniss." He reached for her hand just as she was heading to the front door. She spun to face him.

"What's gotten into you? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Peeta," she said sarcastically. "Why would anything be wrong?"

"You wouldn't even look at me during the entire meeting. And you were pretty rude to Jules. I know she's not a victor, but she's doing good work on behalf of –"

"Well you were nice enough to her for the both of us," Katniss spat.

Peeta looked completely baffled. "What does that mean?"

Gale didn't feel good about what he was about to do, but he saw his opportunity to win back the girl who had his heart. And he had to take it.

"Peeta's right, Katniss. You were a little rude."

Katniss turned glaring eyes to him. "This conversation does not concern you, Gale."

"But," Gale continued, "I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. I wouldn't worry about Peeta if I were you."

"Excuse me?" Peeta didn't like the insinuation in his voice.

"What are you talking about Gale?" Katniss demanded. "You keep hinting at something. What is it?"

Gale stared at Peeta. "Do you want to tell her, or should I?"

"Tell her wha—" Peeta's eyes widened with realization. "Gale," he said threateningly.

"Peeta was planning to leave you. He was planning to meet with President Snow behind your back to try to sell him on a public divorce. Cameras and storyline and everything. Granted, he did say he would try to take the blame for it all, just so long as he was out of his marriage to you."

Katniss looked as if she'd been slapped. Hard. Haymitch looked as if he didn't believe a word Gale said.

"Peeta," Katniss's voice faltered. "Is this true?"

Peeta was completely broadsided. His eyes were already pleading with her. "Katniss, I…"

"It's true?" Her lips curled bitterly around the words, her face contorting with a look of pain that twisted in Peeta's chest. "You wanted to be rid of me so bad that you would put us through a national scandal to do it?" She started to tremble. "After everything we've been through with the Games and our lives being public, you wanted to drag me and my family through that? Behind my back?"

Haymitch sighed Peeta's name in disappointment.

"It didn't happen that way," Peeta pleaded. "Katniss it didn't happen that way. I just wanted you to be happy."

"I think his words were, I'm giving her to you," Gale said quietly.

Fat tears dropped from her eyes. She was shaking even harder and backing away from Peeta as if he were a mutt, and she never noticed it before.

"To hell with you," Katniss shouted. "Gale told me you'd make a fool out of me, but I always defended you!" She pointed a finger at Gale. "And you knew all of this and you didn't tell me? To hell with all of you!" She screamed. "I don't need any of you! I don't need anyone!"

And she yanked open the front door and ran to the tree line in the distance, hoping each step silenced the sound of her husband desperately shouting her name.

Peeta turned slowly, with murderous eyes fixed on Gale. Whatever Haymitch was saying, Peeta couldn't hear it over his blinding rage.

"You fucking piece of –"

Peeta crouched and rammed his shoulder into Gale's torso, sending both men slamming against a wall and tumbling to the ground. They clamored back to each other, fists connecting with each other's jaws, cheeks, chests, stomachs. Peeta landed a blow to Gale's shoulder, which made Gale shout in pain. Gale clawed his hand over Peeta's face, pushing his head back and leaving long, bloody scratch to his cheek. Peeta landed on his back, and Gale pinned him to the floor. Peeta kicked Gale away with both feet, but the separation was short-lived. They tussled again, sending a rack and pieces of glass crashing to the floor beside them. Peeta spun Gale on his back and was landing repeated blows when Haymitch's arms hooked underneath Peeta's and pulled him off of Gale.

Hazelle was hysterical. She must have run next door for Rory, who was now using his body to block Gale, who had stumbled to his feet and was staggering toward Peeta. Maura was there, and she had an arm wrapped supportively around Hazelle's quaking shoulders, but Katniss's mother looked just as unnerved as Hazelle.

There was a pool of redness in the corner of one of Peeta's eyes, and in addition to the deep cut to his cheek, there was an indigo welt right below his eyelid, and the corner of his lip was bleeding. There was a deep gash across the bridge of Gale's nose and blood oozed from one nostril. He had a blackened eye and a bruised cheek.

"How fucking dare you!"

"How dare I what? Tell her the truth! I didn't say anything that wasn't true and you know it!"

"After I've tried to help you and your family," Peeta said in disbelief, "you try to destroy mine?!"

"She was never your family," Gale growled. "Your marriage is a fucking farce and now Snow is dead, and she sees you for the manipulator you are, Mellark!"

"Stop it!" Haymitch bellowed. "Stop!"

"She'll never love you, Gale," Peeta snarled. "Katniss is my wife, and –"

"She doesn't love you! She doesn't! She's been putting up with you because she had to. She wants no part of you."

And before he could think twice about what he was about to say, Peeta's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "That's not what she said last night."

Gale stilled, his eyes flaring with outrage. Then, he knocked Rory aside to get to Peeta. Haymitch positioned himself between them, and Hazelle rushed in, pressing herself against Gale.

"Stop it!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. "Stop it! Just stop!"

Hazelle's pleas reached them. And for the first time, they saw the mess they made of Haymitch's home: a toppled armoire with its glass door and other contents shattered around them, and a sizable dent in Haymitch's wall. Rory was slowly climbing to his feet, but he didn't appear injured. Maura rushed to the boy to help him stand.

Hazelle's legs grew weak, and Gale caught her before she collapsed to the ground.

"Mom?" His voice quivered. "Mom."

Maura rushed over. "Okay. Let's sit her down. It's okay, Hazelle. You're just overwhelmed. It's okay."

Hazelle was sobbing as Maura and Rory led her to the kitchen table. Maura instructed Rory to pour her a glass of water, and she wet a dish towel with cold water to press to her forehead.

Haymitch walked over to the broken glass and shook his head mournfully. He began to collect the shards of a yellow porcelain plate that was painted with blue roses. Peeta and Gale stood there, immobilized.

"Haymitch, I'm –"

Haymitch lifted a hand to silence Peeta. He turned slowly to face both Peeta and Gale, his voice eerily calm.

"This plate was in this armoire because this plate was the most valuable thing I owned. I worked for an entire summer with my father so we could buy this one plate for my mother's birthday." His voice trailed off, and he exhaled a long, weary breath.

Peeta looked stricken and Gale couldn't meet Haymitch's gaze.

"But you know what bothers me even more than a broken plate that is older than both of you two combined? The broken look on that girl's face when she ran out the door." Haymitch shook his head wordlessly. "A plate can be fixed. But that? I don't know if that can be fixed."

"And I for one am tired of seeing her broken." Maura was standing there, angrily, both hands clutching her waist. "She loves one of you, she told me so. But I'm not sure either of you deserve her. Peeta your father would never condone this behavior, and Gale, your father didn't raise you this way." Both men dipped their heads in abject shame. "And I know I speak for Hazelle and Rory and Haymitch when I say that we are very disappointed in you both."

Maura went back to the kitchen, and she and Rory returned with a broom and a dustpan to clean up the glass. The armoire was too heavy for either of them to lift.

Haymitch went back to collecting what he could of his mother's plate. "Gale, I don't want you in my home right now. Your mother and siblings, they are welcome here."

Gale swallowed hard.

"Peeta, I don't want you here either. Go back to your own house and pray that your wife finds it in her heart to speak to you again."

Peeta nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry," he said quietly as he exited the front door.

Gale also apologized, but Maura and Rory and Haymitch didn't respond. He walked to the kitchen and kissed the top of his mother's head.

"I'm sorry, mom," he whispered. Hazelle clutched a handkerchief to her mouth, silent tears still coursing her cheeks. "I'll stay with Thom for a while."

Gale trudged out the back door, desperately wishing he could go next door and hug his little sister and tell he would be gone for a few days. But his blackened eye and bruised face would frighten her. So he bypassed the house, starting on the long path leading from Victor's Village, glancing at the tree line where his selfish words sent the girl he loved.

Since the mines were closed in celebration of a liberated Panem, Gale knew Thom would probably be home. Still, he kept walking past Thom's house, past the remnants of the burned Hawthorne home, and onward to the Merchant's Quarters.

He knocked on the door, not even sure why he was there. Everything in him was telling him that this was a mistake.

There were light footsteps. Then the locks clicked on the door. Her hair was still wet, and he was reminded that it was only around 7:45 in the morning. Still, she was already wearing a lavender sundress.

"Gale." Her surprise turned to alarm. "What happened to your face? Are you hurt?"

He bowed his head, shook it quietly.

"I just need somebody… to talk to."

And before he knew it, she'd wrapped her arms around his neck and tucked his head to her shoulder. He stilled at first at the gentleness of her touch. Then, his arms enveloped her waist, clutching her like gravity was in her petite frame and without her, he would slowly disappear into the clouds.

"It'll be okay," she reassured. "Whatever it is, it'll be okay." She pulled away, her eyes carefully inspecting his face.

"Come inside. First, let's get you cleaned up."

Gale felt like he could tell Madge anything. So he told her everything. He started with the fight at Haymitch's house, but quickly filled in the blanks: his love for Katniss, how they met in the woods, her forced marriage to Peeta, the kiss at Maura's house, Peeta's plan for a public divorce, white roses, responsibilities, tesserae, Capitol arson… Emory Hawthorne's death.

He was so broken that the words continued to spill. For three hours they sat on the swing in her parent's backyard. Madge listened quietly, her brows pinching some times more than others. She asked very few questions, and periodically, she lightly touched his forearm to let him know he was not alone.

"I know I was wrong to say what I did. But I couldn't just stand by and lose her, not when everything has changed now with Snow's death."

Madge nodded quietly. "It sounds like you really love her, Gale. And you think she's worth fighting for."

He looked relieved that someone understood him. "Yes, exactly."

"But there's a difference between fighting for her and fighting over her."

Gale's eyes flashed to Madge. He shifted on the swing so he could look squarely at her. "What do you mean?"

"Well," she began, "Katniss is not like everyone else. She has plenty of her own fire. She doesn't need anyone to fight for her. And it would probably offend her just as much to know that you and Peeta were fighting over her."

"So how do I reach her?"

Madge chose her words carefully. "I think the question is, does she want to be reached? If you fight for her, are you really fighting against her."

Does she want to be reached? Am I fighting against her? Madge's words circulated in his head.

"Have you ever asked her what she wanted?"

"No," Gale admitted.

Madge smiled warmly. "Start there. Have an open, honest conversation with her. Let her know how you feel and ask her how she feels. But Gale, regardless of how it happened, Katniss is Peeta's wife, and based on what you've just told me, she has enough of her heart invested with him for what he did to really hurt her."

Gale exhaled a long breath. "So you're saying don't get my hopes up."

"I'm saying that she needs you to be her friend. And if that's all she needs, you have to be okay with that."

Gale stared absently at the ground below for several minutes while they swung. "I got another job today," he said. "With the rebuild. I don't have all the details yet, but I'll need to leave the Justice Building when I start with the rebuild." Madge's face lit up, but before she could respond, the realization hit Gale; he wasn't the only one with a rebuild assignment. "And so did you! Congratulations Madge."

"Thanks," she laughed. "Someone called in the middle of the night to speak to my father. I had no idea he supported the rebellion or that he'd been contacted in the past. It was his idea to include me on the District 12 rebuild effort."

"Well, he's a smart man… You're pretty amazing, Madge Undersee."

"Aww shucks," she grinned pretending to fluff her hair. They both laughed and slowly fell silent.

"By the way, did you say Katniss ran to the woods straight from her mentor's house?"

"Yeah."

"Does she have her bow? Just in case she encounters a feisty deer or something?"

Gale sat up straighter. "No, she doesn't. She doesn't keep her bow in the old log anymore, and I changed the hiding place for mine. I didn't even think about that."

"Well," Madge said with a quiet smile. "It sounds like you have a reason to go find her."

Shortly after 11 a.m., Gale entered the woods from the edge of the meadow where he stashed his bow. He knew where she was. Even more than the trees, she loved the water.

He found her sitting beside the boulder at the stream, her knees tucked to her chest, her head resting on her knees. She didn't lift her head, didn't hear him approach even though he was only a few steps away. Gale deliberately stepped on a twig, which produced a loud 'crack.' She startled and their eyes met. She tucked her head back to her knees.

"Go away, Gale."

He came closer. "No."

"I mean it," she glared at him. "I want to be alone."

He held out his bow. "You don't have any protection out here. I brought you my bow, so you can stay out here until nightfall if you want."

She shifted her eyes to the weapon, and wiped a tear with the back of her hand.

"All I need is five minutes. That's it, and then I'm gone. I promise."

She turned her eyes back to the stream. It was as good as an offer to sit. Gale approached carefully and lowered beside her to the ground. He placed the bow and his arrows next to him, and he fished in his pocket.

"I brought you a piece of dried meat from the Hob. Had a few coins in my pocket."

Katniss's stomach growled as if on cue. She grudgingly reached for the jerky and yanked a piece with her back teeth. She sighed slightly at the rich, salty flavor. They sat there for a moment, chewing in silence.

"You've got about four minutes left."

Gale nodded. "I realized that I never asked you what you wanted."

Her head spun to his.

"What do you want, Katniss?"

She sat quietly for a moment, just staring at him. "I want a life where I don't have to fight. I'm tired of fighting."

Gale breathed a humorless laugh, his eyes on the stream. "Yeah," he said quietly. "That would be nice."

"Katniss… you're not a possession to me. I know you can't be bought or traded like goods at the Hob. I'm sorry if I ever made you feel that way."

Her eyes were back on the stream.

"It's just that… I see my life with you in it." He shrugged. "I just can't see anything else."

She wiped away a stray tear from her cheek. They sat in silence for several minutes.

"What happened to your face? As if I don't know."

Gale laughed humorlessly. "Peeta happened to my face. And I happened to his."

She shook her head, a tiny smile pulling the corner of her lips. "Morons."

Gale laughed heartily this time. "Yeah, that would be an accurate assessment. Incidentally, my mother and brother may disown me, and I'll be staying with Thom for a few days."

She fell silent, deep in thought. "Why would Peeta do that? Why would he give me to you? Am I that terrible?"

"No. No you're not… Katniss, he came to my house the day after he saw us kissing at your mother's house."

"Oh."

"He said… he didn't want to confuse you about who you wanted and that your heart was clearly with me. He devised that whole divorce plan as a way to get you to me. He said he wanted you to be happy. He was going to try to talk to Snow after the reaping or during the Victory Tour. One or the other. I forget."

Katniss laughed at the irony. She and her husband had very different plans for the Victory Tour.

Gale thought of Maura's words about Katniss loving one of them. He silently rehearsed what he was about to say next. "Katniss, I… I hope it's me that you love." Her eyes shot to his. "But if it's just friendship between us… I mean, I won't be thrilled about that, but I'll take what I can get."

Katniss could see the sincerity in his eyes. She nodded quietly.

"Well," he announced. "I don't want to overstay my welcome. That would be rude. And trust me, I've been rude enough for one day."

"Apparently, so have I."

Gale stood and brushed off his pants. "I'll see you." He started to walk away.

"Gale." Their eyes met. "Thanks. For the jerky and the bow."

He smiled. "You're welcome, Catnip."

She watched him until he disappeared through the trees.

Around 1:30 p.m., Peeta heard the hum of the motor outside his house. He'd been sitting at the kitchen table for hours, his head in his hands. The knock on the front door pulled him from his chair.

Daniel Mellark stood on the other side.

"Dad."

"The one and only. Can I come in?"

Peeta stepped aside. Daniel took a seat at the kitchen table, opposite the chair that was pulled farthest from the table.

"That must have been some victory celebration with your face looking the way it does."

Peeta bowed his head in shame.

"Look at me."

Peeta met his father's stern gaze.

"I understood when you fought to defend your wife. But this time, your pride and anger got the best of you. I taught you better than that."

"Yes dad," Peeta said quietly.

They sat in silence.

Daniel exhaled a long breath. "So, you want to tell me what happened or do I have to put Rye on the case? You know that boy can find out anything. He should be a detective."

Peeta breathed a laugh. "All those adventure stories from when we were kids."

"I guess so." Daniel took a long look at Peeta. "What happened son?"

Peeta recapped the entire morning from when Haymitch banged on Maura's front door at nearly 3 a.m.

"The pain on her face and the way she looked at me… I just saw red, dad. I looked at Gale and I saw red."

Daniel ran a hand roughly down his face. "Have you spoken to your wife since?"

Peeta shook his head. "No."

"What are you going to do?"

"Give all I've got to get her back. We were making progress, dad. Real progress. I never should have done what I did, but I was trying to make her happy and keep myself from getting hurt again."

"I know."

"What do you think I should do?"

Daniel clasped his hands atop the table. "I think you should do whatever you think is best, Peeta. I think only you know what is best."

Peeta's eyes locked on his father. Daniel Mellark smiled, and so did Peeta.

"How did you know to come here?"

"Maura called the bakery. Thatch answered and she asked to speak with me."

"Oh. She's pretty mad at me."

"I think she'll forgive you. This will blow over."

"And how did you get away from work? It's usually busy this time of day. Sorry I never made it in, by the way. I didn't even think to call."

"We only opened for a half day, in honor of our liberation from President Snow. Incidentally, your mother now has Thatch making freedom cookies."

Peeta laughed riotously. "Mom…" He shook his head wearily.

Daniel stood. "I better be getting back. I promised Thatch I'd help him start building a crib since we have some time off this afternoon." Peeta stood and rounded the table to face him. Daniel pulled his son into a tight hug. "I love you unconditionally, Peeta. You know that. And I'm always here when you need me. Just remember that. Okay?"

"Thanks dad. I love you too."

Peeta stood in the doorway until his father climbed into the bakery cart and pulled off. Then, he returned to the kitchen where he pulled out the canister of flour, the jar of buttermilk, a stick of butter, a jar of salt, the block of cheese, and the cheese grater.

When she came home, he wanted them to be waiting on her.

The house was so still. It was as if the four walls and everything in them were holding their collective breath, awaiting her return.

Peeta sat and paced and cooked and stared out the window for hours, hoping to hear her footsteps on the porch, to see her hand turning their door knob.

Maura had called twice, the last time around 5:30 p.m. Still no Katniss. She had been gone since before 7 a.m., and although there would be good daylight until after 7 p.m., Maura and Peeta's voices carried the same twinge of worry.

They decided on 6:00. If she wasn't back by then, Maura would send Rory to Thom's house to get Gale, and the three of them would go look for her. Peeta's strength. Maura's ability to heal. Gale's knowledge of the woods. Peeta didn't care if Gale cloned himself a thousand times; all 1,001 of them could come with him into the woods if it meant Katniss was safe.

The hour hand ticked to the second minute. 6:02 p.m.

Peeta went to the stove and shut off the low heat that was keeping the barley stew warm. The cheese buns had long gone cold, but could easily be reheated when she got home. He had to remain optimistic or the uncertainty would drive him crazy. Hunched over the kitchen sink, he splashed cold water on his face, his body reminding him that he'd had about three hours of sleep the night before, and only about five hours the previous night.

I'm fine. I'll sleep when she's home.

With a sudden burst of energy, Peeta took to the stairs, to the master bedroom where he straightened the covers on the bed. She would be exhausted, he reasoned; it would be one less thing for her to have to worry about.

He was making his way back down the stairs when he heard the whine of the kitchen side door. And there she stood with their suitcase and his crutches from Maura's house, her hair cascading around her shoulders.

His love shown in the suffering on his face. "Katniss." Her name carried on a breath. "I've been so worried about you."

She set the suitcase beside the door and propped the crutches against the wall.

"Have you eaten? I made barley stew. It's still warm. I also made cheese buns. It'll only take a minute to warm them up."

As he spoke, her eyes shifted to her hands, the floor, the dark walnut kitchen hutch in the corner. Anywhere but to his loving gaze.

"No. Thank you." She swallowed hard. "Your prostheses, and clothes, and toiletries are all in here. I left my hairbrush upstairs. I just came to get that, and the duffel bags with the clothes for the boys."

"Katniss."

Her eyes flashed to his. And through the glossy film left by her own tears, she could see his devotion and his entire world teetering on the edge of devastation.

"I know you're mad as hell at me, and you have every right to be. But please don't shut me out. Please don't leave."

She steeled herself, training her face to hide any emotion.

"Just let me explain," he continued, sensing the need to get his words out quickly. "I went to Gale's house after I saw you two kissing. I was upset, and I thought –"

"I know."

His lips parted wordlessly.

"Gale found me today in the woods. He explained how everything happened. I don't blame you for what you told him."

She maneuvered around him and headed for the stairs. Peeta followed her to the master bedroom.

"I don't get it." His eyes narrowed in confusion. "If you understand and you don't blame me for what I did, then why are you only here for your hairbrush?"

Now she spun to face him with eyes like embers.

"It took me several hours to come to terms with what you told Gale, and I'm not upset about that anymore. But what does upset me, what I couldn't come to terms with was how you interacted with Julianna – excuse me, Jules."

"What?" he asked in disbelief. "What do you mean 'how I interacted with her?' I was only being polite."

"Don't. Don't bullshit me, Peeta. When I walked back into the control room, you were asking who she was and staring at the screen like some lovesick puppy, gushing about how beautiful she was."

And Peeta realized why she wouldn't speak to him during the meeting. She'd heard what he said about Jules. "It was an offhanded comment about someone I've never even met until this morning."

"It may have been offhanded, but you meant it. And don't tell me you didn't."

She darted to the bathroom. Drawers slid open and hurled shut. She re-emerged with the hairbrush; she rolled several ponytail holders onto her wrist. Peeta was pacing, the heels of his hands pressed to his eyelids.

"Okay," he conceded. "So I said she was beautiful. My headset wasn't on. She didn't hear me. I never –"

"I heard you."

"Katniss… This is ridiculous. I don't know her. Nothing I said to her meant as much as you thought it – "

He stopped abruptly.

"It didn't mean 'as much as I thought it did,'" she repeated, "but it did mean something. Just admit it, Peeta. You felt something for her."

"That was a poor choice of words –"

"Admit it!"

His tiredness, frustration, and angst swirled into defensiveness and anger. "Why are you doing this, Katniss? Why are you so determined to make this what it's not? Why are you doing this to us?"

"Why am I doing this to us?" She said incredulously. "Why am I doing this to us? Two nights ago, you were screaming at me in this same bedroom and telling me there was no 'us,' that I was delusional and disrespectful of your boundaries! Until late last night, we were sleeping in separate bedrooms because that's what you wanted. We could have made love in my mother's guest bedroom last night, but you were clearly uncomfortable. And before you went back into the living room to sleep on the couch, you called me by my maiden name!"

"Wha… maiden… I don't remember doing that."

"You said 'good one Everdeen.' Not 'good one, Katniss,' or 'good one Mrs. Mellark.' You don't think of me as your wife Peeta. Not since that kiss with Gale. You've been unwilling to forgive me for my mistake so we could move forward. And to hear you call Julianna beautiful and to see the way you looked at her?" Her lips trembled and tears raced down her cheeks. "Peeta you've never looked at me like that. You've never called me beautiful."

She turned her back to him, impatiently wiping tears that wouldn't stop flowing. Peeta lowered to the bed his face stuck in desperation and disbelief, his eyes darting from side to side as his mind raced.

Was she right? That can't be right. I love her with all my heart, and I think she is hands down the most beautiful girl in all of Panem. I had to have told her that, many, many times. She had to have known how I felt.

But he couldn't think of a single time. And he realized that instead of boundaries, he'd built walls that kept her out. She wanted to be his wife as badly as he wanted to be her husband.

He walked to her, filled with remorse.

"Katniss." He drew a shaky breath. "You're right. I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so sorry."

She sunk her teeth into her bottom lip, willing herself not to shed another tear.

"Katniss." His voice was pleading, fragile.

"Katniss." This time, his hand was on her arm, slowly turning her to face him, gently pulling the hairbrush from her hand and placing it on the dresser. She silently imploded when she saw the tears coursing his face.

"We have everything to fight for." He sniffed, his voice choked with emotion. "Don't leave. Don't give up on us."

He cupped her face in his hands, drawing her eyes to his. "Don't, baby." He placed a gentle kiss to her lips. "Don't give up." Another kiss, this one parting her lips. And for the first time, both of their defenses were down at the same time. They pressed into each other, the intensity of every emotion coming out in their kiss. Both of her hands were on his chest, clutching his shirt. His arms were around her waist, clutching her to his body. She felt him growing against her and he didn't pull away. She ached with a hunger that as long overdue.

They greedily drank in each other's kiss. But only she knew that it had to end soon. She slowly tore herself away, her eyes downcast.

But Peeta was convinced. That kiss, the kiss in the Seam, every living room dance, every laugh, every time she fell asleep in his arms, her refusal to let him die in the Games – all of it pointed to the same thing. Maura had been referring to him earlier. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was man Katniss loved.

He moistened his lips with his tongue and guided a lock of hair behind her ear. "I know, Katniss," he whispered. "Everything in me knows it's me you love. I just need to hear you tell me it's real. Just once."

And this was the moment she feared. All day, she knew it would come to this.

She loved Peeta beyond what she could describe. But if she told him she loved him, he would stay. He would take the assignment in District 12. He would forfeit the opportunity to build youth centers throughout Panem, the assignment that made his face radiate excitement. If she told him she loved him, he would never get to know the girl whose beauty had captivated him, the girl whose presence had arrested him before he knew her name. If she told Peeta she loved him, he would settle for a life with her in District 12. He deserved so much more.

And she finally understood her mother's definition of love. For this sacrifice, it was her own heart on the altar.

He was patiently waiting, with confident eyes. Her heart drummed in her chest.

"I know you love me," he whispered. "Just tell me it's real."

She wished the earth would swallow her whole and leave Peeta standing. She wished that by some miracle, one of her perfect-aim arrows would pierce the walls of their bedroom and slay her where she stood.

She had to do it. For him.

"Not real."

His gaze didn't falter. He must not have heard her.

She mustered all the courage she had and looked into his eyes. "Not real, Peeta."

He stilled, his brows furrowed.

"What do you mean? What do you… Are you saying you don't love me?"

She was almost shaking. She nodded wordlessly. He stared at her for a moment, then he shook his head defiantly.

"I don't believe you. I don't think you believed a word you just said."

"Not real."

"Katniss, stop saying that."

"Not real!"

Peeta gasped, his mouth agape.

"You were right about your soulmate. You said you'd know her when you saw her. You owe to yourself to go to District 2, to see what's there for you. But you and I? We were forced into this life." She swallowed as much of her sorrow as she could. "We're just confused, Peeta. We're not lovers. We're friends. We're best friends."

She turned her back so she couldn't see what her words were doing to him. There was a long silence.

"This is about Gale isn't it? You want to be with…" His words trailed off. She didn't respond. But her silence was his answer.

Finally, he cleared his throat and exhaled a cleansing breath.

"I can't make you love me if you don't," he said with quiet conviction, almost as if he were talking to himself. She turned around. "And I won't try to make you love me ever again."

He stepped forward and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead as if he were laying a wreath at a memorial.

"Goodbye Katniss."

She watched him shove his hands into his pockets and walk out the room. And when the front door shut behind him, she crumbled to the floor, shaking and sobbing inconsolably because Peeta Mellark had her heart. She only hoped that her heart was something she could survive without.

Haymitch was seated on his couch with the television turned to the Capitol News. He was still marveling at how immaculate his home looked.

After the incident with Peeta and Gale, Haymitch, Maura, and Rory cleaned up the broken glass, and he re-positioned the armoire. Haymitch piled a few large shards of the porcelain plate on his cabinet and the rest went in the trash.

It took another 45 minutes, but Hazelle finally regained her composure and insisted on finishing the upstairs. Two hours later, she was done, and Haymitch was as astounded as he had been with the downstairs.

She told him her salary, and Haymitch doubled it, which she could hardly believe. When she asked him how much he would charge for the damage to his home from the fight, Haymitch waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it."

Later that afternoon, he walked to the town center to view President Paylor's address. Katniss and Peeta didn't attend, but after what happened that morning, he didn't think they would. Haymitch sighed in frustration. This was supposed to be a good day – for Peeta and Katniss if anyone. But she'd probably spent the day crying by a tree while he'd spent the day crying by his stove.

When his initial anger and disappointment subsided, Haymitch understood Peeta's rage. What Peeta had said to Gale was foolish, but Gale was clearly using that to destroy Peeta's marriage. Haymitch hoped Gale's attempt hadn't worked.

There was a knock at the front door. Haymitch pulled himself from the couch in stages. I have no idea who that could be.

It was Peeta.

"Haymitch, can I come in?"

Haymitch stared pensively. Peeta looked exhausted, but Haymitch couldn't detect any dominant emotion on Peeta's face. He just looked… resigned, resolute.

"That depends. Are you going to try to tear down my home again?"

"I'm so sorry for what happened earlier, Haymitch. I'm here to ask you if we could place a call to Julianna. I want to leave 12 as soon as possible."

With the four-hour time difference, it was after 2 p.m., in District 2. Like Peeta and Haymitch, Julianna hadn't gotten much sleep in the past few days. Still, she greeted them with a warm, welcoming smile.

It didn't take long for her smile to disappear. Peeta looked like he'd been in a fight. Her mind instantly flipped to Gale, and she wondered if he was really Katniss's cousin. Peeta told Jules that he and Katniss had decided to part ways. He said he wanted to take the national youth center director position, and he wanted to leave for District 2 as soon as possible.

She touched her screen, and beside her face a grid popped up with rows of listings. Plutarch had a vast network of connections, Jules explained, including a team of Capitol developers who turned a collection of five-story abandoned warehouses into furnished dwellings. Most of the apartments were held for victors who would assist with the rebuild, should the rebellion be successful.

"Our training center is within walking distance of the warehouse district, so these units are great," she explained. "This listing is a two-bedroom loft right across the hall from where Mags Bronson will live. This one is great because it offers amazing natural light, which would be great for painting. If you wanted the national job, I had a larger apartment planned since you're in a pretty large home now, but that unit won't be ready for two weeks."

"No, the two-bedroom loft is more than enough space," Peeta said. "How soon can I arrive?"

She touched the screen again and a calendar appeared beside her face. "Most of the units are ready to be occupied. But it's been a few months since this particular unit was finished, so I want to send out a cleaning crew. But this unit has never been rented, so it'll probably just need some light dusting… I'd say you could leave as soon as the day after tomorrow."

"Jules, give us a quick minute," Haymitch pulled off his headset and motioned for Peeta to do the same.

"Are you sure you want to do this? Katniss was probably just upset. You know how she gets when—"

"She doesn't love me, Haymitch," Peeta said matter-of-factly. "She made that clear. I can't just stay here and watch her love someone else."

Haymitch's brow was furrowed with concern, but he saw that Peeta's mind was made up. They both replaced their headsets.

"Jules," Peeta said politely, "I'll take it."

She asked about special accommodations for his home, and Peeta mentioned his shower rails and benches. "Otherwise, I'll be fine with whatever."

"Okay." She fell silent. "Peeta… I know I risk overstepping my boundaries by saying this, but I hope Katniss wasn't offended by what Johanna said today. Johanna is a loose cannon, and those of us who know her know not to pay her any attention. If that was a problem, I'd be happy to apologize to Katniss and explain everything to her."

Peeta smiled gratefully at the offer.

"You're very kind, Jules. Thank you. But neither you nor Johanna have anything to apologize for. Katniss and I just couldn't make things work."

When they ended the video conference, Peeta had a confirmation number for his train ticket, leaving District 12 at 8 a.m., the day after tomorrow.

"Please," Peeta said to his mentor. "Not a word of this to Katniss."

Peeta cleared his front door, Posy and Vick's laughter ringing in his ears. They were in Maura's backyard, so Peeta exited Haymitch's house from the front. Posy would want him to play if she saw him. Right now, he just wanted to be alone.

And alone he was. She was gone. There was a finality to this silence.

He didn't have time to be emotional. He was always the emotional one. He needed to be wise with his time and energy. There was a lot to be done before his train left on Saturday morning, and he was too sleep deprived to accomplish any of it that night.

Except for two things. There were two things that couldn't wait until tomorrow. Peeta picked up the phone receiver.

"Dad? It's me. Have you got a minute?"

Peeta gave his father an abridged version of what happened after Katniss returned home. He also told him about the victors' role in rebuilding Panem, the job opportunity, and the training in District 2. He was leaving 12.

"Dad, I have to get out of here. I can't stick around and watch her live her life with Gale. I just want to put this entire chapter behind me."

"Peeta, I wish you didn't have to go through this. You've been through enough."

"I'll pay the salary for my replacement."

"No you won't," Daniel said. "I don't want you to worry about us. I want you to live your life and be happy."

"But I know you depend on me around the shop, dad. I'm just leaving with no advanced notice, no time for you to find someone else. That's not fair."

Daniel fell silent. "This has happened with you before, you know."

"What? When?"

"When you were reaped." Daniel cleared the lump that formed in his throat. "It's okay if you're not in District 12, Peeta. We're just glad to know you're somewhere. You survived the Games. That's all we ever needed."

Peeta was overcome. He covered the mouthpiece while he composed himself. "Thank you, dad. Thank you for always being there when I need you."

"And none of that will change no matter where you are. Just remember that, okay?"

They talked a few more minutes. Despite all he needed to do, Peeta wanted to work the next day. Daniel suggest that he arrive early and leave before the lunch rush. Daniel offered to help him pack, but Peeta decided that he needed to do it alone.

They ended the call. There was one more thing to be done that day.

He pulled a silver canister from the highest kitchen cabinet shelf. Stuffed inside was a large white envelope.

Peeta ran his hand roughly down his face. This was really happening.

The packet of papers was titled Legal Issuance for Annulment and Dissolution of Marriage. He'd gotten the paperwork from the Justice Building after she came in late that night, after she blamed him for his 'so-called feelings' and their 'farce' of a marriage. He'd desperately hoped that by the next reaping, they would have found their way, that he wouldn't need to flip to the last page and sign above the line designated 'Husband.'

He did it hurriedly, his neat penmanship a hasty scribble. And minutes later when he climbed into bed underneath the portrait of their wedding kiss, Peeta was grateful that sleep would come quick.

Katniss shut herself in her mother's guest bedroom before the sun went down. She could hear Posy and Vick playing near her window. She drew the curtains and prayed for a dreamless sleep that would carry her far from her new reality. One without Peeta.

At 1 a.m., and she still hadn't slept. The house had grown still hours ago. 2:45 a.m. Nothing. Finally, she got up and walked to the living room window that faced their – Peeta's – house. The house was dark. For a whimsical moment, she wondered what he would say if he woke up with her in his arms, fisting a mound of shirt at his chest while she slept.

It was too much to hope for, and far more than she deserved.

Finally, around 4 a.m., she dozed off. Two hours later, her eyes flipped open, and instinctively, she hurried to the bedroom window. He was almost out of view, but she caught a glimpse of him, walking toward the path that led out of Victor's Village. He was going to work. Faithful Peeta. Steady Peeta. He truly deserved the world.

She wondered if he had decided to stay in District 12 after all. If he made that choice on his own, maybe they would grow back together. Maybe one day he would allow her his presence. Then, in time, his arms. Then, by some miracle, his lips. Maybe he would give her yet another chance. Or, even if he went to District 2 for training, maybe he would return to the oversized house next door and march dedicatedly to Mellark Bakery on the days when he wasn't traveling Panem and building youth centers.

She was wide awake but no less exhausted. She showered, dressed, and headed out the back door for the woods. At one point, she fell asleep on top of her bow, beside the boulder at the stream. She woke up with grass and soft, wet mud pancaked to her face and embedded in her braid. She didn't know how much time had elapsed, but the sleep did her some good.

She didn't want to run into Peeta. Not yet. So she returned to her mother's house before 4 p.m., before he would begin making his way from Mellark Bakery. There was a pang in her chest when she thought about his afternoon phone calls home so she could start walking to town to meet him and they could walk back together, hand-in-hand. But Katniss forbade her tears because as soon as her mother saw her, she made her sit at the kitchen table and finish a piece of roasted pheasant and a bowl of vegetable stew. She ate quickly, so she could go back to hiding in the guest bedroom, avoiding everyone. Even Prim.

Later that night, she fell asleep shortly after 11 p.m. She dreamt of Rue and Marvel and Peeta and Snow, and if she weren't so exhausted, her body would have fought itself awake. But all she could do was whimper and wail in a room where no one could hear her, where there was no one across the hall with arms strong enough to save her.

The curtains glowed against the intensity of the sunlight at the guest bedroom window. Katniss sniffed, sighed, and slowly pulled herself to a sitting position, resting her head in both hands. The clock read 7:26. It was the longest she'd slept in ages.

At some point, the nightmares stopped. She could feel the tears that had hardened on her face before she reached the bathroom mirror, which showed the nest of raven hair she didn't bother to untangle after her shower the night before. She reached for a wash cloth, but there were no clean towels. She would have to get one from the linen closet upstairs.

Katniss lumbered from the guest bedroom, noticing for the first time how quiet the house was for a Saturday morning with two 12-year-olds, a 10-year-old, and a four year-old. But when she reached the kitchen, there was only her mother and Prim, loading apothecary supplies into the medicine bag. Based on the supplies, some woman's contractions had started.

"Is somebody due?" Her words came out on a yawn.

They startled, pausing in the middle of loading.

"Katniss," Prim said. "Are you just waking up?"

She nodded sleepily.

Maura and Prim exchanged glances. "We thought you were in the woods, honey," Maura said. "We said you weren't here."

"Good. Whatever Haymitch needs can wait until—"

"It wasn't Haymitch," Prim interrupted. "It was Peeta. He's leaving."

Katniss's lips parted before her mind could supply the words. "What do you... mean… he's leaving."

"He came by this morning with Posy's cake and art supplies for Vick," Maura explained. "He gave me a loaf of bread and said it was a parting gift, that he decided to move to District 2."

Katniss's mind went numb. He wasn't supposed to leave yet. It wasn't supposed to be over this soon. "When?" she practically shouted.

"About 30 minutes ago," Prim said. "His train leaves at 8."

Her heart was racing, her chest heaving. She turned in a disoriented circle, still clutching the washcloth.

"I got. I got to. Say goodbye. I didn't say goodbye."

The clock read 7:36. Maura took charge.

"Primrose, go get your sister a pair of pants and her sandals." She pulled out a kitchen chair. "Katniss. Sit."

Prim ran to the guest bedroom. Maura pulled the washcloth from Katniss's hand and drenched it in warm water. She wrung it dry and rubbed it across her daughter's face, removing the tear stains and the remnants of sleep. Prim was running back with a pair of linen pants and the sandals, just as Maura went back to the sink to re-wet the wash cloth. This time, Maura squeezed the water onto Katniss's hair and vigorously finger-combed her tresses. Prim placed her sister's feet in each foot of the sandal, and Maura pulled the ponytail holder from her own hair and used it to secure Katniss's messy but acceptable topknot.

Katniss kept repeating that she never said 'goodbye.' Maura urged her to take deep breaths.

They helped her step into the pants, and she didn't waste a second. She sprinted out the front door, and ran with all her might toward town. It was 7:43.

"Please be late," she said aloud. "Please be late. Please, please be late."

But if Katniss's silent prayers were answered, the train to District 2 would never come.

Her chest felt like it was on fire, but she refused to stop running.

She took an alternate path, cutting through yards along the edge of the Seam, bypassing the high-traffic areas. From a distance she caught a glimpse of Rory and Vick among a group of men clearing debris from the Hawthorne home.

The train whistled as she entered the Merchant's Quarters. It was just the motivation she needed to keep going. When she was finally within view of the station, some passengers were already boarding.

But he was still standing there, next to his father and Rye on one side and Hazelle and Posy on the other. Posy's arms were wrapped snuggly around Peeta's good leg. The conductor was sliding Peeta's two suitcases into a bottom compartment of the train.

Katniss was far too winded to yell, so she waved her arms wildly above her head, hoping to get someone's attention. With the noise of the train, no one noticed.

Rye and Daniel stepped forward for a final embrace, each of them maneuvering around Posy to hug Peeta. Peeta saved the girl for last, lifting her in his arms for a goodbye hug.

"I'll miss you because I love you Peeta," she pouted.

Peeta marveled at his luck. The only female to ever say those words to him wasn't his mother or his wife. It was a four-year-old girl whom he never had to prove himself to.

"I love you too, Posy. Take care of everyone for me, okay?"

He would send for his family so they could visit. And unless it was work related, he didn't plan to return to District 12 ever again.

"Okay," Posy agreed.

The conductor made a last call for passengers, and Hazelle pulled the girl from Peeta's arms. He stepped onto the train and turned around for a final goodbye.

And that's when he saw her. Running as fast as she could, her arms flailing in the air. Had he forgotten something? Was she in trouble? He couldn't tell. He found himself stepping back onto the platform, his eyes fixed on her. Her hair was piled atop her head; she was wearing the tank top that she wore to bed, the one that mesmerized him. The thought crossed his mind that Gale was a lucky man.

When she reached him, she could hardly breathe. She bent at the waist, her hands on both knees as her entire body begged for air. Peeta offered his hand to help her stand.

"Are you okay, Katniss?" His brow furrowed with concern. "Is something wrong?"

She gulped air. "You were just… gonna leave?" Anger, alarm, injury, and disbelief vied for control of her face.

Peeta turned his eyes to the ground. "I figured that we didn't need a longer goodbye than we already had."

Their eyes locked on one another and they just stood there, not knowing what was supposed to happen next.

"Umm, I left some things for you on the countertop at my house. One is a parting gift."

"Better be cheese buns," she quipped, unable to smile for fear of crying.

"You guessed it," he smiled.

"Sir, we need to leave," the conductor said.

"Okay," Peeta glanced over his shoulder.

"I've got go. Thanks for coming to see me off."

Now, she was blinking furiously, trying to keep the tears at bay. Before he could fully widen his arms, she flung herself into them. He held her carefully; she belonged to another man.

"I'm so sorry, Peeta," she whispered.

"You don't have to apologize for how you feel," he said quietly. "I understand. We're not lovers, we're friends. And I will always be your friend, Katniss. Always."

"I'm sorry, sir," the conductor said. "We really have to go."

"Take care of yourself," he whispered. Then, he stepped onto the train.

"Goodbye everyone."

Posy's voice was loudest in the chorus of farewells. Peeta's eyes landed on every face. He offered his last smile to Katniss. Then, he disappeared. .

And like the train, Katniss's tears rolled slowly at first, but steadily gained speed until she was silently crying into her hands. There was a supportive pat to her shoulder and she looked into Daniel Mellark's sympathetic smile, so much like Peeta's. Then, small arms wrapped around her leg.

"Don't cry, Katniss," Posy soothed. "I understand. I love him too."

Katniss's next breath snatched from her body.

What have I done? Even a four-year-old can see it. I love him. And I destroyed my marriage. Oh no! What have I done? I love him. I love my husband.

She backed away from the platform with the horrible revelation that everyone knew except the one person who desperately needed to know, the person she just let walk out of her life. And she ran. She ran as her limbs ached. She ran as tears retched from her body. She ran all the way back to Victor's Village, even as her heart was breaking.

A/N: And there we have it! Again, I hope it was worth the wait. Comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading, and I hope to post the next chapter very soon.