I oversee the build team as they install the enormous ovens into the kitchen. Alongside the brick oven (my preferred method of baking) along with the domed ceilings create a sort of cathedral to the culinary arts. The kitchen has yet to be used and as such appears sterile. I wince as flashes of the sterility of the prison I was kept infiltrate my mind. I shake the men's hands and thank them for their work before I return home to my wife. Delly stands outside the bakery.

"Hi Peeta."

"Hi."

She's almost what one could call thin, yet her face is still full. She smiles at me.

"How are you."

"I'm getting there. It's thanks to you."

"No. Inside you wanted to get better, all I did was help. Someone needed to keep you in check."

"Nonetheless." I tell her.

"Peeta, I don't have any family here or anywhere at that matter, and I really hate to do this because I don't want to bother you, but I could really use a job."

"Delly, don't worry of course. I need someone to manage the wait staff. You grew up in a merchant family I know you're good for the work."
She smiles timidly.

"Thank you. Is Katniss here?"

"She's in the Village at home."

"I heard you got married."

"Yes." I replied.

"Congratulations. It's really her you should thank. You're in love with her. You overcame the hijacking to get her back."

My eyes well up a little bit. I blink back the tears.

"Thank you for saying that."

We stand there for a bit awkwardly.

"Well I better go." She tells me "Bye"

I wave to her and turn towards home. When home is in view I see Effie and the others gathered outside. Effie's body language screams excitement. I had forgotten they were coming today. I really wanted more time with Katniss without all the distraction. I'm not sure how she'll take Delly being my employee. I jog the rest of the way and wrap my arms around her before greeting the others.

"I love you." I whisper in her ear. I don't say that enough.

"Hurry! We're going to be on Television!"

Effie ushers us in and we all sit down on the sofas. Beetee and Spike go into the guest room with Johanna. She turns on the television. Caesar is greeting the crowd.

"Tonight is a special night! We get to meet some very special people from around Panem. People who have chose to represent their communities in making Panem the greatest nation in the World. They look to the future and make things brighter! First off let me introduce someone you already know. Everyone welcome Brigadier General Gale Hawthorne!"

Gale walks out onto the stage greeting the crowd shaking hands with Caesar. He looks dapper, in his military uniform and beret. His shoes shining, his smile radiant. I know that deep inside he suffers like all of us. He's full of charm and charisma. He seeths hate underneath it all. Caesar interviews him about his run for parliament. He addressed his views on the need for strong leadership in the districts that each districts needs be addressed individually before the government…

"Which brings me to our next guest please welcome from district Twelve the Victor of the Second Quarter Quell Haymitch Abernathy!"

The crowd goes wild for him as he timidly smiles and gestures to the crowd. He's not as adept as Gale at working the crowd, but he also doesn't have the face Gale does.

"Haymitch, tell me what are the particular needs of your district?"

He clears his throat.

"Well, the people of district Twelve are cut from their own cloth. The problem is that there is no wide industry in Twelve. We're on the outskirts of Panem and tend to be forgotten about. We also have so much to offer in the way of culture. Peeta Mellark is opening a bakery/ bistro this coming month. The mines have closed which are great in regards to the quality of life of our residents. However, progress on the medical manufacturing plant has been beyond slow and it's vital in Twelve in promoting growth. I would also like Twelve to become a cultural center. The music, art, and dancing of the people here is rich and should be shared with the world. The wildlife is breathtaking. General Hawthorne can attest to that."

"Wow Haymitch. It seems you have very clear plans for Twelve. I for one cannot wait to see how they unfold. I got to try some of Peeta Mellarks goodies and I must say it's worth the trip."

Effie shuts of the feed.

"What do you think? Simply marvelous right?"

Johanna shouts from the guest room.

"You sounded like a geezer."

"I thought you were great. I liked your image of Twelve." I tell him.

He nods his head at me.

"Came straight from the mind of the old lady."

Effie wrinkles her face.

"Do you really think that way about Twelve?" I ask her.

She smiles.

"It grew on me."

I contemplate what Haymitch discussed. We're closed off to the rest of the world here in Twelve. Part of me doesn't want to let anyone in. Plutarch contacted me recently about franchising my baked goods, to which I declined. I have no interest in the mainstream. All I want is peace. I wrap my arm around Katniss and breath her in. The wind had caught in her hair soaking up the scent of Jasmine and Sasafrass. She belongs to Twelve. Twelve belongs to her. The only time we are close to being happy or at peace is here in our home. This place is warm, we have people we love.

"Spike is a hunting dog." Katniss announces. Buttercup arches his back at the name of the maligned hound. "He was pointing while I was taking him out. I'd like to take him with me sometime." She says this loudly enough for Johanna to hear. Then she turns her attention to Buttercup. "He's useful. Unlike you." Buttercup hisses and scurries off.

"Just don't kill him!" She replies.

"You know I'm a good shot!" Katniss retorts.

"Yea, but I know how hungry you people get here in Twelve."

I laugh out loud at this. Johanna on the brink of motherhood, the sweetest part of life, so pure and fragile still manages to be offensive.

"If you weren't pregnant I'd kick your ass!" Katniss pokes.
"Yea, I'd like to see you try that. This little fucker is doing that for you." Johanna replies.

I hear Beetee's muffled voice perhaps imploring her to start toning it down as she has a very malleable mind living inside her. Johanna's ruthlessness, her skill as a survivor and Beetee's brain

"Makes for an evil genius." I say out loud.

"What?" Katniss asks.

"That kid. Beetee's incredible mind pair with Johanna's tenacity. God help anyone who pisses that kid off."

Katniss chuckles.

"I know right?" Johanna chimes in.

This has become a sort of habit for us. Talking to Johanna in the other room including her as though she were present in the same space as we are. Her disembodied voice is just as much a presence as an another person's actual body would be. Eventually Effie and Haymitch retire to his house and I take Katniss by the hand and lead her upstairs.

"I saw Delly at the bakery." I tell her. Her eyes slant yet her mouth smiles in an attempt to hide her jealousy. Which I don't quite understand.

"Oh? How is she?"

"She asked me for a job."

"And?"

"I gave her one. She's got nothing."

She inhales deeply.

"I'm worried that. You were awfully close to her for a while."

I stare at her.

"I love you. I chose you."

"What happened when you thought I was a mutt?"

"Katniss…" I know the implication, I'm not proud of it nor am I welcoming to her accusatory tone. As though I were in control of my own devices at the time.

"You don't remember do you."

"What happened when I thought you were a mutt." The inflection sardonic.

"You know what happened." She seeths.

"Then we're even. No actually not even close, there's still the time after the first Games, oh and after the tour. Should I go on? Don't throw your accusations on me Katniss. You're projecting your own guilt."

She storms out of the room.