I think I'm gonna do little one shot type chapters for this story until I run out of ideas. It's been a little while since I've posted one, so hopefully there's still interest!

Her mother refused to look at her.

Katniss had gone from Tribute to Capitol call girl to teenage bride in less than a year, and Mrs. Everdeen found herself unable, or unwilling, to approve of any of it. Despite being given a lavish home in the Victor's Village after she'd won the 74th Hunger Games, none from the Everdeen clan ever lived there. Her mother and Prim stayed at their home in the Seam while she lived in the Capitol.

Soon after they married, Peeta suggested they find a place that would be theirs, and so they moved into the untouched house. As the weeks passed, he convinced her to leave the house more and more. They would walk through the Victor's Village, picnic in the Meadow, and eventually, Peeta managed to take her into town.

"Nothing's changed," he stated as they walked hand in hand toward the Hob.

But Katniss didn't see it that way. It was clear Peeta missed the looks of disdain shot her way and the piteous glances he received. Some whispered behind their hands and mothers led their children away from the couple. "You really believe that, don't you?" she retorted as they entered the empty bakery.

He shrugged as he led her to the kitchen where his father was busy working. "Hey, Pop," he greeted the older man, letting go of his wife's hand to hug him. Mr. Mellark dusted off the flour on his hands and returned his son's hug before moving on to Katniss.

She liked her father-in-law. Like Peeta, he cared little about the life she'd been forced into. He didn't judge with words or looks, and he always had a smile and a bag of cookies for her. Oftentimes, she saved them for Prim when she came to visit after school. Their mother had forbidden her youngest daughter to visit, but Prim was hellbent on defying her.

"When's my girl gonna start hunting again?" Mr. Mellark asked, keeping an arm around her shoulder.

Katniss brushed off the streak of flour from his cheek and smiled. "I've been thinking about starting up again," she replied. "At least it'll keep me busy."

"And the district well fed," he added as he handed her an apple pastry. "Now eat. The two of you are getting far too thin for a father's liking."

The bell above the front door jingled and Mr. Mellark excused himself to help the customer. Peeta hopped up on the counter and grabbed a similar dessert, eating it in only a few bites. She stood close enough that he was able to wrap his legs around her and pull her close to him. "I think he likes you better," he teased, pressing his lips to hers.

"At least you have a parent left who'll look you in the eye," she muttered, pulling away from him. "My mother wants nothing to do with me. Prim says she sends her to bed without supper for visiting me."

Peeta shook his head in disgust. "I don't understand it," he replied. "What did you tell her before you left?"

That she was in love with the Capitol from the first visit. That the money was too good to pass up. That she couldn't return to a life in District 12 after experiencing the glamour and grandeur that life in the Capitol offered. "Lies," she said sadly. Her cupped her face between his hands, his eyes gazing questioningly upon her. "I couldn't let on that I'd incited riots in the other districts. And I...it's my job to protect them, right? I was afraid of what he might do if I didn't agree."

"But why not tell her the truth?" he wondered, his tone far from judgmental.

Katniss shrugged. "At the time it seemed easier to lie," she said. "I didn't want her or Prim to be afraid."

"Would you talk to her?" he asked. "Explain what really happened. I haven't heard much about uprisings in the Districts, so I don't think it's something you need to worry about anymore."

"Come with me?" she asked.

The house was just as she remembered it. A fine layer of coal dust covered the floors, windows, and siding. Delicate lace curtains from her mother's life as a merchant's daughter hung in the front windows. Katniss pushed the front door open, hoping some sign of life would reveal itself. But when her mother appeared from the small kitchen, she wished Peeta had never suggested the visit.

"Out," her mother said forcefully.

"But-" Katniss started.

"I said out," Mrs. Everdeen stated, pointing to the open door. "I won't allow Capitol trash in my home. And stay away from my daughter."

With a furrowed brow, Peeta glanced at his wife, wondering if her mother was referring to him. Head held high, Katniss stepped in front of him. "I'm your daughter too," she spoke, her voice clear and calm.

The blonde head shook. "Not anymore."

The message had been received loud and clear, and Katniss turned on her heel and left. But Peeta remained behind. At first, he stared out to the Seam, watching as Katniss ran for the Victor's Village. When she was out of sight, he turned back to his mother-in-law and watched as she dusted a picture frame.

"Ya know, I've never known anyone who's as strong as Katniss," he said, leaning against the door frame. "I remember when we were reaped, my mother said 'She's a survivor. That girl's gonna win.' And she's done what she needs to survive because, in her mind, her survival is equivalent to yours and Prim's. She'll always do whatever she has to do to protect the people she loves."

Mrs. Everdeen dropped her dust rag and turned to face the blond haired boy. "So, what are you telling me?" she inquired, crossing her arms over her chest.

"What she's done and the reasons she gave you for doing them-," he stopped, not sure that what he said would help Katniss's case. Taking a deep breath, he started again. "Did you know Snow wanted me, not her?"

Wordlessly, she shook her head and moved to the threadbare sofa. Despite Katniss's winnings, it seemed her mother had refused any of the money. "Did my daughter lie to me?" she asked, the angry fire gone as she spoke.

"She's not the first Victor that he's done this to," Peeta told her. "There were some who refused to be sold, and he killed their entire family. I was the one he wanted first, but she took my place. I didn't even know about that until I brought her back here. The point I hope I'm making is she loves you and Prim, and would do anything for the two of you. Hell, she went into the Arena in her sister's place. Katniss will always feel responsible for the safety of this family. Don't shut her out for doing what she felt she needed to do to ensure that."

Having said his piece, he pushed away from the door and made to leave. "Wait," she said. "Is she all...does she need to be checked?"

He shook his head. "We had that taken care of before we left the Capitol," he informed her. "She doesn't need a healer though. What she needs more than anything is to know that her mother doesn't hate her."

Mrs. Everdeen nodded. "I just need time."