Katniss POV
Johanna and Gale have been spending an odd amount of time together lately. Although most of us haven't noticed.
Annie and Finnick are still in their newlywed phase.
Madge and Cato seem to spend a lot of time challenging each other to a variety of competitions, almost always weapons related. However there were a few hand-to-hand combat competitions that got a little out of control. Needless to say it was interesting. The two of them blushed like young girls with a crush.
Rue has been off gathering in the woods, stocking up our supplies of healing herbs as well as edible greenery for our dinners.
Haymitch, Chaff, Beetee and the others have been focusing on the planning. I should probably be helping but I've been distracted to say the least, I often find myself wandering the woods, at least I hunt while I'm out there.
Then there is Peeta. He leaves early in the morning and only returns at dinner. He avoids me while we eat and then disappears into his hut for the night. A few times I've jumped through the treetops to the meadow where he is training and watched him. I wish I could find the courage to talk to him. Well courage isn't exactly my problem, it's words. If I knew what I would say I would talk to him. But I know that I would march up to him and take one look at those blue eyes and loose it. I'd gape like a fish and that's never attractive.
I enjoy watching him train. He has incredible skill with a blade. And his ability to lift large fallen logs causes the muscles in his arms to ripple in a most mesmerizing fashion. Usually around midday he removes his tunic and uses it to mop the glistening layer of sweat covering his skin. Admittedly I greedily eye his muscled form. At first his skin was so often pink with sunburn but it has now evened to a golden tan and his blonde hair has lightened in the sunlight. I didn't know it was possible for him to be even more attractive. Now if only I hadn't completely made a fool of myself.
I am the one who pushed him away. Of course the moment I couldn't have him I wanted him that much more. I'm an idiot. I didn't realize how badly I wanted to be with him until I had already ruined my chance. He won't look at me, speak to me, or even be near me at all. But even greater than that I've come to realize is that when we succeed he will be the king. I will still be only a mere peasant and technically still a criminal. However I believe that last part will disappear with Peeta's reign. Without a need for Everdeen however I will be only a peasant, merely a huntress. Once Everdeen is no more I don't know what I'll do. Everdeen has been my whole life, I'm not entirely sure how I'll support my mother and Prim without it. It seems Peeta will always be beyond my reach.
…:::…
The weeks pass and it is time to depart. Our mission starts now. We've gathered all our supplies and tonight we ride for the Cresta's. Sir Cresta has already spread word of the arrival of his company and everything is falling into place. The news of Annie's successful trip to Silex and as well of her marriage to nobleman Finnick Odair has been leaked into the public information.
As well the Cresta's have been extraordinarily generous with their riches. The villagers are living well while we have spent our time training. We've still pulled a few minor heists. After all we wouldn't want the Queen to be suspicious if our activity suddenly stopped.
Tonight, under the cover of darkness we ride to the Cresta's. Once we are there the plan will move forward. Everyone has gathered their required belongings. Annie and Johanna have once again donned their formal gowns. Peeta has lent Finnick a more formal outfit as well as donned his own. Madge and Gale have also been outfitted with fine linens that the Cresta's sent to us. Haymitch, Thresh, Marvel and Cato are dressed as the armed guard. Cato and Marvel especially needed helmets to cover their faces. To have them recognized would surely alert the Queen's guard to suspicious activity. Chaff, Beetee and myself will act as servants. I Chaff and Beetee will attend to the men, while Rue and I will be attending to Annie, Johanna and Madge. I've fitted Rue and myself with veils to cover the lower halves of our faces. Hopefully that will keep me from being recognized as well.
The sun has finally set, everyone mounts their steeds and our ride begins. With a wistful look back we say goodbye to our camp. Who knows if we will need to return here. After this mission our world will be entirely different. Hopefully we won't need to hide out anymore.
Late into the night, when the stars and the moon are pure and bright, we arrive at the Cresta's estate. We thought it best to arrive late into the night so we wouldn't have to explain our lack of a carriage.
Sir Cresta is waiting by the back door. He directs us to the stables where Marvel, Thresh, Cato and Haymitch take care of the horses. Myself, Rue, Beetee and Chaff carry the luggage of our 'nobles' as Sir Cresta escorts them to their rooms. From the moment we rode away from camp we all knew the roles we now have to play and now that the plan is in motion we must play our parts perfectly.
When we have all been shown to our rooms we turn in for the night. We need to rest. Tomorrow the Cresta's are throwing a ball in honor of their daughter and new son-in-law. I just hope that Finnick will be able to remember all that Peeta taught him of noble behavior.
The sun rises far to soon and the short time we actually had to sleep impacts us all. We are all drowsy and tired. The servants scurry around the house preparing for the upcoming ball.
Around mid afternoon Rue and I assist the women in preparing for the ball. Well assist is a loose definition. Rue assists; I however stare at the linens and lace, ribbons and ties, with a blank and unknowing stare. I have absolutely no idea what to make of these garish and nonsensical articles of clothing. Annie and Johanna are very understanding, however Johanna does insist on mocking me relentlessly.
When the ladies are primped and proper they go to make their grand entrance to the ballroom. I join the other servants as they bustle about for the party. No one even notices when I grab a pitcher of wine and follow others out into the ballroom.
Women in their fancy dresses twirl around the dance floor with their stiff backed partners. I wander through, intently observing those around me. I pour many glasses of wine to the nobles, many of whom I've taken from. I recognize a few of the particularly garish ones and underneath my veil I carry a knowing smirk. I politely bow and serve all the while knowing that it is me that they fear, that they desperately desire to have caught. I know many of them wish to see me hanging from the gallows.
I notice my group. Annie and Finnick are beaming as people crowd them. Questions are flying as to their wedding or how they met. Everyone is enthralled by their tale, all of them are complete fools for romance. I continue to observe them.
Madge floats around gracefully; she is constantly being fawned over by eligible bachelors. Many men have asked for her to honor them with a dance. She willing obliges but I can see her complete and utter discomfort. I know she would much rather be tossing knives at a tree.
Gale lingers closely behind Johanna. I know he is hating every moment of this. He insisted that there should an even number of males and females in this group. He said it was better, for protection. I have my doubts. Personally I think that he couldn't bear the idea of other men in Johanna's presence. If their sneaky behavior is an indication I feel as though they are falling in love with each other. Really this theory was confirmed when Gale insisted that he accompany Johanna. Even more my suspicions are proven now as he hovers behind her, he shoots intimidating glares at any man who attempts to approach Johanna.
Peeta looks miserable. I've notice the way he never really looks at any of the women in the room. He keeps his decorum as many express their sorrows for the betrayal of the false Lady Cartwright but it is rather obvious he is miserable. I wish I could say that his misery was truly an act. However instead it hurts to know that I've caused this.
The ball continues in such a manner and it ends late into the evening. I attempt to help Annie, Johanna and Madge find freedom from their gowns. It takes a surprisingly long time to unlace them from the constricting devices. I feel as if it would be torture being laced into one of these gowns everyday.
The next morning bring happy news.
Lady Cresta bursts into the dining room with a letter in hand. Peeta immediately sits straighter. She waves the letter around and announces, "The Queen insists that we attend the spring ball next week! It is working! She says she must express her well wishes for the happy couple and that she desires to meet our new foreign friends. It's odd, Peeta she doesn't mention you."
Peeta scoffs, "It is not odd milady. My mother is a cold and cruel woman who has never cared for anyone. Not even her own son. I do not doubt she is rejoicing in my supposed misery."
With that he stands and excuses himself from the room. I long to go after him but when it comes to him I am a coward. So I remain in my seat.
A/N: Hey! So just letting you know that I have two major papers due in the next two weeks so I don't know if I'll be able to update next week! Hopefully though! Fingers crossed that I actually finish my papers. Anyways! Please review and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you all.