Fair Warning: This Chapter contains two graphic sexual scenes. You've been notified.
Early The Next Morning. Four Days Until The Quell Reaping.
My mind starts to recover from the darkness. All I can hear is a steady beep-beep-beep. I can feel that I am lying in a small bed, and it's certainly not my own. The sheets remind me of the starchy feel of the sheets at the Healer's.
The next thing I register is a pair of lips kissing my forehead. I am confused, because they don't feel like my husband's at all. His kisses are tender and loving. This was forceful and possessive.
I feel my left hand covered by two big, rough, calloused hands. Now I'm sure whoever is sitting with me isn't Peeta.
But I have a fairly good idea who it is.
I steel my nerves and crack my eyes open. I'm right.
It's Gale.
He sees my eyes open and his face lights up.
"Catnip! You're awake!" He smiles.
The first thing I do is rip my hand from his. As soon as I have it back, I instinctively know that my ring finger is missing my wedding band. I know exactly what the weight of it feels like, and my finger feels naked without it.
"Where is my wedding ring?" I hiss, not even looking at him.
"I took it off," he says casually. "You don't need it anymore." I hear the giddiness in his voice. What the hell is going on?
"Where am I?" I demand.
He sighs.
"In the hospital in 13," he explains.
"What happened? Last thing I remember is the Arena. I was running, trying to get to…Peeta! Where's my husband Gale!?"
"It's okay, Catnip," he tries to put his hand on my shoulder. I swat him away violently. He looks hurt, and I could care less.
"I thought you were in prison," I snap.
"District 13 got me out," he says proudly. "I was on one of their hovercrafts that attacked the Arena. As we were cleaning up, I saw you running after Peeta. He was being dragged by two Capitol soldiers. I couldn't let you go after him, so I grabbed you and knocked you out. Then I took you here. Don't you see, Catnip, now we can be together, just like we both want!"
"You did WHAT!?" I stare at him with undisguised venom.
He just shrugs, and I'm almost ready to kill him.
"You don't have to pretend anymore, Catnip," he says quietly.
"I told you never to call me that again," I yell. "And I wasn't pretending, you idiot. I'm married to Peeta. I love him. Not you. Get the fuck out of my room."
"Don't be like that," he smiles.
"Where are my children, Gale?" I snarl.
"Don't worry about them," he shrugs again.
I slap him hard across the face.
"WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN!?" I scream.
Just then, the door to my room opens, and I can't believe the sight in front of me.
It's Scarlet and Sarah, and they're each holding one of my babies.
"Hey there Catpiss," Scarlet smiles. "Thanks for the baby. I'll be adopting little Eve here. I think I'll rename her Jewel."
"Thanks, Katniss," Sarah grins. "I told you I'd get to you one day. Now I've taken your child. What are you going to do about it, bitch?"
I look at both of them, and, in a quiet, steely voice, tell them.
"When I get out of this bed, I'm going to kill both of you. If even one hair on either of my children's heads is out of place, I'll make it as painful as possible."
They just laugh and exit the room.
"What the fuck, Gale? How dare you!"
"Oh, Catnip. I knew you never wanted kids, so I helped you out by putting them up for adoption."
"How can you even do that?" I yell. "They're mine and Peeta's children!
"This is how," he grins sadistically.
He reaches over to the nightstand and grabs a small folder. He hands it to me and I open it. When I read the top, I've never wanted to kill anyone more in my life.
It reads, "Application for Dissolution of Marital Contract".
I skim the page, and find the 'reasons' for the filing. It reads, 'spousal abuse, incest, rape, infidelity', all apparently on Peeta's part.
I take a deep breath. I quickly start running through scenarios in my head. After a few moments, I know exactly what I have to do.
"Do you have a pen?" I ask gently.
He's beaming now, sure that he's finally going to get me to himself.
He reaches into a pocket and hands me a metal pen. I stick the back of it in my mouth while I pretend to read the fine print.
Next thing I'm doing is ripping the divorce papers to shreds. He looks stunned and shocked. When they're in a thousand pieces, I throw them in his face.
He uses his left hand to wipe some scraps off his face, and his right hand is resting on the bed. Here's my chance.
I quickly grab the pen out of my mouth, and with all the hate and strength in my heart, I stab it through the top of his hand. It goes deep, and I can already see blood pouring out of the wound. I shove it deeper before I remove it.
He screams in pain and his left hand goes to cover the wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood. I don't waste the opportunity.
I quickly get to my knees and turn my body so I'm half behind him. I grip his chin with my left hand and jerk back, giving me access to his neck. With my right hand, I put the pen against his skin.
"If I move one inch, this will pierce your jugular. You'll be dead in minutes," I whisper.
"Catnip, stop," he whimpers.
"Shut up," I hiss. "You're going to answer my questions now. Do you understand?"
He doesn't answer, so I press the tip of the pen harder into his neck.
"Yes," he mumbles.
"Good. First, where is my wedding ring?"
"In my pocket," he says quietly.
"Use your left hand and give it to me."
He removes his left hand from his right, and I can see it covered in blood. Good. He reaches into his pocket and grabs my ring.
"Put it on the bed," I instruct him. I can't move either one of my hands or else he might be able to escape me.
"Second, where is my husband?"
"Capitol," he ekes out.
I know that I have to get him back, but I can't worry about that right this minute. I have more pressing issues to deal with. Like killing Gale and getting my kids back.
"Third, give me one good reason I shouldn't open your neck right now and watch you as you die."
"You love me," he tries.
I let out a strong belly laugh, and eventually get myself under control.
"You really have gone insane, haven't you? I never loved you Gale, not for a second. Now, if you have any last words, this would be the time."
"You'd never kill me, Catnip," he says quietly.
I snort, and bring the pen back.
"Katniss!"
I shoot up in bed, and I feel arms go around me. I flinch momentarily until I recognize the aura and presence of my husband.
"Shhh," he whispers. "It's okay. I'm here. We're safe. Breathe, honey."
I turn in his arms quickly and bury my face in his chest. He slowly lies us down on the bed, and my body is on top of his. He strokes my hair softly as I cry. The whole time he whispers in my ear how much he loves me.
After a few minutes, I calm down, and just let out an occasional whimper. He's quiet, letting me organize my thoughts. He knows I'll talk to him when I'm ready.
"We can't go into the Arena," I whisper.
"Why not?" I'm sure that was the last thing he was expecting me to say.
I sigh deeply.
"My nightmare. I woke up in 13 and Gale was there. You had been captured by the Capitol. Gale had taken my wedding ring and shoved divorce papers in my hand. Scarlet and Sarah walked in with the twins, telling me they were going to adopt them."
"Oh my god Kat, I'm so sorry," he says sadly. "That's horrible."
I nod, and he kisses my forehead gently. It's the kind of kiss I remember best.
"I was about to kill him when you woke me up," I continue. "He told me he saw me trying to save you from soldiers in the Arena, so he knocked me out and took me with him. Peeta, I think it's a sign. We – we – we just can't go."
He sighs and I can see him thinking it over.
"I'm with you," he whispers gently. "Forever."
I let out a relieved breath.
"We can't leave the twins, not even for a second Peeta."
"I agree."
"It's not that I don't trust my mom or Prim, but we're going into a war. The four of us have to come before everything else. We have to make it through."
"So what do we do?" He asks quietly. "Plutarch is expecting us to go with all the Victors into the Arena. They're going to film it for a Propo."
I exhale. He's right.
"We find a way out of it," I tell him. "They'll say no, but we just can't take that for an answer. We didn't sign up to fight, we were drafted into this. They don't own us. They need us, so they have to keep us happy. We're parents, and that comes first."
He nods with a proud expression on his face.
"If anyone can do it, it's my wife."
I smile up at him, and lean up to kiss him on the lips. We deepen it, and I feel his hands slip under my t-shirt and glide up and down my back. I run mine up and down his bare chest.
Suddenly he flips us over and I'm on my back. We lock our lips together and I feel him tugging at the hem of my shirt. We part our lips just enough so I can slip it over my head. All that's left are my panties, and he removes those quickly. I reach up and slide his boxers off.
He hovers above me, looking down at me.
"I love you," he whispers with steel in his voice.
"I love you," I whisper back in the same tone.
He leans down and kisses me, and I feel him enter me. A moan escapes my throat and I feel him smile against my lips. I wrap my legs around his backside, pulling him further into me.
"Oh, Peeta," I moan. "That's it baby, don't stop."
He finds my right hand with his left, and laces our fingers together, resting them on the bed next to my head to help his balance. I turn my head slightly and, finding his wedding ring close, kiss it sweetly. I turn and look at him, and he's grinning. He bends down and our lips find each other.
"Katniss," he groans.
"Please don't stop," I beg.
He reaches his right hand between my legs and starts working me into a frenzy, coupled with him sliding in and out. Soon I feel the pressure building up inside of me.
"Oh my god, oh my god," I moan. "Ohhhhh, Peeta. Keep going."
He never slows down, and is right there with me riding out my orgasm. Our hands stay locked the entire time.
A few minutes later, I can tell he's almost to his own release. He always kisses me with passion when he's almost there.
"Do it baby," I coax. "Come inside me. I need to feel you."
This sends him over the edge, and I can feel his entire body tense and release. His face registers pure joy, and I reach up with my right hand, snake it around his neck, and pull his lips back to mine. He pulls back slightly and slides in deep again, making my entire body shudder.
"I love you so much," I whisper against his lips. "Forever."
"I love you too," he whispers. "Always."
A few hours later, I'm feeding the twins in the nursery. Peeta is keeping me company. Today is going to be a tough day. We both know it.
Today is the day we tell our families the truth. We are going to tell them about the Rebellion.
Haymitch and Effie are coming to help us with the twins. We've told everyone to come after lunch. Honestly, we have no idea what we're going to say or what their reactions are going to be, but we know we have to do it.
"Are you ready for today, honey?" He quietly asks.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready for this," I tell him honestly. "But we have to."
He nods in agreement.
I finish feeding the twins, and we head back to bed to try and catch a few more minutes of precious sleep. Peeta is on his back, and I'm nestled into him on my back. I'm playing with his right hand, kissing his fingers.
That's when I see it.
A scar.
Both of us had our bodies completely rid of scars after the Games. Even ones we got as little kids are gone, without a trace. We know every inch of each other's bodies, and that's how I know this scar is recent. Very recent from how red it still is.
"Peeta," I say gently.
"Hmm?"
"Where did this scar come from?"
I feel him tense, and that's when I know.
"When?" I ask.
He sighs.
"Yesterday," he admits. He can feel my anger rising. "Kat, wait."
"What did she do to you, Peeta?" I ask frantically.
"She threw a glass at my head," he tells me sadly. "I raised my hand to block it and it shattered. A piece got embedded in my skin. It's no big deal, Katniss, I'm fine. I promise."
I quickly flip over so I'm facing him.
"No big deal?" I say. "Peeta, you're a married, grown man. You're a father. You can't let her treat you like this. I can't let her treat you like this. I told her what would happen if she hurt you again."
"What are you saying?" He asks carefully.
"Go get the twins in their stroller. We're taking them to Prim's," I command.
"Kat," he tries.
"No, Peeta. This isn't up for discussion. You don't have to come with me if you don't want, but I'm going over there to talk to her. Don't worry, I'm not going to kill her," I assure him.
He looks into my eyes for a moment and realizes there's nothing he can do to change my mind. He nods somberly and we get out of bed.
We dress quickly and he goes to get the twins ready. I go into his closet and take out the armory leg. I open it and retrieve my folding bow and a few regular arrows and my quiver. I grab a backpack and throw it all in.
I meet Peeta downstairs and we walk with the twins over to Prim's. She is more than happy to watch them, and can tell something is going on, but doesn't ask.
We walk to the bakery in silence. Peeta surprises me when he slips his hand into mine and grabs it tightly. Before we reach the bakery, I stop and turn him to me.
"Peeta," I say gently. "I need to do this. She needs to understand that I'm your wife, the mother of your children, and I will not allow her to treat my husband this way. Do you understand?"
"I do, Kat," he tells me sincerely. "Please, don't kill her."
"I won't. I promise."
He nods and leans down to me, our lips meeting in a sweet kiss. When we part, we walk into the bakery. I see Rye, Nan and their dad behind the counter. They greet us and we politely greet them back.
"Where's mom?" Peeta asks.
"Upstairs," Rye points.
Perfect.
Peeta and I walk up the stairs, and stop on the landing. I sling my backpack off and open it. I unfold the bow and quiver, then straighten the arrows and put them in the quiver on my back. I give the backpack to Peeta and he puts it on.
"I trust you," he says quietly, his hand on my cheek. I grab it and kiss his wedding ring.
"Thank you," I whisper. He nods, grabs my left hand, and kisses my ring. Then, we go into the apartment.
We find her in the living room, her back to us.
"Mom?" Peeta softly calls.
She stands up and turns, glaring when she sees me. Then she sees the bow in my hand and the quiver on my back, and begins backing away. Soon her back is against the wall.
"You know exactly why I'm here," I hiss. I reach behind me and grab an arrow, quickly knocking and aiming it at her head.
"You wouldn't dare," she snarls.
I adjust my aim a tiny bit, not enough for her to really see, and let the arrow fly. It embeds into the wall a half-inch from her ear, catching some of her hair.
"What was that?" I ask.
"You bitch!" she yells.
"Shut up," I say calmly, knocking another arrow. "I told you, repeatedly, what would happen if you ever hurt him again. You chose to not listen to me. Did you think I was joking? That I wasn't serious?"
"Peeta, sweetie, are you really going to let her do this?" She tries to appeal to Peeta with a saccharine voice.
"Yes, mom," Peeta answers immediately. "Katniss is my wife, and we protect each other. No matter what. You crossed the line, and you have to face the consequences of your actions."
I'm so proud of him right now. This is the first time in a long time I've heard him really stand up to her. I know how difficult that is for him. He truly is choosing me over her, and it makes my heart swell with pride.
She snorts, and turns her glare back to me.
"You can't kill me. You'd go to jail!"
"Would I?" I say sarcastically. "I'm a Hunger Games Victor. So is my husband. You really think we wouldn't be able to sweep it under the rug?"
She scoffs.
"It's not like anyone would miss you," I continue. Her eyes widen. "Really? You actually think they'd miss you? Your husband, who you berate and emasculate constantly? Not to mention tell him all the time that you hate this life, that you settled for him? And your boys? Do you have any idea what they really think about you? They might love you, sure, but it's a twisted, fucked up love. If I killed you right now, they would be freed. Freed from your hate, from your fists, from your sadistic mind, from your evil. So you tell me, why shouldn't I let this arrow fly into your skull?"
She looks downright terrified. Now we're getting somewhere.
"I – I – um – uh," she stutters. "I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?" Peeta yells, surprising me again. "Really? After sixteen years of beating me, you're sorry? When I got out of the Games, and they cleaned up my body, afterwards I talked to my stylist Portia. She told me they almost couldn't get rid of all the scars on my back from your belt. That they were almost down to the bone. You gave me those when I was three years old, mom! And you're sorry? You know what, do it Kat. She doesn't deserve to live."
I know he doesn't want me to actually do it, and he's just trying to prove a point. I can tell from his tone. She looks like she might actually cry.
"Are you going to cry?" I ask sarcastically. "I didn't know you had tear ducts."
"I'm sorry. Please don't kill me. I'll do anything. I'm sorry. I'm horrible," she pleads.
"So now, when your own life is on the line, you apologize? Do you understand how incredibly selfish that is? Why does it take me pointing and arrow at you for you to understand what you've done to this family?"
She takes in my words, and nods sadly.
"Getting it now?" I yell. "Do you see what you truly are? What you've become? What you've done to your beautiful, precious boys? I'm lucky, you see. Incredibly, perpetually lucky. I'm lucky that Peeta is strong enough to get past everything you did to him, and love me like he does. Completely and without question. You tried to take his heart away, but he had already given it to me."
"I know he loves you," she mutters.
"You're just getting that now?" Peeta asks. "I've loved her since I was five, and when she was dying, you ran her off and told me not to give her bread we were going to feed to the damn pigs!"
"I love him too," I tell her. "With everything I am. You need to understand that. You need to understand that I am his wife, the mother of his children, and I will do anything to keep him safe, physically and emotionally."
She's silent.
I let the arrow fly, and it embeds next to her other ear. She looks downright terrified.
"This is your last warning," I say gravely. "I'm deadly serious. I'm letting you live, and you are going to remember that. You will remember when you get the urge to hurt any of your boys, that if you do, I will hunt you down like a rabid dog and put fifteen arrows into your lifeless body. You can be sure of that."
She just nods and looks at her feet. She's defeated.
I hand Peeta my bow and walk over to her. I grab the arrows forcefully out of the wall and put the back in my quiver. She looks up at me, and I can't decipher her expression.
Before I turn back to Peeta, I know I have to do one more thing.
I slap her across the face as hard as I can.
"That's for throwing a glass at my husband, bitch," I spit.
I go back to Peeta, and he takes his hand in mine. We head back towards home, both of our gaits just a little lighter.
When we're almost to Prim's I turn to walk up to the door. Peeta stops me, and I turn to him.
"We'll get them in a bit. I have something I want to do first."
I nod and grin stupidly. We rush home.
We've barely closed the door when I'm shoved up against the wall, our lips locked, our hands all over each other. I hoist up and wrap my legs around him.
"Bedroom," I breathe.
He shakes his head slightly.
"Not gonna make it," he whispers.
"Right here?" I ask with a grin.
"Right here," he nods, smirking.
He sets me down quickly, and we go to work on each other's pants. He gets mine completely off, and I just pull his down to his ankles, in a rush. Once we're done, he picks me up by the hips and I lock my ankles around his back. I reach down with my right hand and grasp him, guiding him into me.
"Ohhh," I moan when he enters me. "Take me, Peeta," I beg.
We writhe together, in sync, against the wall, both of us moaning and telling each other we love one another. I have one hand tangled in his hair, and the other resting on his cheek. His hands go from my hips to dart under my shirt. I feel him inch his way up my torso, and slip his fingers under my bra, grabbing my breasts. They have been sensitive because of breastfeeding, and it drives me wild.
"Oh, Kat," he groans.
"I'm going to come," I inform him.
"Let it go, baby," he coaxes.
I do, and it's explosive. He doesn't stop for a single thrust, making my orgasm last.
"Don't stop," I plead. "Please don't stop."
"Couldn't even if I tried," he mumbles. I smile.
We keep this up for a while, and I come again. Soon after, I feel that he's almost there too. I lean my head down and whisper in his ear.
"Let it all go, Peeta. Everything. All your worries. I love you, baby. Come inside me. I love you so much. Please."
He speeds up and I know he's there. I feel him fill me up, and it warms my soul and body.
"I love you," he breaths.
"I love you too," I tell him back.
We kiss again, this time slower, and for a few minutes, we forget about everything but each other.
After we've sufficiently recovered, we dress, giggling and sneaking kisses. We head over to Prim's and get the twins. Prim notices we're much happier than when we dropped them off, and gives us a knowing look. I blush furiously and Peeta looks at his feet.
"You guys aren't too subtle, you know?" She teases. We stay silent. "Oh, come on. I'm teasing you. You're too easy."
"Thanks for watching the twins," I tell her, trying to change the subject.
"No problem," she shrugs. "You guys needed the house to yourselves. I understand. I know how loud you get."
"Oh my god, Prim," I slap my hand against my forehead. "Please, just stop."
She just laughs.
"Hey, I think it's great you two have such a healthy sex life. It really helps out your marriage, you know?"
I just shake my head. What is happening to my little duck?
"Anyways," I say loudly, "you and mom are coming over around one, right?"
"Yeah," she nods. "What's all this about?"
"You'll find out," I say evenly. "Just – keep an open mind, okay little duck?"
"I'll try," she tells me sincerely. She can tell it's going to be a serious discussion.
We thank her again and we head back home with the twins. When we walk in, Peeta and I both catch sight of the spot we just made love in, and both of us blush.
We take the twins to the nursery, and change their diapers. I feed them, and then Peeta and I have our own lunch.
Sooner than we'd like, one rolls around, and our families start showing up. Haymitch and Effie come first, and head to the nursery with the twins. Prim, my mom, Rye, Nan and Peeta's dad show up, and we all sit in the living room. We invited his mom, but I guess she doesn't want to show her face around me. Ha.
Peeta and I sit on the couch and hold hands. We're gripping tightly.
"Guys," I begin. "Thanks for coming."
"Why are we here?" My mom asks.
I take a deep breath and let it out.
"Peeta and I need to tell you something. Something we've kept from you for months."
"You're not pregnant again, are you?" Prim asks with a smile.
"No, little duck, I'm not pregnant….yet." Everyone smiles at that.
"But this is serious," Peeta adds.
"So what is it?" Rye asks.
I look at Peeta, and he nods, giving me reassurance and courage.
I turn back to our family.
"In one week, the Rebellion is starting. And Peeta and I are going to be helping to lead it."
A/N: Phew, what a chapter. Katniss' nightmare is a version of my original plan for after the Quell, until I went a different way with Gale's character. I hope the confrontation with Peeta's mom wasn't too far fetched, but I figured Katniss would try and show her instead of just beating her up. That's Peeta's influence, for sure.
Next chapter will be an emotional one. They're admitting the truth to the family. How will they react? Will they be on board? Will they be mad? Are they behind Everlark? Stay tuned to find out.
Keep reviewing and reading. Monday, Monday, Monday.
