Peeta POV
To watch her leave was perhaps the most painful thing I could imagine. I had so hoped that she would come to me, proclaim that she loved me. But she never did. I tried so hard to respect her wishes but my heart ached at the mere sight of her. I can never live without her.
She looked so beautiful that night. The blue and silver dress brought new depth to her silver gray eyes. The twist of her chocolate hair and the curls that framed her face gave it a feminine softness I had only seen once before. I wanted so badly to hold her in my arms forever, and with that dance I thought I might. When the music ended it pained me so much to let her go. But she doesn't love me; she's never loved me. Those words I'd heard in my dreams…they weren't real. They were merely the desires of my heart and a dream that had felt so real.
When she looked back at me for a moment I imagined longing in her eyes. I didn't realize it right away but she was leaving. When she turned away I knew and I tried to follow her. Apparently though everyone wants to talk to the king. It took me an eternity to cross the room. I'd run through the halls to the guest quarters. Then I'd searched every one, trying to find hers. But all I found was that beautiful gown draped over the foot of her bed. Her belongings removed. So I ran to the stable. My heart sank when the attendants told me she had requested a horse and then rode off into the night and she never said where she was going.
So I ran back through the castle until I reached the great hall and pushed through the crowd until I found Haymitch.
"Where is she going?" I asked in a near frantic voice.
"Home." He said as if it was the most obvious thing.
"Where is that?" I pushed.
"I don't know. She never told us. Not even Gale really knew. They were from the same village but he never knew exactly where she lived. Her father made sure to keep his family out of harms way. Whenever she went home she went alone. Her and Gale would part at the village. I'm sorry kid."
Wordlessly I nod and turn away. Feigning exhaustion I return to my room and collapse on the bed. I don't have to pretend I'm exhausted anymore. My entire body, every part of my being is tired. I allow myself to succumb to my fatigue.
Katniss POV
It took me the entire night to return to camp. But once I was there I wasted no time. I collected everything I had left behind. Then I rode to the hollow log and collected the dress I always wore home. With everything tied in packs to my steed I made my final journey home. I arrived in the early evening to find my mother and Prim in the garden. The smile that lit their faces when they saw me coming were enough to warm my heart.
They said they'd heard the rumors. They begged me to tell them the story. So I did. Over lunch they listened, barely allowing me time to stop and eat.
By the end Prim was in tears. "He must still love you. He must." I assured her that even if he did…he deserved better. Naturally, as any sister would, she wouldn't accept that. My mother simply hugged me. I could tell by her eyes that she never wished that either of her daughters would suffer that pain.
And so life moved on. I would occasionally hunt in the woods. Very rarely would I venture into town. Only once or twice did people recognize me as Everdeen rather than simply Katniss. I politely excused myself from them and continued on my way. Prim was very excited to know that I was home now and that I would never again have to leave her. She'd fill me in on all the gossip that came to town. Especially if it concerned the king or anything that was associated with Everdeen.
News spread to our tiny town and eventually I no longer ventured into town. For certain I would be recognized by everyone now. Prim confirmed my suspicions. Everyone now knew my true identity. Months later, when the excitement had calmed I allowed Prim to persuade me into town again. People still treated me as a hero. Truthfully it was very uncomfortable. I much preferred the solitude of my home. However the villagers still saw fit to treat me as Katniss, the young girl who had grown up in this village, not only as Everdeen and for that I was very grateful.
Peeta POV
No news. It seemed that every village was not the right one.
It took me a while, especially considering the great load of my new duties, to realize what a fool I had been. I'd never fought for her. Her initial rejection had wounded me but instead of fighting I had given up like a coward. With time to think I'd realized that there must be more. When I divulged my thoughts to Finnick and Annie one night at dinner Annie nearly swatted me upside the head. She called me an idiot and told me I had acted like a fool. Finnick also could not believe my idiocy. They assured me that I was indeed blind and stupid for I was the only one who could not see that Katniss had felt something for me. With even this slight inkling of hope I had a new goal. I would never give up searching for her. I would find her. I had to tell her I love her. Even if it meant getting my heart broken again. If there was a chance, I would not miss it.
Of course I came to this realization to late. Gale had taken Johanna to meet his family before I could ask him to tell me where Katniss could be. The first time I'd asked Gale was convinced that if Katniss hadn't wanted to disappear then she would make it easier to find her. Now he has left and I could no longer convince him of my love for her and my need to find her.
So I set out a search. Looking for any word of her. Marvel and Cato returned to our old camp. There was no sign of her. She'd been there though. They said she'd taken all her possessions. There was no longer any trace of her there. I thanked them and they returned home. Cato to Madge whom he had secretly wed much to the surprise of us all.
A few times I had gotten word that there was a village that was rumored to have seen Everdeen. Every time so far it had proven false. More than once it was a pretty girl who tried to convince me she was indeed Everdeen and that she loved me more than anything. Politely I apologized for they were not her and I would never be able to love another.
It was many months before I finally heard the news of her whereabouts. A village very near the outskirts of the kingdom. Nearly an entire days ride if we rode as fast as possible. A day and a half if we were to take the carriage.
It happened while I was in the village that lay just outside the castle walls. I often liked to go into the village and mingle. One of my favorite things was to visit the bakery for he makes the most delicious fruit tart that my cooks could never mimic. While I was in the village that day, heading towards the bakery, I overheard the story of two women walking ahead of me.
I did not mean to eavesdrop but I couldn't help but overhear the one woman's story. Recently she had taken a trip to visit her daughter who had married the blacksmith of a village near the northern outskirts of the kingdom. The story was a very long one and it didn't particularity hold my interest until I heard her name.
"Everdeen?" Said the one woman.
"Yes! Can you believe it?" Said the one who's story it was. "My daughter and I were strolling about the village on our way to the butcher's when we saw her. I am certain it was her although she looked much different than she had at the ball. Much more simple that's for certain. Her dress was as plain as mine can you believe it? It really is true; she was a mere peasant girl. You'd have never known at that ball, what a beautiful gown and she of course was the most beautiful woman in the room. And she carries herself with such an air. But there she was in a simple green dress with her hair in a braid. She was being towed around by a young blonde woman, not much shorter than herself. Her sister I dare say. At first I didn't believe my old eyes but then I heard the young girl whine 'Katniss please hurry!' Of course I don't remember where they were hurrying too. I was to busy telling my daughter all about her. She was astounded. Apparently she rarely comes into the village, she prefers the solitude of her home no doubt. My daughter said she'd seen her around a bit and knew her name to be Katniss Smithson. A false name no doubt. I couldn't believe my eyes. But there she was!"
I could take it no longer I rushed forward to the chattering women. Once their surprise wore off they bowed but I insisted they must tell me where this village was. I thanked them profusely and instead of going to the bakery that day I ran back to the castle.
"Fetch me my horse!" I called out to the nearest servant as I burst through the front door.
"Right away your highness." The man said with great delight as he rushed off. I was glad to see the happiness of the staff improve. No longer was my mother able to terrorize them unless they went near her prison cell.
As I hurried towards my chambers I heard Finnick's familiar voice call out to me. "What's the hurry?"
I stopped and saw him and Annie standing in the entrance hall. In my excitement I had entirely forgot I had invited them for dinner.
"I've found her!" I nearly shouted with delight.
Annie's smile lit her face beautifully and Finnick's was nearly as wide. "Well why are you still standing here my friend? Go!"
And I did. I grabbed only what I would need for such a journey and raced back to the castle grounds.
My horse was ready, as were four guards. I scrambled into my saddle and immediately set out. Finnick and Annie waved from the front door.
We rode solidly through the day. It took much convincing for me to stop for the night but I could not deny that the horses were tired, thirsty and hungry. As was I.
I manage to force down some food but the sheer volume of excited that knotted in my stomach made it difficult. When we all lay down to sleep I know I lay awake all night. Everything was running through my head. What would happen tomorrow?
Katniss POV
"Katniss please." Prim whined. "Come into town with me today? Please. They're having the fall festival today. It'll be so much fun. Katniss there will be food and dancing. I've never been dancing Katniss!" She whines as if she is still a young child instead of a young woman.
Of course I intend to go into town with her today. In truth I am curious about this festival. This year, thanks to the new found prosperity in the land, the festival promises to be an exciting event indeed. Peeta has certainly held to his promises in the past months the entire kingdom has experienced happiness like never before. No longer is anyone worried about money because they no longer have to pay the outrageous taxes the Queen had imposed. No longer is everyone starving, food is in abundance. Peeta has done what he promised and more. This year there is indeed much to celebrate.
A/N: Hello All! Sorry for not posting in a while. I found myself stuck and couldn't seem to figure out what to write.
This chapter is dedicated to the Guest who just commented and encouraged me by saying that they showed it to their friends and loved it! Thank you for the comment it was so uplifting and encouraging and I appreciated it so much. I'm not gonna lie but I often consider just giving up writing all together because I feel like my stories aren't really that good. But then a new review comes in and everyone is so wonderful and I really appreciate the encouragement.
Anyways I hope you all enjoy this new chapter. Please review and let me know what you think. Sadly I won't be able to post again for a while. In the next few weeks I am very busy. My family is throwing me a bridal shower. I have a friends bridal shower to attend. And also three weddings to go to, three weekends in a row. All of which requires travelling a few hours away. Yikes!