A/N: Thank for everyone who reviewed/followed/favourited the story. I'm glad people are enjoying it so far. In this chapter we get down to the main arc of the story. Enjoy!

Chapter 2

6 weeks to go…

The next morning I pry my eyes open. My head is pounding and my mouth feels like cotton wool. I'm still in the black dress I was wearing last night, though I have at least made it to my bed. I have no recollection of how I got here, just a vague memory of a pair of strong arms carrying me home. Now I remember why I don't drink. I don't do hangovers well.

After Gale had left last night Johanna had decided we should do endless shots of tequila. Gale hated the stuff and it was our effort to say fuck you to him. Everything after that comes in flashes. A smoky club. Delly dangling off a pole. Yet more tequila. I struggle to determine what was real and what I hope was a dream.

My parched mouth desperately needs water so I force myself out of bed to get some. I momentarily pause by my mirror. Oddly enough there seems to be a bowler hat hanging off it which was definitely not there yesterday. I groan. I don't even want to know. My state in the mirror does not make me feel any better. My hair is a matted bird's nest and I have mascara smeared all across my face. I quickly wipe my face to remove the worst of the grime.

I enter the living area to find Madge already up and cocooned in a tangle of sheets watching some crappy reality TV show. She has at least had a shower, so is clean, but the bags under her eyes give away the previous nights pursuits. We smile tiredly at each other as I head to the sink to fill a large glass with water. After taking a large gulp I notice the basket of cheese buns displayed on the counter top. Peeta must already be up. How does he have the energy to bake these after a night of heavy drinking? However my craving for carbs makes me grateful that he does and I pick a couple of the buns out. I greedily take a bite of one and immediately feel better. I then join Madge on the couch and offer her a bun. She takes one look and goes a bit green.

"How can you face food right now? Even the sight makes me want to throw up," she groans.

I smile and wave the bun in her face to annoy her. She swats it away and I chuckle. I swallow the morsel I am chewing before replying.

"What can I say? I'm craving carbs and your brother makes damn good cheese buns," I say.

"When are you not craving carbs," she replies with a knowing look. "And I'm glad my brother has some uses."

I nod and finish eating my cheese bun.

"How long is he going to stay this time?" I ask.

"Not sure. He's not got many people interested in his paintings at the moment. If he doesn't get any leads soon he'll be back at the bakery for a bit," she answers.

I grimace. I know how much he hates working there. Peeta and Madge's parents own a chain of large bakeries in town. At some point all four Mellark children have worked in at least one. Even I worked there for a brief summer. I only did it so I could hang out with Madge. However they soon realised I couldn't bake or handle customers and they had to politely ask me to stay away. Both Peeta and Madge still tease me about this to this day.

It's not that Peeta doesn't like baking. The cheese buns are proof of that and whenever he stays with us he keeps us in baked goods. It's just that the bakery doesn't allow him to fulfil his creative potential the way he likes. The bakery has strict rules and regulations about what decorations and recipes can be used. There is no room for creative license. Not unless you want a stern talking to from his mother. Peeta would create masterpieces if he was allowed.

And then there is his mother. Peeta has always been seen as the failure in the family for not choosing a "proper" career. His oldest brother, Bran, runs the bakeries now, Rye, the middle brother, is a lawyer and Madge is an elementary teacher. Peeta is the only one who doesn't have a stable income and whenever he goes back to the bakery he is hounded by his mom to give up painting and get a real job. Her constant nagging doesn't make the bakery an enjoyable place to work.

"Well I hope he finds something soon. It's a shame he doesn't sell more. His paintings are amazing. So detailed," I say.

"I know," Madge agrees. "But we're biased I suppose."

I shrug my shoulders. Maybe we are a bit biased but the detail and colour he uses are breathtaking. If I was looking for art he would be the first person I would go to.

"Where is he anyway?" I inquire trying to change the subject a little.

"Out for a run. I wish we shared that gene that prevents him from getting hangovers. I feel horrendous! We are getting too old for nights like that," she groans.

I nod my head in agreement.

"What even happened last night? I don't remember much after the bar," I ask not sure I really want to know.

Madge smirks.

"You were pretty drunk last night. You stole some guy's bowler hat and he got pretty mad but you refused to give it back. Then there was your awesome solo dancing on the dance floor. I didn't even know you could kick your leg that high. You almost knocked Peeta out! He had to carry you home at the end," she tells me.

I groan and hide my head in my hands. Well that explains the hat. And I need to apologise to Peeta. I made a right fool of myself. I should not be allowed near alcohol.

"Don't worry I wasn't much better," Madge tries to console. "Apparently I left 3 very suggestive and embarrassing messages on Thom's voicemail last night. I think I even spoke in French at one point. He is not going to let that go anytime soon."

This makes me feel a bit better. At least I am not the only one who struggles to handle my drink any more.

We spend the next few minutes trying to piece together exactly what happened. Madge had got a bit snap happy with her iphone last night and we both groan and laugh at the various images she has managed to capture. I really should know better at my age. The hangovers are defiantly getting worse but I enjoy reliving the night all the same. It has been a while since I have let loose and allowed myself to be a bit silly. Just because I am getting older doesn't mean I have to be serious all the time. Reminiscing with Madge makes me forget about Gale as I focus on the good things in my life.

Not long after Peeta reappears with sweaty curls stuck to his forehead and an ipod in his ears. The tight, white under armour top emphasises the strong chest and bicep muscles he has. He makes his way over to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water. He slurps it down in one go and then pulls the ear phones out his ears. He turns to us and smiles smugly.

"Feeling fragile this morning ladies?" he asks cheekily.

We both glare at him but that just makes him laugh.

"Madge as your older brother I should probably tell you not to get that drunk again. However it was so much fun watching you 2 girls dance to Barbie Girl, with Katniss playing Ken, that I am not going to," he says.

I groan yet again. Neither Madge or I are dancers. All rhythm we acquired was given towards our musical ability. I am embarrassed I let myself get in that state in public.

"Just remember you are living here rent free. No smart ass comments," Madge reminds him.

"Okay, Okay," Peeta chuckles before turning to see the half empty basket of cheese buns. "I see Katniss has already got her hands on my buns!"

I chuck a cushion at him for the innuendo he has just used but he manages to duck out the way and it hits the fridge instead. This causes him to laugh again.

"I'm off for a shower before either of you impale me with knives. I know Katniss has got some aim," he says before ducking into the bathroom.

He must be gone 30 seconds before the doorbell rings. Madge looks at me questioningly.

"Are we expecting anyone?" she asks.

Shit.

In my hungover state I had forgotten that my cousin, Glimmer, is coming round this morning.

"It's Glimmer," I moan. "She's got some wedding stuff she wants to get done today. Can you hold her off until I change into something that doesn't stink of smoke and sweat?"

Madge reluctantly nods. Glimmer can be a lot to handle. I thank her before making a dash to my room. I hear the first of Glimmer's high pitched shrieks as I close my door.

Great. This is the last thing I want to deal with after last night.

Glimmer is my cousin on my mother's side. The daughter of my Uncle Haymitch and his wife Effie. Glimmer is everything I am not. Blonde, fashionable and talkative. The only thing we really have in common is DNA. However I tolerate her mainly for my uncle's sake. He and I are quite a like and he often comes hunting with Dad and I. Glimmer definitely got most of Effie's genes. All high heels and make up. She may be a bit shallow and silly but is relatively harmless, something I have had to remind myself as I have sat through endless hours of wedding chat this past year.

A year ago she made the happy announcement that her long term boyfriend Cato had proposed on the top of the Eifel Tower and, of course, she said yes. A ridiculous cliché but Glimmer loved it. My sister Prim and I, being her only female relatives under 30, were immediately drafted in as bridesmaids. For the last year I have had to put up with page long emails, frantic phone calls and countless brunches all asking me my opinion on place settings and chocolate fountains. I don't give a fuck and am still mystified why she ever asks me. I don't know anything about this stuff.

Earlier in the week she had phoned to invite herself round for some important new development. I just hope it doesn't take too long. Her high pitched voice will not do my headache any good.

I peel off my dress from last night and throw on the nearest pair of jeans and a t-shirt I can find before bracing myself for what awaits on the other side of the door.

I hear her babbling long before I enter but my presence stops her and she immediately jumps up to hug me. I'm not the most affectionate person and return the hug awkwardly. She then pulls me down next to her on the couch.

"Can you believe the wedding is in 6 weeks!" she squeals. "I have been dreaming of this day since I was 3 years old!"

I give her a forced smile. Glimmer's only ambition in life is to get married and have children. College was a mere formality for her. Something to past the time while she waited for the perfect man. I can't imagine not wanting to have my own career. My job is my life. I'd be bored without it.

"I came round today to hand deliver your invitation," she continues.

She then pulls out a baby pink envelope with neat calligraphy and hands it to me. Sequin love hearts decorate my name. I hate it already and I have not even opened it.

She looks at me excitedly, eager for me to open it. It is clear that she is proud of it. I carefully tear open the envelope and an explosion of glitter falls onto my lap.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of

Cato Baxter and Glimmer Abernathy

Abernathy Estate

June 15th

Glimmer wants her wedding to live up to her name. Everything has to shimmer and shine. This invitation is no exception. It is on some sort of shiny paper with yet more heart shaped sequins stuck around the edges. It is blinding.

"Aren't they to die for!" she exclaims. "You have a picture in your mind of how it should look but you are always nervous it is not going to come out right but these are even better!"

I just nod my head. I have learned it is best to say nothing in these situations.

Glimmer now turns to Madge to hand her her own invitation. Thom is one of Cato's work colleagues and groomsmen for the wedding so at least I will have some pleasant company at this god awful event.

"Here's your one. I would have posted it but since I am here I thought I might as well just give it to you now," Glimmer explains.

Madge thanks her and opens her own monstrosity, a cloud of glitter falling into her lap. With that out the way Glimmer turns her attention back to me.

"I haven't bothered including a plus one on your invitation. I know you won't have a date," she says.

This comment gets on my nerves. Maybe it is because I saw Gale last night or the look of pity on Glimmer's face at the fact I don't have a boyfriend but something inside me snaps. How dare she assume I can't get myself a date?

"Why would you assume that?" I ask irritated.

Glimmer gives me a pitying look and places a hand on my forearm, giving it a patronising squeeze.

"I know it must be hard to be 28 and still single and unmarried. I mean I would be mortified!" she exclaims. At 24 Glimmer is in no danger of hitting my age single and alone. "But come on. You haven't had a boyfriend since Gale."

I glare at her. I hate how patronizing she is. I hate how small she can make me feel. Madge looks at me sympathetically.

"Well you're wrong," I state defensively. Her comments are really beginning to irk me and my natural defense mechanisms come into play. "I've been seeing someone for a couple of months."

"Who?" Glimmer asks unconvinced.

Shit!

Why did I say that? I curse myself for being so impulsive and defensive. It has always been one of my worst traits. What am I going to achieve by lying? But I can't admit the truth without looking stupid. I am going to have to play along with this lie. I rack my brain for a suitable candidate for my fake boyfriend.

Just as I am running out of ideas Peeta takes this as his cue to leave the bathroom wearing just a towel around his waist, his sculpted chest on display. This breaks Glimmer's staring contest with me as she turns to look at him.

"Morning," he says to her cheerily.

And then it hits me, the answer to my predicament.

"It's Peeta," I blurt out.

Madge hangs her head back on the chair in disbelief, Peeta looks completely confused and Glimmer eyes us warily, completely unconvinced. Sensing I need to do more to convince her, I get up, walk over to Peeta and put an arm round his waist. As I sidle up beside him I am hit by the soft smell of mint from his shampoo.

"I'm sorry honey but I couldn't keep it secret anymore. I had to tell her we were dating," I say sweetly looking up at Peeta.

As I look at him I plead with my eyes for him to play along.

"Peeta is the guy you are dating?" Glimmer asks in disbelief.

I continue to give Peeta pleading looks. I need him to play along. If he doesn't I will look pathetic and desperate. He just looks back at me bewildered. I don't blame him. This makes no sense. He looks between Glimmer and I trying to figure out what is going on. He spots her curious look before wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me close.

"Yep. This one can't keep her hands off me," he replies with a smile.

I try to act like a loving girlfriend without showing my relief that he is going along with this. I see Madge roll her eyes at our behaviour. Glimmer surveys the two of us closely trying to make up her mind about us.

"We kept it quiet because we knew people would have a lot to say about it and we didn't want for it distract from your wedding," I add trying to make it extra convincing.

She ponders my words for a few moments while I stand tense in Peeta's arms. Finally she decides that even I am not that pathetic to make up a boyfriend.

"Great. I'll squeeze him onto your table," she finally says.

I let out an internal sigh of relief, grateful that she has bought my story. I will have to figure out the rest later.

Glimmer doesn't seem to want anything else and excuses herself not long after. She congratulates me on finally getting a boyfriend, even if it is only Peeta before she leaves. I hide my annoyance at her backhanded compliment with a fake smile.

As soon as I have closed the door behind her I turn to find Peeta giving me a questioning look.

"Can you please explain what has just happened here?" he asks.

I sigh and make my way over to sit on the couch. Peeta's stare follows me before he joins me on the couch. Once he is settled I explain to him Glimmer's visit and my anger at her assumption that I wouldn't have a date and how this lead me to lie about him being my boyfriend. Madge keeps giving me disapproving looks throughout the whole explanation while Peeta listens carefully.

"So at this moment I am attending Glimmer's wedding as your boyfriend?" he questions to make sure he has understood my crazy story.

I nod my head a little ashamed at my lie.

"I don't know what came over me! I just hate how she looks down on me for being single, for having a career. And the wedding will be full of people asking me why I don't have a special man in my life. I just caved under the pressure!" I exclaim.

Peeta ponders my words for a moment. He's still only wearing a towel and his toned, half naked torso is not making this conversation any easier.

"I'll do it," he eventually answers.

I grin at him.

"Really?" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes," he confirms. "But on a few conditions."

"Anything," I say a little too eagerly. I am just delighted he is going along with my stupid story.

He thinks for a moment before laying down his terms.

"First you can't get on my case about staying here," he begins. I nod in agreement. "You pay for everything I will need for this wedding. We both know I don't have much surplus cash lying around at the moment."

I give him another nod.

"Also this ends the minute the wedding does. We have an argument at the reception and fake a break up. I don't want this going on any longer than it has to," he continues.

I agree. I don't really have too much room for bargaining. He is doing me a big favour for something most people wouldn't care about. I expect I will come out as the bad guy in the "break up" but I will just have to suck it up. It is not a real relationship anyway.

"Finally you buy me art supplies. I'm running low and I need some if I am ever going to get out of here," he concludes.

I don't really have much choice and with my promotion I can afford to buy him a few things. I will want him out soon after the wedding anyway. I won't be able to look at him for a while after it is over. He'll be a reminder of how pathetic I was.

"Deal," I say sticking out my hand. Peeta grins at me and takes my hand firmly.

"I look forward to doing business with you Miss Everdeen," he replies jokingly.

I shake my head at him but grin all the same. Peeta and I have always got on and he's not bad to look at. It won't be too bad pretending to be his girlfriend.

Madge shakes her head at us and gets up to go to her room.

"You two are both idiots," she says as she walks past.

Peeta looks at me and shrugs his shoulders.

I am an idiot. But I have to convince people it is real.