Hi All, I've been busy I hope you all enjoy this chapter...it all Everlark as we love them to be, together, fighting for what they believe. It's unbeta'd but I'm posting well past my bed time...so let me know how I did.
Thank you for all of the support and lovely messages. Please review...
PS...I do not own the hunger games...
Katniss sighed as she rested on top of Peeta's chest momentarily. Her lashes slid closed her lips forming a small smile. Her arms were loosely wound around his expansive chest. His scent wafted around her like a warm blanket. He smelled like vanilla and cinnamon, but it was not a flowery girly aroma like the mermaids sported, it was a warm spicy masculine fragrance that greatly appealed to her. The slight sound of his heartbeat underneath his ribcage lulled her with contentment. Her mind committed all these things to memory so that she could study them with fondness later on.
She held no regrets about leaving her life as the Pan behind. With every passing second here, her former life felt a million miles away. Happily she listened to him speak about the future. He wanted to marry her.
He wanted when a life with her.
These were the things she desired. The things she chose for herself, hearing them reciprocated by him was beyond luck, it was a miracle. The timber of his voice vibrated through the timbers of her bones. He spoke of showing her London and perhaps when they were older they could go see the Continent and countries abroad. Peeta wanted to give her the world and a home. Katniss snuggled deeper into his arms. His hand gently traveled up and down her spine, and the excitement of his touch caused her to feel a thousand prickling needles on her skin. This was the place her heart and restless spirit belonged in, he was her home.
"You're going to have to learn how to read, but I am sure will not mind providing you the best education for you and your friends."
Katniss blinked at the mentioning of friends in the rush to get to Peeta's side she forgot about Finnick and Annie, they were still on the roof. She sat up from his arms looking down at his puzzled face, "Peeta can we get my friends now?"
"Are they in Never Island?"
"No they are on the roof." Katniss pointed up, giving him a lopsided look. She felt bad for forgetting about them.
"By Jove Katniss why didn't you tell me?" Peeta sat up quickly and sprang from the bed.
Katniss watched him take his pants. She blushed and quickly closed her eyes as he put his pants on. When she cracked open her lash she saw he was cramming his feet into his boots.
"Well come on Katniss, we can not leave them up there," Peeta extended his hand toward her. Normally this situation was highly improper.
Peeta watched her innocently place her hand in his. Tonight he would forgo society and its conventions. In the morning he could not openly address her as his friend or prospective intended. During those future times he had to wane his fervor for her and treat her as unheard of acquaintance. From that moment forward he had to withhold his longing for her company at bay. Every action, every spoken word between them would be scrutinized.
As it was the situation they were in was highly improper. Young women were not allowed in a man's bedroom unless they were married. Open displays of affection were not permitted, it was something done in private behind closed doors.
Society was far too frigid for some as uncommon as Katniss. Where she came from the rules were different, life was dissimilar. Katniss was raised to be uninhabited more dangerous, unfettered and he loved her for it. The island demanded for the dictates of polite society to be left behind in order to survive. It was up to him to come with a way to make sure Katniss understood the world she was stepping into.
He greedily grip her hand, and decided to hold her as close as he could until it was unacceptable for him to do so.
Katniss was tugged from the bed.
"Now try to be as silent as possible Katniss." Peeta spoke to her in hushed tones.
Katniss raised an eyebrow at his mocking comment. "If I recall correctly you're the one who sounds like a heard of elephants even when we are not trying to be quiet."
"Now is not time to discuss such things," Peeta grinned back at her as he carefully opened the door to his room. He was lucky his parents were not light sleepers. Peeta was the one who always took care of Prim. He looked down the hallway, briefly listening for any signs of life there still could be servants lingering about.
Seeing none, he looked behind him at Katniss and flashed her, a brief smile, squeezing her hand before they slipped into the darkened hallway.
The house was at least three stories high, his parents slept on the second floor, the three servants they had were lodged on the first floor. The third floor was his and Prims; there were other doors but one was locked tight, it was once his older brother's room. Out of respect for his older brother Peeta elected to occupy his old Nanny's room. It seemed like it was such a long time ago, he was in Never Land making that crucial decision to return back home, to help care for Primrose.
When he returned back from his adventure, what he had not counted on was becoming so attached to Katniss. The bond they shared was so intense it took him nearly three years to realize it was love. At the time he was a young boy who did not understand what was going on in the interior of his soul. All he grasped was the great ferocity in which he missed Katniss. It was a tragedy, when he finally comprehended the root of his intense sentiments, a love that would remain unfulfilled. He could never be with the one person he desired to be his wife, could never hold her, kiss her or see her. He pretended her dead, but it did not quell the ache in his soul for his other half. Peeta resigned to live the life of a bachelor.
To have her here with him was nearly surreal.
Waking up and finding Katniss attempting to kiss him exceeded his wildest dreams. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest when she told him she wanted to stay with him. The only way he was going to let go of her was if she elected to leave him. He felt her grip his hand as he walked down the hall slowly.
Pausing mid-step they gazed at each other. Peeta held the candle up high above Katniss head. Her eyes were wide as she looked at the massive painting before her.
Katniss stopped walking the moment she saw the work of art, she was so curious about the interior of his home she examined everything she saw. She had not been inside anyone's home since she brought Gale to Never Island. She was taking in all of the things that were different from the last time. Gale's home was really a hovel, with a thatch roof. The way people lived always fascinated her but she had never dared to go inside their homes.
This was the first time she had been allowed to enter someone's home, with adults in it. She knew what children's rooms looked like because she was always peering into their windows. She had experienced the inside of the bakery, a tree, a cave, a mountain, and once on a dare inside of a volcano, but this by far was vastly far more interesting. She wondered why they had a table in the middle of the walkway with nothing on it. It was all too strange, but she liked it all.
His home was elegant like the inside of Old Snow's cabin. The walls were a rich panel and grand paintings hung from them. She came to a complete stop in front of a massive painting of her former home. Her hands reached up to touch the painting.
The island was wildly beautiful. With lush green vegetation and had a dangerous edge to it, but it was painted with such movement it seemed all too real. Katniss gasped at the accuracy of the small ship anchored off the shore. Only someone with intimate knowledge could have captured the islands raw beauty.
"I painted that."
Her eyes shot to his.
"After I made my choice I could not get the island or the things I saw or did out of my mind. I was constantly drawing them, everywhere. My father saw my sketches and gifted me a set of oils. My mother was not too happy."
"Surely she understood you are most talented."
"Of course, she was upset but a lady from her society group happened to see my painting and was most astonished. She commissioned me to paint her portrait. Ever since them my mother has not minded my art."
Katniss face showed her astonishment, she was in awe of his talent. Her fingers carefully touched his hands. They were not soft hands; they were calloused large hands of a boy who was becoming a man. There were a lot of things she did not know about him, but Katniss wanted to discover them all. She saw in his eyes greatness.
There were degrees of greatness there were leaders, men and women who could united great quantities of people for the greater good. You had the inventors, painters, achievers destined to change the way a generation think, act, perceive, and live on a global scale. Then there were the golden praiseworthy individuals that changed the outcomes in the annals of history. Finally but not least came the great notables that were quiet and often forgotten. They affected not in the masses but on the singular person. This was her Peeta the unsung hero that lived a life of greatness, a beautiful quiet gentle boy who changed her life for the better.
She was excited about the changes that were surly going to happen in her world. Katniss understood that come the morning she had to adapt to his world to be able to fit into his life. That meant acting like a proper girl. Katniss had no idea how she was to accomplish this but to have the chance to form a family, bear children with him, she was wiling to make the sacrifice. This all came down to choices and he was her choice. She knew very well Peeta would never ask her to stay with him, he would never forcer her to do something she did not want to do or was not ready for.
He had not done this, three years prior and he would not do it now. She leaned toward him and gently pressed her mouth to his hands. A sweet blush appeared on the apples of her cheeks.
"I want our home filled with your art."
When we marry, Katniss, I shall paint whatever your heart's desire."
They smiled, exchanging soft promising looks.
They were childhood friends, allies, victors against Snow, and soon to be affianced who would one day become lovers. They had a life time ahead of them to explore and grow. Each one had the guaranteed right to their own paths but preferring to travel life's road together. Hand in hand they left the painting behind unknowing its primeval labyrinth would soon beckon them back to its shores for one last adventure.
Katniss shivered as Peeta opened the attic door. Peeta looked behind him sensing her change in mood.
"Are you alright?"
"Peeta it's cold."
"You're not used to the climate here it tends to be cool at night."
"Oh," Katniss breathed but she was not sure about his explanation. It felt damp, as if they were near the sea.
"Come the window that leads to the roof is this way." Peeta coaxed.
Together they crept up the rickety stairs slowly to into the dark space. The only light came from the luminous light of the moon that shown directly into the room. Layers of Mellark family history was contained in this attic.
The room contained crates that contained all sorts of fantastic items. Katniss delighted in looking at one of the boxes that had a dress made of the softest material.
"One day you'll be able to wear that."
"Really," Katniss was hopeful.
It was quiet the turn that for years she laughed at women and their fantastical costumes that they paraded in and now she desired to fit into one just to appease Peeta. She wanted to see that look in him that men held when the beheld their loves dressed in such a frock.
"Yes you'll look quite fetching," he spoke his blue gaze a steady stream of warmth and care.
She lowered her head, things within her were like a gentle storm and all because of him, her pulse quickened, her cheeks bloomed with tint at his look.
"Come your friends must be cold."
Hand in hand Peeta led Katniss to the window. The large window was beautifully arched with wonderful carved reliefs of wild creatures on the casing on either side. They were beasts and a jungle so deep that it looked like it went on forever.
Peeta unlatched the window and pushed it open unto the balcony together they crawled up onto the roof. The Mellark's had one of the tallest houses in the row of homes that lined the street, the roof was a nearly flat one with several large chimneys protruding from the surface.
Katniss frowned staring at the carvings. "Peeta?"
Peeta looked to her.
"When were these made?" Katniss questioned.
"My great grandfather made these, this house belonged to him. This was his room."
Katniss uttered, "Your great grandfather?"
"Yes he was an explorer. Believe it or not my ancestors are descendants of bakers."
"Oh," Katniss nodded.
"My great grandfather was a different man. He was the one who told my grandfather stories about you."
"What was his name?"
"Donald."
"I never met a Donald but I did know a Donnie, we had great fun together, I brought him to visit the Lost Boys and me a lot of times."
"That was his nick name."
Katniss recalled a small dark red haired boy with intense blue eyes. He was a sweet boy, he was adventurous and she knew after the last time, he would outgrow the fun he had with her. "Oh Peeta I knew your great grandfather!"
"He would have been tickled pink that you asked me to be a Lost Boy, he told my grandfather he always wanted a Mellark to be a Lost Boy."
"He was sweet but I knew he had a restless spirit, his destiny was not with us."
"You're right. His father was a baker they lived in the bakery next door in the upstairs section. My great grandfather explored the world. When he came back he settled down to build the business."
"That's nice to hear that he fulfilled his dreams. How did your family end up here?"
"My Great Grandfather Donnie, he built this place, he had triplets with his wife Delly the first time out. As his family expanded the house grew bigger. This is one of the few houses with balconies. He made a spot for where you could come easily."
"What happened to your family bakery?"
"My grandfather sold the bakery to Mag's husband, when my father married my mother. He wanted for my father to have a different life, my father is a great councilman but I think he misses the bakery."
"So you work in the bakery that once belonged to your family?"
"Yeah and I love it."
"Will I have to work in the bakery?"
"Not if you don't want to." Peeta cupped her cheek and kissed her.
Katniss sighed at the taste of his lips and of the moistness of mouth. She preferred this type of kissing.
"Let's go et your friends they must be chilled to the bone outside."
Katniss nodded together they walked out to the balcony and climbed out onto the roof.
"Where are they?"
"This way," Katniss led them toward the spot.
It was dark and the brick stacks caused shadows on the roof. Katniss could hear the crunch of Peeta's slippers as he walked behind her. She was sure Finnick and Annie could hear them coming.
"Finnick, its okay to come out it's me," Katniss paused. The wind was strong tonight.
From the shadow emerged two figures one was dressed in gown the other in pants and suspenders. The taller of the two was surprisingly a good looking lad, one he had never seen before.
"Katniss, we were getting worried." Finnick said quietly as he and Annie stepped forward.
"Sorry," Katniss blushed then placed her head on Peeta's neck. The act alone caused Peeta to wind his arm around Katniss.
Finnick raised an eyebrow at the action.
"Finnick, this is Peeta," Katniss introduced.
There was a moment when both boys sized themselves out. It was a silent thing, and Annie the girl with the long brownish hair smiled slightly.
Finnick took a good look at the boy that made Katniss leave Never Land for. He was strong with broad shoulders even though he was not a man yet. His face was full of youthful vigor. Yet there was this aurora of honesty about him, something good that seeped out of him, and when he saw the way he protected Katniss, even though she needed no protection Finnick saw that the lad loved Katniss for who she was and would never try to dampen her spirit.
"A pleasure, this feisty one here is my Annie."
Peeta heard the way Finnick spoke. "You're Irish?"
"Yes Annie and I are."
Peeta turned his head toward the girl. "A pleasure indeed, welcome to me home."
"Peeta we should get inside." Katniss uttered.
"She's right come, you can stay in my attic and in the morning I'll sneak you over to Mag's."
"Who is Mag's?" Annie whispered. She was so confused she didn't understand how or why she was on top of a roof. Her last memory was falling asleep in the orphanage. Finnick told her a tale of a girl from who could fly and of a fairy but Annie was not sure to believe. However the blond stalwart boy in front of her looked trustworthy.
"Mags, was the widow of a wealthy Nobel who came to Scotland to live out the rest of her years. She and her husband never had children. Her husband and my family go way back. Once I explain your story she'll take you all in. She lives in the next to ours." Peeta pointed to the larger house next to the one they were standing in.
The house next door was lovely. Even in the dark it looked quaint and peaceful.
Finnick nodded.
"Come this way," Peeta pointed the way back to the attic. Katniss hung back the wind smelled different.
She could see the clouds slowly gathering. It felt as if a storm was going to erupt. As she climbed down, Peeta was there waiting for her. "Peeta a storm is coming."
Peeta barely had time to nod as a clap of thunder resonated in the air.
"Come on, inside with you." Peeta tugged her inside and closed the window.
The storm outside intensified.
"There is a bed over here," Peeta said removing the covering over the bed. "I apologize, for the dust. The mattress is in good condition all we need are some sheets."
"Annie and I have slept in worse conditions."
"Here I found some blankets." Katniss offered pulling out sheets and some other bed items.
The rain began to fall and it was loud. It hit the window pain at such an angry angle that it nearly drowned their conversation. Peeta stood by her his hand on her shoulder. Katniss glanced up at him, nodding to let him know she was alright.
It grew dark and Peeta lit up the candle he and Katniss used to get here.
"Katniss and I are in the floor directly below, I'll leave the door slightly ajar, if you need anything."
Katniss stared toward the balcony once more as thunder ripped through the heavens. All four of them stood paralyzed. Annie sought Finnick's side. Her hands pressed against her ears. Finnick comforted her the best way he could by speaking to her in hushed tones. The wind caused the house to moan and groan as it whipped around the house.
More thunder roared in the atmosphere. The storm's intensity almost seemed unnatural. It was then they heard it the blood curdling scream, coming from below before it became silent.
"Prim," Peeta whispered just before he ran down the stairs.
Katniss ran to the balcony. She tore open the window, her heart racing. The torrential rain fell on her face, wetting her hair, her clothing causing her to wipe her face. Katniss gasped as she witnessed in the distance Captain Snow's ship rapidly make its getaway.
