Chapter Seven: Better

"It's not that funny," he rolled his eyes and she wiped tears of laughter from her cheeks. The Peacekeeper pulling the arrow from his body armor looked less amused.

"Miss, it nearly broke the skin!" he complained.

"Then move away from the target!" she called, still laughing. "He'll shoot you by accident, don't forget!"

Peeta sighed. He knew she meant no harm, but he still hated remembering the Games even after three months out of the Arena.

"Okay, now really. Relax your shoulders," she giggled as he lifted her bow again.

"I'm no good," he repeated hesitantly. "Everyone stand back!"

Attendants scattered. They'd had time to judge his skill and hurried to safety.

The bow bounced off the drainpipe of the archery supply shed and fell into the fountain. Katniss doubled over, nearly sick with laughter. He dropped the bow and raised his hands.

"I'm going to hurt someone, I better stop."

"That...sounds...good..." she gasped, struggling to stay upright. She motioned for her instructor to collect the bow and arrows and she linked her arm through Peeta's to walk back to the house. He watched her smiling her wicked little smile as she teased him.

He remembered how surprised he was the day he realized he liked that smile.

It was just over a week after her birthday and Cashmere and Enobaria had been invited for tea. Katniss stomped around her room and changed her outfit three times, no matter how he insisted she looked fine. She finally settled on a pale blue shift dress Cinna had fashioned for her and called her makeup artists to do her hair and face.

Peeta sat baffled, watching her twist her hem while she watched the clock. It wasn't until Cashmere walked in and gave Katniss a sneering once-over that he truly saw what Finnick had meant.

"Oh, having a casual day?" Cashmere mocked her host's garb as she strolled in. The long white lace dress that clung to her was tight enough Peeta questioned how she was breathing. Enobaria, clad in a leather dress with spiky studs, laughed as she swept past Katniss. Peeta felt his temper flare.

"Sorry, we were up late last night," he blurted out. "We just got up to have you over," he smiled.

Enobaria and Cashmere stared. Katniss' eyes were wide. When her guests turned away and strutted defiantly to the dining room, he gave her a wink and she smiled a 'thank you'. He decided not to mention they had only been playing hide and seek in the dark of her apartment, although after she won three of five rounds he rewarded her with kisses until her giggling woke Sae in her adjoining quarters.

He took her hand to lead her over to the table, kissing her knuckles before pulling a chair out for her. She pretended not to see Cashmere's envious glare.

"So," Enobaria huffed. "I hear from Luxor you've been attending estate dinners now."

"Yes," Katniss said warily.

"I had no idea you were interested in politics," Enobaria sniffed.

"I'm interested in what's best for Panem," Katniss said.

"And you think your father's way is best?"

Katniss sat stunned. "I...what...you..."

"It has been the same for as long as he's been president," Cashmere said to Enobaria. "At least for Two."

"And for One," the woman in leather agreed.

"You'd think by now things would have improved for those outside the Capitol realm."

"Considering how much we do for the Capitol."

"How much we do for all of Panem."

Peeta watched Katniss' eyes dart back and forth between the Victors of One and Two.

He cleared his throat. "Katniss will find her own way."

They all turned to look at Peeta.

"She has his advisors and her own. She's watched his law for her whole life; she's learned it all. She'll make Panem her own when it's time." He turned to her and nodded. Her smiled was small and hopeful.

Peeta looked over to Enobaria. "How is your Overseer's mistress? Silk, isn't it?"

"She's a co-Overseer," Enobaria gritted through her teeth.

"Oh, really? I couldn't tell," he smirked. "She doesn't seem to be too focused on your District."

Enobaria's fangs were visible.

"And should I guess Mason is your overseer?" Peeta asked, dropping a sugar cube into his tea and swirling it with satisfaction.

"Of course," Cashmere said in a clipped tone.

"Hmm."

"Mason was instrumental in making sure the Nut could link up to all of Panem," Katniss said suddenly. Peeta glanced up. "He imported the brightest technicians from Three and Five to design a satellite system that would allow surveillance of all of the country." She looked up at Cashmere. "At my father's request, of course. It was my father's idea," she sat, glancing over to Peeta. "The best ideas usually are. After all, inspiration and intuition are just as important as ambition."

It wasn't more than five minutes later that Cashmere invented an excuse to leave and Enobaria followed her out. Peeta closed the door too loudly after them and returned to find Katniss standing at the window behind the table.

"Katniss?"

"I've never spoken to them like that."

"Like a person who deserves their respect?"

She glanced over her shoulder at him. "Yeah," she sighed sadly. "I suppose so." She looked back outside.

"Do you think I could lead Panem?"

He walked over to her side. "Do you want to?"

"Some of it." She saw his confused look and smiled. "Three, Four, Five. I guess all of them except One and Two. Maybe I can sell them off," she joked. "Think the Russo-Japanese Empire would want them?"

"Not once they meet the inhabitants," he laughed. She smiled at the gardens outside her window. He inched closer. "Why the outlying districts?" he asked quietly.

She picked at the sill. "Your emissaries are nicer to me," she whispered. "They may not like me, but I don't feel stupid around them. I, um, I know the schools aren't as good out there," she apologized. "But I still feel smart talking to them."

He watched her until she looked over.

"Katniss. You're worthy."

She started to cry. He kissed her until she stopped.

They climbed under the tea table and tried to toss sugar cubes into each other's mouths; she was a much better aim than him. She blushed when he told her so.

"It's probably best, they'd go right to my hips," she said, feigning Cashmere's affected accent. "Even though I'd prefer other things there." She smiled that wicked little smile that made him shiver that first night.

It made him feel warm now.

They strolled through the gardens together and she squeezed his arms. They'd had tea alone for the past few weeks and he preferred it that way. Dinners with her parents were awkward as Snow eyed his daughter's furtive glances at her roommate, but no more than he imagined any protective father in Twelve would.

"Don't worry. I wasn't so great at first," she smiled softly. "Now." She looked at him. "I always get my mark," she hinted. She watched him hear her without listening. "What are you thinking about?" she asked quietly.

"Sorry?"

"You have that faraway look you get," she told him, her brow furrowing. "Is everything all right?"

He didn't realize she'd been watching him that closely. "I was thinking about dinner with your parents. And wondering what it would be like to introduce you to my father," he smiled.

"Do you think he'd like me?"

"Of course," Peeta told her.

"Really?" she smiled. "I wonder if Primrose would like me."

"You saved her from the Games," Peeta blurted out. "She'd love you."

He saw he'd startled her. "Sorry," he mumbled, unsure of what else to say. He never talked about the nights he woke up screaming and she didn't ask. She'd just dab the sweat from his forehead, hold him close and whisper he was safe until he fell back to sleep.

"I'm sorry," she whispered back. "I'm..." she gave up.

He scrambled for something to say. "She'd talk your ear off, I'm sure. She's never had another girl around."

"I always wanted siblings," Katniss replied hurriedly. "I wished for a little sister for years."

Peeta smiled. "But you got all your parents' attention. Sometimes it's hard to not be the baby anymore."

"I can't imagine you as jealous," she grinned. She trailed her fingers along the marble handrail as they ascended the steps to the expansive marble patio overlooking the gardens. He watched her trying not to think of his time in the Arena.

They walked back to the apartment in a silence he knew was not quite as comfortable as they liked to pretend. He excused himself to shower and change and she nodded, knowing he needed the time alone for a short while. He kissed her and left her at her own room to do the same.

He sat on his bed with the lights off. His fingers unconsciously found the framed photo on the night table. He stared at the picture his father had sent in response to the letter Haymitch had delivered. He opened the back of the frame housing the portrait of Prim in her father's arms, smiling bravely for the camera. He pulled out the letter he'd discovered concealed inside. He read it for what felt like the millionth time.

Peeta -

My boy. My sweet boy. I'm so proud of you.

Prim misses you every day. She is grateful for what you've done for her. I am grateful. It gets harder to remember that the longer you are away, we want you here with us so badly.

I hope you find this letter, but even if you don't I know for me you'll always be with us, in our hearts. I do want you to find this. I want you to know you are cherished.

You will always be my sweet boy.

With all our love,

Dad

Peeta hid the note again and crawled into the shower. He wondered if Katniss ever sat on the tub floor, letting the water wash over her like he did. She probably did before. Maybe not now.

She'd changed so much in these few short months.

She said 'please' and 'thank you' now. She spoke up during estate dinners; not often but with conviction and confidence. She returned gifts to districts when she didn't need them. She sent notes of appreciation. He convinced her to try squirrel and she liked it.

She remembered Tributes by their names.

When she realized television bored him she stopped watching so much too. They played games and read and he taught her to draw, but she really liked to watch him draw. He liked to draw her.

He found himself smiling more. She smiled more. It wasn't hollow.

But then he would remember the note hidden behind the picture of the family he'd never see again. And his smile would be gone again.

"Have you asked her if you could just visit?" Finnick asked, swiping a grape off the flirting Avox's tray as he winked at her.

"Once," Peeta sighed. "It was too soon, it was only a month after I'd been here. She freaked out that I wanted to leave and locked herself in her room for hours crying." He refused the offered grapes. "I haven't asked again."

"Maybe they could come here?"

Peeta shook his head. "I don't want Prim anywhere near here. I don't even want to send them mail in case anyone sees the address."

Finnick nodded thoughtfully. "Sorry," he muttered uselessly.

"It's okay. It was the deal," Peeta breathed. "I just..."

"You love them. You miss them. It can't be helped."

"It's not that I don't...care about Katniss, I just wish I could have both."

Finnick stretched out on the lounge and nodded again. "Give it time, Peeta. She's never loved anyone before. When she realizes you can love more than one person, like how she loves her parents and you at the same time, she'll come around."

Peeta was about to reply when the door slammed.

"Hey Kat, Finnick's here! What's wrong?" he asked as she shuffled in.

"What?" she asked. "Oh, Finnick. Hey." He waved while looking at her curiously.

"I said you look a bit distracted," Peeta frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just...nothing." She turned to her room, but then turned back. "Has Phosphora been acting strangely around you, Finnick?"

"No," he said slowly. "Why do you ask?"

"It sounds so silly," she said, as though embarrassed. "I thought…I think…" she laughed, "I could have sworn she was following me today! I saw her arrive when I was eating breakfast with Mom, and she waved. But then I saw her in the hallway when I was going to my Franco lessons. And I saw her in the window when I was saying hello to Daddy in the gardens. Or I think I saw her in the window...I guess. I'm sure it's silly," she shook her head and smiled. "I'm imagining things. I'll go change."

Peeta glanced over at Finnick as she hummed to herself in her room. "What have you heard?"

"From Five? Nothing," Finnick breathed tensely. "But I'm sure she's overheard Mason and Luxor too. Thinking she has to get an edge up on what they're doing."

"I don't like this, Finnick," Peeta said, watching Katniss' door. "She should know to stay away from them."

"Peeta, you can't say anything," Finnick said severely, sitting up suddenly. "If Snow thinks his daughter is in any remote danger, everyone will suffer. Everyone. Your father, your sister, my wife-" he stopped himself, stunned he'd said it.

Peeta gasped. "You're married?"

"Shut up!" Finnick hissed, panic in his eyes. "You can't say anything," he pleaded. "There are no real plans, there's no known danger yet. But if Snow finds out anyone is even trying to plan anything he'll punish everyone. It'll be the Dark Days again."

Peeta agreed silently. He knew Finnick was right. He glanced up and whispered. "How long have you been married?"

Finnick looked worried. "I won't tell anyone," Peeta whispered.

"Almost two years," Finnick whispered.

Peeta smiled sadly. "Congratulations."

Finnick laughed a little. "Thanks. We're trying to have a baby."

"You'd be a great dad."

"Really?" Finnick looked up hopefully. "You think so?"

"You take really good care of Katniss," Peeta told him. "I can't imagine a more difficult kid to raise!"

Finnick covered his laughter as Katniss' door opened and she came to join them on the sofa. "And where have you been all morning?" Finnick asked, poking her with his foot.

"Daddy's in town for the morning. He wanted me to sit in on his military council meeting," she sighed.

"Really?" Peeta asked. "That sounds intense."

"I guess so," she frowned. "The strategy stuff was a bit confusing for me. I don't understand why he wanted to send out plainclothes officers to One and Two this week. I tried to ask him about it after the session was over, but he had to meet with Sycamore."

Peeta's eyes were wide. "Plainclothes? Like…like spies?"

"Yeah," she frowned. "I guess he's checking up on Mason and Luxor's efficacy as Overseers. I know he always says they're more interested in themselves than making One and Two work for Panem."

"Just One and Two?" Peeta asked, ignoring the warning glare Finnick was giving him.

"That's all he said. Why?"

"Just curious."

Katniss smiled. "Maybe you should come with me sometime. If you, um," she blushed, "want to learn about ruling Panem."

He opened his mouth for words he couldn't find.

When Katniss left for a dress fitting and Finnick was on the train back to Four, Peeta found himself alone and staring at the phone again. He considered the time. He dialed.

It rang.

"Hello?"

His voice broke. "Prim?"

"Peeta?" she whispered.

"Hey, baby bird."

She began to cry and laugh simultaneously. "Peeta! Dad! It's Peeta!"

He smiled as she shouted across the house. He'd told her so many times just to put the phone down and walk to the door. But she still shouted. It made him happy.

"Peeta?" His father's voice joined Prim's joyful sniffles on the line. "Is that you?"

"Hi, Dad," Peeta said, his voice wavering slightly. "It's so good to hear your voices."

"How are you? Are you all right?" his father asked quickly. "Prim, get a tissue, don't wipe your nose on your sleeve."

Peeta laughed. "I'm fine, Dad. I miss you guys so much. I look at your picture every day."

"My sweet boy," his father sighed. "I've been waiting to hear your voice for so long!"

"Can you come home?" Prim begged. "Can you visit us?"

"I don't know, Prim-bird," he sighed. "Um…I wanted to call and tell you…Katniss invited me to start coming

to her father's council meetings…to learn how to govern Panem. Can you imagine? Me in charge?" he laughed painfully. "Or I guess helping her."

He heard the confusion sputtering on the phone and realized he had to say it out loud. "I think I'm going to marry Katniss."

The silence was painful.

"Peeta," his father mourned.

"It's okay, Dad," Peeta sniffled. "She's really nice. She's so sweet. You'd like her. You would too, Prim. She's always wanted a sister."

Prim's ragged draw of air broke his heart. "Can I come to the wedding? To see you?" she asked in a tiny voice.

"It'll be a few years," he said. "Her dad will want to wait."

He heard the door open outside. He hurried on to finish.

"I should go; she's back from her dress fitting. Did you know Cinna is now her designer? I get to see him a lot. He was so nice to Leevy." He tried to sound cheerful and thought he just sounded desperate.

"I love you so much, Peeta," his father murmured. "Remember that. You're always here with us always because we love you so much."

"Peeta," cried Prim.

"I love you, baby bird. I love you, Dad. I miss you," he whispered quickly. "I'll always be with you."

He hung up the phone and rubbed his temples. He took a deep breath to settle his pounding heart.

The door squeaked and he glanced up. Katniss smiled sadly at him from the frame.

It was like the vase was broken into a million pieces.

"I know you're awake."

"No I'm not." He could hear the teasing, but he knew she wouldn't be truly smiling. She'd been trying to be brave ever since she overheard him talking to his family the few weeks before. He shifted his head on the pillow to look at her. "I'm talking in my sleep," she explained, her eyes shut tight.

"Huh. I wonder if you're ticklish in your sleep."

Her eyelids flew up. His fingers found her ribs and she shrieked with laughter as he chased her across the sheets. "Shhh! You're going to wake Sae," she scolded.

"You're going to wake Sae," he shot back, biting his tongue as he laughed. He poked her over and over as she swatted his hands.

"Stop," she laughed, covering her mouth.

"Okay." He held up his hands in surrender. She nodded. He tackled her around her waist and pinned to the mattress with his knees while he tickled her sides. She kicked and struggled and laughed.

"I'm going to pee my pants, stop!"

He conceded and set his palms down on the mattress on either side of her. He smiled down at her settling giggles. Slowly her mirth faded and he saw the sorrow rerun to her eyes. "Katniss?"

"Yes?" she whispered fearfully.

"I like being here with you."

She exhaled slowly. "You miss your family."

"I do. But if I went home," he said, lowering himself to lie by her side, "I'd miss you."

She watched him, still searching his face. "I love you."

He smiled and kissed her. She kissed him back fervently.

He felt warm again. He kissed her back, pressing into her. He discovered his fingers seeking her hair to bring her mouth against his firmly.

She opened her mouth to him. He tasted her lips and tongue. He was breathing hard when he pulled back to stare in her eyes. She swallowed hard. He traced his hands up her sides and finally cradled her face to gaze at her.

"I want you to stay," she whispered.

"I know," was all he could say.