Hey Everybody! So sorry about the update being a day late! I had musical auditions last night and wasn't home until late, so I hated to update so late in the day! This chapter is leading up into a lot of big events happening, this is the last chapter leading up and into the action and climax(s) of this fanfiction! You guys are so amazing! Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and favoriting! You guys light up my world! Here's today's chapter!

I wiggle only an inch and already I feel his hand stroke my hair.
"Morning Kat."
"Hi."
I close my eyes in complete happiness and realize fumbling over my words, and living in fear of rejection last night has paid off. I'm beside Peeta, and something rises in my stomach, rather it's hope or something more…I'm not sure, but right here, right now. I don't even care about anything but Peeta, and soaking up every moment of happiness possible in this moment. I lay there completely content for a few minutes before I hear a knock at the door. I swing my feet over the edge of the bed, and hobble to the doorway.
"Here let me answer it, if it's the paparazzi I-"
"No. Stay here. The last thing we need is a picture of that, on Ceaser's morning show." I gesture towards his hair with a slight laugh. His hand flies up and tries to smooth the rest of hair down. I jog to the door and I'm greeted by Haymitch's face. But instead of the drunken features I have come to know I see him holding some geese by their feet. Before I can access the whole picture of what is on my doorstep I'm being shoved aside by Haymitch. The same horrifying flashes go off, and I let out a quick squeal. Several microphones are shoved into my face and about eight reporters fall over one another to catch every single breath I take.
"Mockingjay! Is it true Peeta's changed?"
"Girl on fire, is it true you and Mellark are getting married today?"
"Is it true that Peeta killed that reporter?"
"Do you not fear those mood swings?"
"Mockingjay! Can you explain exactly what's wrong with Peeta?"
The confusion is apparently obvious on my face, because they all stare at each other for a moment. My face falls and I can't help when I grab a reporter by the collar, "How did you know about…the reporter?" My stomach is turning and I feel the air leave my lungs. I feel a hand grab my shirt and pull me back into the house. The door is slammed shut and Peeta comes running out of the bedroom, his blue eyes are filled with fear and confusion. I stomp over to him and push his chest, "What are all of those reporters outside talking about! Is that what you weren't telling me about last night?" His eyes look around the room in confusion and fear. "Answer me Mellark or I swear today will be your last day!"….

His hand extends out and he tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear. I smack his hand till it falls to his side. Any trust that has been built is beginning to dissolve into the winter air.

"Don't touch me!"
"Katniss, can I at least explain-" He takes a step towards me and I push him back several paces.
"Kat…please…" He pulls me against his body and the heart beat that acted as a lullaby last night has turned into a feeling of regret in trust, and anger. I slam my foot onto his, as hard as I can. He lets out some kind of squeak from slightly the pain, I then knee him in a place I know must have hurt. He crouches over in complete pain and just looks up at me in disbelief. My grey eyes see right through his blue ones. I don't feel anything for him. The fact that he can lie to me and keep me in the dark without any sort of apology is unforgivable. Peeta again half reaches his arm out, before I can hit him again, Haymitch intervenes and pushes us apart. I land on my bottom and knock my head against the wall. I feel dizzy and if it weren't for the geese approaching quickly, I wouldn't have stood up so fast. The world is spinning and I grasp onto Haymitch's shoulder for support. He picks me up and throws me onto the couch. He motions for Peeta to join me; I sit up quickly so he can't touch me again. His blue eyes are filled with sadness, and he awkwardly sits on the opposite side of the couch.

"Now would you two like to tell me what the hell is wrong, and what got those reporters all fired up?"
Me and Peeta remain silent for a long time. I know that they had pictures of "the star crossed lovers" but that should have held them off for several more weeks, if anything.
That's when it occurs me it's all Peeta's fault. There is something he's not telling me. Something that is affecting my everyday life. And I'm not going to stand for it! I jump to my unsteady legs and stand by Peeta.
"You're the reason that I can't start to heal! Now you're going to tell me what made you so worried last night. It's not just affecting you. It's ruining my life too!" As much anger as there is bubbling in me, tears begin forming into my eyes. I squeeze them tight to prevent any signs of crying that was evident on my face. When I open my eyes Peeta is on the verge of crying as well. But he doesn't try to hide it. I scowl and take my seat once again. Despite my udder hatred for him right now, I don't necessarily want him to hate his life any more than he has to. Before I can sit down Haymitch shoves me down.
"As I was saying…before that big Mockingjay mouth of yours opened…What got the paparazzi so close on your tails?"
"I don't know…the boy over there didn't even tell me last night."
"Kat-"
"Just shut your-"
"That's enough out of you two! That is not the issue. Now Peeta, what is this that I hear about you killing some reporter?"
"I-I-I didn't kill him. Physically handicapped maybe…but I didn't kill him. I swear I didn't." Peeta keeps his usual steady voice and just speaks what I know is the truth. Of course that doesn't mean I'll back him up.
"Is what the boy saying true?" Haymitch's grey eyes meet mine, and something about them makes it impossible for me to avoid eye contact any further.
"I think."
"Back to two word sentences, are we?" I feel the frown growing wider on my face, and I just look back at Haymitch with a blank expression.
"Shut up."
"Haymitch…I-I was protecting Katniss. Let them blame me. Not her."
"Well according to Ceaser's show last night…you're both wanted for an interview in the capital. Mr. and Mrs. Mellark." I try to ignore the Mellark part and go fourth with the question for interviews.

"Haymitch, what do you mean we are wanted? For the record that was seven words."
"Ha ha. Funny. And you saw the broadcast. They don't want Mockingjay or the beloved Peeta Mellark. They want the star crossed lovers…and they won't stop until they get it."
I think everything over, and try to think of any alternative. There isn't one. Any way I work it, I have to do an interview.
"I'm going to go call Plutarch." I grab Haymitch's arm before he can walk away,
"I swear if you call him you can't expect star crossed lovers to make their reappearance."
"Sure sweetheart."
Haymitch walks back down the hallway and into my spare room with the phone. I hear the door click shut, it takes several minutes for what I had been dreading to happen. Mellark opens his mouth.

"Katniss…I'm sorry. I thought I was going what would be best for you…and us."
"Peeta…I-"
"No. Look I want you to know, after this interview. I'll stay out of your life."
Before I can say anything else Haymitch is barreling into the living room.
"Plutarch is going to be here in-"
"Where's my favorite star crossed lovers?" Plutarch's repulsive face prances right into my living room. He sits down in a chair and he looks me and Peeta over. After the incident of the news last night, there isn't one part of me that trusts him.
"You two ready to hop back into the spotlight?"
"No."
"Oh well…All I'm asking is one interview. One little interview, and I'll leave you alone."
"Just one?" Peeta has the most serious and skeptical look I've ever seen his face hold.
"Well one interview is all that they need of the star crossed lovers. After all they really haven't heard much from you since coming back to twelve."
"We are not the star crossed lovers!" I jump to my feet and glare him in the eyes.
"Kid, give the capital people what they want. They'll stop sending me messages for reports on you. Simple as that."
"We'll do it." Peeta leans forward and shakes Plutarch's hand. My jaw drops in the betrayal laid upon me. I hate you forever Peeta Mellark. Peeta leans over to me and whispers in my ear. "I'm going to medal in your life one last time. For one last interview." I decide not to do anything now. But when that boy is least expecting it, he can expect and arrow through the head. Plutarch slaps his knees in what he wants to try and pass as excitement.
"Now come on you two!" I unsteadily rise to my feet and am pulled to the door by Haymitch.
"Smiles everyone."
Peeta reaches out and grabs my hand. I dig my nails into it. He winces a little in pain, which sends a bit of satisfaction through me. "Knock it off you two." Haymitch shoves my shoulder, and I try to hide the scowl written on my face, because that's when the door swings open. Peeta whispers to me,
"one last time." Plutarch raises his arms and lets out a sickening laugh.

"Make way for the star crossed lovers!"….

Hey guys! What did you think about today's chapter? Hate it? Love it? Let me know, in the reviews below! I will be trying to send out previews asap! Please forgive me for being so scatter minded these days! School, musical, and writing is getting pretty crazy! I love you guys! Hehehe I'll talk to you all soon!

Stay wonderful,

~Freezethemoment 3