Thank you once again to everyone who takes the time to review, favorite, and watch this story. You guys rock!
And as always thank you to Wildharp for beat-ing.
Chapter Ten
The rhythmic beat of rain pounding at the window as the train moved forward was threatening to lull him to sleep. His entire body felt drained of any semblance of energy, and any movement he made was exact and painful.
He had tried to settle into the plush velvet of the seating in the train compartment, but his muscles were unwilling. The lack of sleep from the night before had already caught up to him, and he was paying the consequences of his weary mind.
Peeta reached up to his forehead gathering up the stray strands of bangs that had fallen out of place, and with deliberate action smoothed them back into form with the others.
He glanced to his side where the window was placed, taking a quick survey of his appearance, his hair was now in top form as was his attire, but the dark circles around his eyes revealed the troubled mind of a man who had suffered pain and loss far beyond his years.
His skin was paler than usual and he could see how dim his blue eyes had become, he reminded himself that losing hope could have that affect on you. It had been sunrise before he realized he hadn't slept at all that evening, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her.
Her bare skin was warm and inviting pressed against his body, and he had to fight the urge to run his fingers down her side, caressing the smooth olive skin there. After his conversation with Haymitch, Peeta had walked down to the woods looking for answers and solace, but all he found was her.
The air smelled of her skin, and the memory of when she had come to him after the rain storm was permanently burned into his mind.
He could remember the tastes of her skin, salty and earthy, and even a place that had once given him peace, was now another place where he would have to fight back the pain after she was gone.
Katniss had filled a place in his being that had been empty for so long, and now that she would soon be leaving, it too ,like his soul, will be hollow.
After an hour of waiting for peace when eventually none came, he walked back up to the manor, his legs heavy and unwilling.
The house was quiet and he assumed that Hazelle had left to attend to her other duties, while Haymitch was likely stowed away in his cabin drinking himself into a stupor.
Talking of his deceased wife had a certain affect on him, and Peeta, especially now that he too would drown himself in liquor after Katniss' parting, couldn't fault him for trying to find any separation from his pain.
Peeta made his way to his room in a daze, his movements involuntary as he approached the door , pushing it open to reveal the delicate form of her back, dark waves of hair shining from the incoming light.
He breathed in deeply before taking a step into the room, she turned to the side revealing her profile, as his resolve slowly dwindled away. Her fingers were nervously picking at the threads on the quilt covering his bed that had come undone after years of use.
Peeta watched as her down casted eyes rose up to meet his , grey pools that shined, bore through him and for a second he had forgotten how to breath.
A smile came over her full lips, as she rose from the bed, making her way to him, the cotton of her dress brushing against the skin above her knees as her body shimmied in his direction.
Peeta's eyes fell to the curve of her hip, where the material bunched before laying smooth against her curves.
Katniss' arms were around him in a tight embrace before he had time to react, her chest pressed into his ribs, and he could feel the warmth of her skin through the layers of clothing separating them.
Peeta tried to still his mind, he needed to disconnect from the sensations that were rushing through his body, but instinct and the powerful need to feel her was winning out.
He reached over to her chin, his fingers curling over the delicate structure there, to lift her face up towards his.
Peeta wasted no time pressing his lips to hers, the supple feel of her skin on his earned a moan that escaped his body, as she smiled into his lips before opening hers to him.
The control they once had was now lost as feverish kisses were spread upon bare skin and roaming hands were aggressive and inpatient.
After she had fallen asleep in his arms, her naked body bending and forming to the lines of his own body, Peeta watched as her chest rose and fell with each deep breath.
He held onto her for as long as he could and when the time had come to let her go, he mourned the thought of never having her close again, because his actions today would drive her away for good.
Peeta turned from his reflection, he needed to become comfortable with the idea of not being able to look himself in the eye, because after he gave up the love of his life, he wouldn't want to be seen anymore, least by himself.
The trip was taking longer to the station than he remembered, perhaps his self loathing was making the ride seem longer. Peeta was tempted to inquire about the time when suddenly the train came to a stop.
He snuck a glance at the window, when curiosity came over him, the familiar slick walls of the train station weren't outside his window, instead a never ending maze of gardens and fountains came into view.
Peeta had to stop the gasp from escaping from his throat when he stared out into the massive garden.
His attention was brought back inside of the train when an attendant he didn't recognize walked into the compartment waving him on.
Peeta nodded in acknowledgement, before standing up from his seat, his legs wobbly and unsure. He waited until he was positive he could walk without tripping over his own feet, his hands smoothed down his suit jacket , the material soft to the touch, before he proceeded to exit the compartment and train.
The scent of citrus and flowers hung in the air, the contrast to the scents of the Capitol wasn't lost on him, he was thankful for once not having to breath in ammonia.
Peeta's eyes adjusted to the sunlight as bursts of color surrounded the grounds, he was almost in awe of how a mural of color seemed to form in front of him. A small intake of breath sounded to his left earning his attention, the attendant from before was waiting on him to follow, her arms impatiently crossed as she glared at his disregard to her presence.
Peeta ducked his head, as he continued to follow her further into the grounds. The wind picked up spreading the aroma of flowers along with their forgotten petals into the air, Peeta breathed in deeply, his head becoming dizzy by the sudden assault of smells.
The woman stopped short causing Peeta to nearly run into her, his feet luckily catching into the ground around him, before a collision could occur. She seemed unaffected by his clumsiness as she turned on her heel the way they had come, Peeta debated following her until he saw a man approaching from the stone steps and columns.
He seemed vaguely familiar, but the auburn hair was a dead giveaway that the man closing the distance was the same that would soon be betrothed to the only woman Peeta ever loved, the man was Lord Darius.
Peeta straightened his back wanting to enforce any dominance he had left, he had heard that Darius was one of the few good men in the Capitol, but Peeta wasn't going to make it easy for him on principle alone.
Darius stretched his arm out, his hand open for a hand shake," Companion Mellark, my apologizes that you had to come all this way, but I want you to know how thankful I am that you did."
Peeta stared at his hand before taking it," Of course, Lord. And I want to thank you for responding so quickly to my request."
Darius chuckled softly," It was out of the ordinary, but so is the young woman we are here to discuss," he smiled softly as if a memory was coming to mind," but in all of the most interesting ways."
Peeta nodded trying not to grit his teeth in irritation before releasing the man's hand," Yes, Miss Everdeen is an exceptional young woman."
Darius straightened his jacket," That she is Companion Mellark."
Peeta was afraid to move, but not from intimidation, instead from the sheer force of rage that was rising up through his body.
The man in front of him would one day have a life with her, he would be able to hold her in public, to build a life with her, and someday have a family.
Peeta willed himself to settle as he plastered on a smile hopeful it looked genuine," Shall we begin?"
Darius nodded turning his back to Peeta without a further word as he led the other man up the stone walkway, before reaching steps that led to marble columns. Peeta assumed it was a porch, but the span of it could have fit into the down stairs area of his manor in district twelve.
Darius looked back at Peeta as they approached, a massive door that reached at least twenty feet high. It wasn't long until another attendant was waiting by the door to open it for the two men.
Darius graciously stepped aside waiting for Peeta to walk through first. Peeta hesitated at first studying the man before him, he finally conceded walking through the entryway.
He could hear Darius' footsteps behind him, as he took in the sight before him, of high vaulted ceilings and rich tapestries hanging from the marble stoned walls.
Intricate murals spanned the far wall, with color and designs, the hallway alone was intimidating enough, Peeta was anxious to see the appearance of the rooms that were meant to impress.
He was also surprised by how much everything seemed almost classic, with clean lines and class. Much of the Capitol was flashy, but for the most part unforgettable, but the manor he now walked through was simple but memorable.
It only reminded Peeta of the differences between wealth and prosperity, because it was easy to have money in the Capitol, but it was another thing to have power that spanned over hundreds of years.
Peeta was about to be in the company of people with real power, and he hoped his will was strong enough to stop the shaking that was threatening to overtake his body.
He could feel his stride wane as Darius' footsteps behind him sounded closer, Peeta stepped to the side allowing him to lead him forward. The two men came upon a marble archway which led to a large foyer, Peeta tried to keep his mood calm as the mere sight of the marble room with its crystal fixtures and rich colored tapestries hanging from the walls, intimidated him.
The manor had a life of its own, and Peeta felt insignificant in its presence. The sound of the soles of his shoes pounding the marble floors echoed through the room, the sound almost deafening, as Peeta followed Darius to a door located at the far wall.
The main with the auburn colored hair, pushed the door open, revealing a room even more impressive than the last. Darius nodded for Peeta to walk through, a slight smile on his handsome face.
Peeta wanted to hold onto his dislike for the man but he was making it difficult for Peeta to keep his resolve as time went by. This only made Peeta even more irritated, his muscles tensing, as he walked into the room filled with elegance and color.
The walls seemed to shine, with everything being polished immaculately, more tapestries hung from the walls, although this room seemed more personal than he would have expected.
Darius came up behind Peeta to stand at his side, his hand waving him on once again.
"My parents are waiting for our arrival," Darius began to walk over to a sitting area," Please come, Companion Mellark."
He had been so taken by the manor that Peeta had missed the couple seated a few meters away. Their appearances puzzled him, like Darius they seemed almost normal, he might even say natural, their complexions were fare like their son's, the same deep auburn hair sat upon their heads as well.
Like their home, they were elegant, even only being a few feet from them he could feel the air of superiority that they held themselves at. Darius was already to the velvet seating when Peeta rounded the corner, their eyes already sizing him up.
He felt small and anxious under their gazes, he could feel his throat involuntarily swallow the amount of saliva already building in his mouth. Peeta's eyes flitted to the side before connecting with the green set staring at him, he shifted his weight before settling down beside Darius.
The matron of the house scooted to the edge of the seat, her manicured nails tapping at the wood of the sofa not covered by velvet. Her dark red hair hung down around her shoulders in waves, the color still puzzled him, it was almost troubling to find anyone in the Capitol who hadn't altered most of their body.
Her posture was perfect, and Peeta got the feeling of how similar her perch was to how a predator watched its prey before pouncing. He could feel his legs beginning to shake, his closed fists went to his knees pushing his feet flat against the ground.
Peeta's attention shifted to the man with the slender shoulders seated beside his mate, his throat clearing loud enough to alert everyone that he wished to speak.
His wife's posture relaxed, her back leaning back enough to touch the velvet of the sofa but she still kept her composure.
Even Darius beside Peeta seemed to become more relaxed, his hands relaxed at his sides, his fingers uncurling from the fabric of his pants.
The man cleared his throat once more before speaking," I feel that addressing the matter immediately would be appropriate for all parties," he straightened his back,as his hands folded over his lap," we could deal with propriety and muddle through introductions, but from what I've heard about you Companion Mellark I think you would appreciate if we get down to business."
Peeta nodded sharply," I can't deny that being able to pass over the unnecessary pleasantries is appealing, but I wouldn't want to offend you in any way, my Lord," Peeta snuck a glance at the women to the man's right," I am quite aware of the power that your family wields, and I would rather not be a topic of negativity for you."
The man lightly chuckled," Well, I have to say I appreciate your honesty," the red headed man glanced over to his wife," I have to admit it isn't common for those outside of this family to voice what they truly believe. My wife and I usually try to avoid most citizens of the Capitol, we aren't what you would call social butterflies."
Peeta sat up straight smoothing his jacket down," I have noticed your absence, it's usually the topic of conversation, or should I say gossip."
The woman cracked a small smile," Yes, well those with small minds have very little imagination," she waved her hand in the air towards Darius," our son is more than willing to represent for the family."
The Lord nods in agreement before taking the conversation over once again," I believe this is where he met your handmaiden," he looks over to Darius for confirmation before he earns a slight nod," but I have to say my wife and I are concerned about her upbringing, and what affects that would have on our family."
The Lady of the manor cleared her throat before speaking," It is now a known fact of how volatile she can be, but I can't lie and say that knowing Lord Cato finally received some much needed education didn't please me. But with that said, what is to stop her from attacking one of us or her children if her temper presents itself?"
Peeta could feel his body tense as his need to protect Katniss was rising," Yes, Miss Everdeen does have a tendency to become defensive, but she isn't dangerous or callous. She is a young woman with incredible strength and character, who even in spite of everything she has had to endure has kept her compassion," Peeta shifted in his seat before continuing," And yes she may have humble beginnings but genetically she will be able to provide heirs that haven't been subjected to years of inbreeding, because the classes refuse to widen their parameters so to speak. She'll give your son male heirs who will be strong and healthy and not have to worry about an onslaught of genetic illness which seem to be effecting the other breeding Capitol borns."
The man eyed Peeta for a minute before he answered with his brow furrowed," I have to admit that Miss Everdeen is a more appealing option to my wife and I than an opportunist Capitol born maiden, but her wild spirit still concerns us."
Peeta opened his mouth to speak but it's Darius beside him whose voice filled the room," Father, her spirit is what I love most about her. Yes she can be impulsive, but it also comes from great passion I've never seen from anyone Capitol born. The resilience this one woman has is inspiring, I have felt inspired by her, and I feel such qualities shouldn't be dismissed because of where ,and to whom, she was born."
Peeta looked over to the man with his angular profile and coifed red hair, he held a sense of compassion, but Peeta felt more threatened by the man than he had before.
He had true affection for Katniss, and this only worried Peeta more. It would have been easier for him if Darius only wanted her as a trophy, but he seemed to genuinely want her for a mate, and there was a chance that Katniss could grow to feel for him in the same way.
However, Peeta couldn't deny that the words that Darius had spoken for Katniss were some that he would have expressed, so even though he disliked the idea of another man caring for her, he had a small amount of respect for the Lord seated beside him.
Peeta watched Darius before turning back to the Lord and Lady in front of him, their faces stoic and thoughtful.
Darius had begun to fidget beside him and he could feel the seat shift underneath him as the other man anxiously awaited his parents decision.
The clearing of the Lord's throat brought back Peeta's attention," I cannot deny that we still have concerns over the young Miss Everdeen, but we do think she has potential to become a proper Lady and mate to our son. So with this said we give our permission for the engagement and ultimately the union."
Peeta could feel the bile rising up from his stomach to his throat, he attempted to push it down," Thank you Lord," he turned to the side where the woman watched with bright eyes," Lady."
The Lord smoothed his hair back before moving in closer to his wife," There is the matter of finances before officially brokering the union. Am I correct in assuming that the girl has no dowry or wealth of any kind?"
Peeta shook his head a few strands of his bangs falling to the side of his face," No my Lord you wouldn't be mistaken, therefore I wouldn't see the reasoning in having to deal with any financial issues pertaining to the union."
The man eyed Peeta for a second before answering," I believe in propriety, and even though the young woman is without family or any practical worth, I think we can still broker a deal of sorts."
Peeta could feel his anger rising as they discussed Katniss as nothing more than a business deal but he had to remind himself of the importance of protecting her and ensuring she had a future, because with him only heart break and possible death awaited her.
Peeta gritted his teeth before smiling with no genuine emotion behind it," Well thank you for being so understanding, Lord. Perhaps we should begin as soon as possible?"
Her anxiety was reaching a new level as she sat back on the velvet seating in the train compartment, her body settling in to the cushion.
The entire day so far had been bizarre, she had woken in Peeta's bed to find his presence noticeably absent. She had shrugged it off assuming he had gone to his art room or had needed to leave on Companion business.
Katniss had dressed before Hazelle was to arrive for the morning, before grabbing a piece of fruit to eat as she walked across the manor to her forest.
She had almost made it to the tree line when out of the corner of her eye she spotted a blur of bright orange, her attention had been caught as she turned towards the out of place color amongst the grays and deep greens of the district.
Katniss had to stifle a laugh over how out of place the man seemed surrounded by nature instead of artificial life found in the Capitol.
His manicured hand swatted out into the space before him, as he cursed the amount of mud found around the manor.
Katniss debated sneaking into the woods using the trees as cover, but then she would be subjugating Hazelle to the man ,and she knew how irritated the usually calm woman could become when having to deal with Capitol citizens.
With a heavy sigh, Katniss unwillingly trudged up the small hill leading to the manor, where the man in his pressed suit complained.
He nearly fell over in surprise when Katniss approached him, a slight smile on her lips for making him uneasy.
She didn't want to think of herself as malicious, or someone who reveled in another person's pain, but seeing the man uncomfortable gave her a feeling justice if only for a few seconds.
His narrow eyes watched her closely as if she was about to attack him, his gangly limbs still tattering, his feet not yet used to the mud.
Katniss forced her voice to sound pleasant," If you're looking for Companion Mellark, he's not here at the present but you're welcomed to wait."
The man shook his head as he lifted his legs out of the mud alternating between the two," No, I wasn't looking for the Companion of the manor. In fact I'm here on official business regarding his maiden."
Katniss felt her stomach drop, assuming somehow the Capitol had been informed of how her relationship to Peeta had changed," You're looking for his handmaiden? Why?"
The man sniffed in the air, his face wrinkling when the musk of the district entered his nostrils," I'm not permitted to discuss such things with those who are not privy to the information."
Katniss nodded swallowing hard before she spoke," In that case, I'm the Companion's handmaiden."
The man blew out a sigh of relief," Thank the heavens I was terrified I would have to scour this forsaken district looking for one girl," the man wiped his forehead, a layer of sweat now covering the back of his hand, a look of digust on his face," Lord Darius was very adamant that I bring the girl back to his family's manor in a timely fashion."
Katniss stepped forward her curiosity peaking," Darius sent you? Why?"
The man shook his head," Lord Darius asked that I retrieve you, and bring you to him, that is all I am permitted to reveal," he looked Katniss up and down disproval written all over his face," I would advise changing into something more appropriate, but it's only a humble suggestion."
The man forced a smile as Katniss had, she fought the urge to roll her eyes at his admission of being humble. Capitol citizens were many things but humble wasn't an adjective she would use, when referring to the large city's inhabitants.
She straightened her shoulders as she made her way past the fussy man, and up the porch steps.
She turned halfway to motion to him that she was going inside, earning only a slight nod between his complaints. Katniss entered the house, not waiting to look for Hazelle's presence before she made her way up the stairs and into her room.
She glanced to the side of the hallway which led to Peeta's art room, his lack of presence had begun to bother her, but she pushed it to the back of her mind.
She dressed quickly into a simple sun dress with embroidered flowers stitched into the fabric, her hair brushed through quickly, the dark curls falling to her back as she slipped into a pair of light sandals which were sure to fall off of her feet as she walked.
She looked herself over quickly before exiting her room and finally the house to find the man still in his place at the foot of the stairs. He looked her over, before shrugging and motioning for her to follow.
The walk to the train felt longer than it should, her stomach already in knots before she boarded.
Katniss barely noticed the stopping of the train, as an array of color came into view beyond the tinted window of the train compartment.
She squinted past the glass and plastic of the window, before her eyes fell upon the weaving maze of gardens.
She tried to hold back a sigh, at the beauty outside of the train. The man who had escorted her waved her on silently, motioning for her to stand and follow before he walked out of the compartment.
Katniss stood from her seat brushing any wrinkles from her dress before walking out the compartment to join the attendant. The fresh smell of flowers washed over her as a gust of wind wrapped itself around her body causing the hem of her dress to rise slightly.
Her hand unconsciously went to the fabric as she held it to her thigh, her fingers hooking into the material. The man motioned to her side, where she could already hear approaching footsteps, turning she could see Darius closing the gap between them.
Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress as he drew nearer, a genuine smile playing at his lips. He motioned to the attendant signaling for him to take his leave before reaching out to Katniss his palm upturned.
His voice was soft and calm," I hope you weren't alarmed by how unannounced your visit has been," his fingers curled over her hand, the tips brushing against the skin of her thigh," I wouldn't want the occasion to be spoiled."
Katniss reluctantly allowed Darius to lead her further into the garden, the array of scents and color almost over powered her senses as they made their way past massive fountains and curved vines which weaved through flowers she had never seen before.
Every sight seemed like something out of her book, a far off place with magic and true beauty. Darius's hand was soft and warm as they walked through the garden in silence, she enjoyed his company.
It was different than when she was with Peeta, she didn't feel the same tingly sensations with Darius, but he did help ease her anxiety, and she decided that at least he didn't make her feel threatened.
Her voice rung out surprisingly loud in the maze of the garden as they rounded another corner," Where are we exactly?"
She could hear a laugh come from his lips before he spoke," It's my family's garden."
Katniss looked around her eyes wide," This is all your family's land?"
Darius laughed out loud," This isn't even half of our land, but this side of the garden is my favorite. I would play in here for hours when I was a boy. It made think of something out of one my books, where the hero would battle dragons and other evil beasts."
Katniss ducked her head, her cheeks blushing," I was actually thinking that this place reminded me of a book, I have. There's fairies, a brave prince, and magical beasts. The book always made me feel safe. Maybe because it was world that had rules and the things that happened made sense."
Darius stopped walking causing Katniss to crash into him her mind somewhere else, he laughed lightly as he caught her in his arms helping her stay upright.
Katniss' free hand landed at his chest, her fingers pressing against the silk of his button up shirt. His chest wasn't as defined as Peeta's, but she was surprised how muscular he was for someone who seemed as lean as he did.
She looked up to his face, his green eyes bright surrounded by the color of the garden.
He smiled softly as he held onto her," I keep finding myself more and more fascinated by the way your mind words. I'm marveled by it."
Katniss stood up fully pulling from his grasp and removing her hand from his chest, her cheeks blushing," Thank you, Lord. I take it there aren't many maidens who favor the written word."
Darius laughed," Not many if any, other than yourself of course. I think most learn for the sole purpose of being able to see how many jewels they'll be receiving when their union is brokered. Intellect is seen as a trivial thing to most Capitol borns."
Katniss eyed him for a second," But not to you?"
Darius shook his head slowly," No. I see it as something to be favored, I think it's one of the reasons why I like you so much. I know that if you and I were to be together it could be based on something more than my wealth."
Katniss watched him slowly," Darius, I hope I haven't given you the wrong impression-"
Darius stepped forward taking her hands in his," Katniss I can build a very comfortable life for you here, where you'll never have to want for anything. You'll never have to struggle or suffer, you can feel safe with me."
Katniss' feet shifted as her palms began to sweat," Darius, I-"
He smiled wide, his green eyes bright," We can also build a solid union together, Katniss. One where Capitol and district borns can unite and create new generations."
Katniss tried to fight back the tears," But what about love and passion? Aren't they important as well?"
He shook his head, amused by her naïvete," Katniss those things are something from your books and are fleeting, but loyalty and strength are long lasting," he squeezed her hands," I do care for you, and I want to give you the life you deserve."
Katniss began to feel sick, she willed her body to stop shaking, as Darius held onto her," I don't know what to say."
Darius ducked his head as he released one of her hands to fish in his pocket," I do appreciate your honesty," he pulled his hand free revealing a large diamond in a gold setting," Katniss I want you to have this, to show others of our engagement and ultimately our union."
Katniss stood frozen as she watched him slip the ring onto her finger, the diamond rolled to its side lying against her other finger," I suppose we'll have to get it fitted."
She watched him closely as he bent down kissing her hand gently, before standing up to push her hair behind her ears. Katniss could hear a voice in her head telling her run, to flee as far as she could, but she knew that things weren't that simple. She mutely followed Darius over to one of the fountains, sitting down beside him, as an over powering need came over her.
The image of a light haired man with broad shoulders came into her mind, he was the one she was supposed to be engaged to. She wanted passion, not just loyalty and understanding. Above else, Katniss wanted Peeta.
The manor feels foreign as he steps through the door, his legs heavy from the emotional burden he's been carrying for most of the day.
After he had been returned to the district after brokering the engagement, he had slowly walked back to the manor, his body resistant.
He knew what was waiting for him there, he neither wanted to meet the judgmental eyes of Hazelle or the inevitable emptiness of her room.
Peeta could now understand Haymitch's choice to be left alone in his pain and grief, it was easier to wallow without spectators. When the manor came into view he stopped short, his legs sinking into the newly created mud, with a sigh he turned to his right making his way to the tree line instead.
He knew that the woods would remind him of her, but it was the only place outside of the manor where he could find a little peace.
When Peeta finally made it to the edge of the trees where he normally would settle in, he instead kept walking, deciding to explore the uncharted area of the district.
It wasn't something he had done since first arriving to the manor years before, but he felt lost, and perhaps the best way to become found was to be lost.
The air was crisp and his tailored pants ripped at the seams as twigs and branches from nearby trees snagged on the stitching, and for the first time in awhile he couldn't care less about his appearance.
He had rolled the sleeves of his dress shirt up to the elbows, the top three buttons undone, as sweat darkened the material at his chest, back, and underneath his arms.
The product had long sweated out of his dirty blonde hair, his bangs now falling freely over his forehead, tickling the skin below his ears. His legs had begun to falter in their steps as he ventured further into the forest.
He could feel the energy drain from his body, but the intense need to walk was more overpowering than any physical need could be.
Peeta could feel the temperature begin to drop with the departing sun, causing him to finally stop. He fell against a tree, his nails clawing into the bark for leverage.
His breathing was forced and staggered as he tried to catch his breath, the miles of hiking underneath the heat of the sun finally taking its toll on him.
Peeta took in one more heavy breath, the air stinging his raw throat, before let go of the tree, turning to head back up to the manor.
When he finally made it out of the woods, the sun had long set, the moon fully presented in the sky above, casting its light onto his slumping shoulders.
He could feel his legs dragging behind him as he reached the porch using the banister as leverage to keep upright. His palms were sensitive from the scratches he received by hanging onto the bark of the tree, Peeta winced when the old wood of the porch banister slid against the raw skin.
He was more than pleased when he reached the door and noticed the lack of light, he'd rather not have anyone see him in his current state, absolutely broken and fighting for every inch.
The air in the manor was warmer than outside due to the lack of breeze, as he made his way up the stairs in the foyer, ascending up to his room.
He didn't try to sneak a glance towards her room when he made it to the top step, instead he turned towards his room leaving behind the taunting room.
Peeta nearly collapsed against his door when he began to turn the knob to open it, his body lacking any energy.
The wood creaked loudly filling the quiet hallway, as he stepped over the threshold, his shoes caked with mud, leaves, twigs and other things found on the forest floor.
Peeta nearly fell over when he saw her sitting on the edge of his bed, her hands placed on her face as she slumped over.
Her dark hair cascaded around her body like a dark curtain, her spine curved. She isn't aware of his presence until a board creaked underneath his heavy legs.
Peeta stopped short, as she turned to him her eyes rimmed red, presumably from crying, strands of her dark hair had begun to stick to her flushed cheeks.
Katniss inhaled a strangled breath as she took in his current state, he too looks just as lost as she feels.
Her voice filled the room sounding more fragile than she would have liked," Where have you been? I've been worried about you."
Peeta could feel his own tears begin to well up as he watched her," I was out," he reached for the remaining fastened buttons undoing each one before shrugging the shirt off, the top half of his body now bare," it's no big deal. I just needed to think."
Katniss turned to follow his movements as he rounded the bed to sit on the opposite side of her," I was worried about you."
Peeta's back was now to her as he gritted his teeth trying to come off as indifferent, while he took his shoes off," You didn't need to be, I was fine on my own."
Katniss laughed off his odd behavior," That's not the point, it was just strange to not know where you were," Katniss turned the ring on her finger," besides I've been needing to talk to you about something. I've been waiting for hours for you to come back."
Peeta threw the remaining shoe onto the wooden floorboard, before turning to her his eyes landing on the ring," Oh you mean your engagement," Peeta looked up to her face her brow furrowed," Congratulations."
Katniss shook her head clearly confused," Wait! What?"
Peeta plastered on a fake smile his voice upbeat, as he motioned to her ring," Lord Darius has been sought after by a lot of handmaidens, he's what you would call ungettable, and clearly you were able to achieve something many could not… so congratulations."
Katniss closed her eyes trying to gain a grasp on the situation," You are joking? Right?"
Peeta shrugged, as he settled his body onto the mattress," Why would I?"
"Peeta, Lord Darius wants to build a union with me, and you have no objections to this?"
Peeta stretched his arms out, trying to seem calm as his tears threatened to strangle him," Why would I? I am the one that brokered it today with his parents," Peeta tried to ignore the look of betrayal etched on her features," Isn't that why you stayed, Katniss? To find a suitor and hopefully have a life where you wouldn't have to live on the streets? Or do you prefer to live underneath the city like vermin?"
Katniss narrowed her eyes at him her tears spilling over as she fisted the blanket underneath her," You had no right!"
Peeta could feel his own emotions spilling over," I had every right! I'm the Companion, you're my handmaiden, it is my right to broker anything I chose."
Katniss shook her head causing dark curls to fall around her face," No! You did this out of fear not some deranged sense of duty."
Peeta felt sick as the bile rose up in his throat," Fear? Oh are you referring to our recent activities," Peeta tilted his head to the side," Katniss it is only sex, you should learn now it's nothing important. Don't be a clueless child."
Katniss scooted off of the bed," This isn't you."
"Maybe it always was and you were too far involved in your story book to notice."
Katniss nodded," Perhaps you're right. I guess all along you were really the dragon and not the hero."
Peeta watched as she turned on her heel, running towards the door to slam it behind her.
The echo made him shake as he fell to the mattress completely, his body shaking with grief.
It would be easier for her if she hated him, he needed to erase any affection she had for him, so she could truly let go. Peeta decided that he could grieve for their loss on his own, he owed her that much.
A/N: I hope everyone is still enjoying this story. There's only a few more chapters left of this story, I'm hoping to have it all written within the next few weeks. Please remember to review.
Stace