A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I am so glad you all enjoyed their "date". This chapter marks the start of Glimmer's wedding and there will be lots of Peeta and Katniss moments for you to enjoy in the upcoming chapters. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 4
The week of the wedding: Monday
I'm driving us all up, Peeta, Madge and Thom, to my uncle's mansion 20 minutes outside the town of Panem. The week of the wedding has finally arrived and we are all bracing ourselves for the ridiculous events that will be occurring this week. As both Glimmer and Cato come from wealthy families this is one of those horrendous week long weddings. 400 guests will attend the wedding on Saturday but the lucky 100 guests closest to the bride and groom get to start the celebration a week earlier with cocktail receptions, tennis tournaments and family quizzes. I curse my bad luck for being blood related to Glimmer. Not only do I generally hate these things it also means that I have to pretend with Peeta for a whole week and not just an afternoon.
I am getting anxious that we are going to be caught up in our lies. We've spent the last 6 weeks going on "dates" to get used to the act and so that we also have some genuine stories that we can tell people. The best lies always stem from the truth. On the whole the dates were pretty enjoyable. Peeta is really good company and I have done things that I have been meaning to do for ages. This has included visiting the Flavius Gold exhibit at the art gallery and climbing the summit of District Peak.
Glimmer has still been very suspicious about the true nature of our relationship. She just finds it too convenient that I have suddenly got a boyfriend for her wedding. She phones me almost daily with updates on the wedding and every conversation ends with a grilling about my relationship with Peeta: How did it happen? What did he get me for my birthday? When was our last date and what did we do? What did we talk about?
The questions are endless but I answer them all as calmly as I can. However there is always another question and it gets very tiring. One time she had come round before Peeta had time to put away the sheets he sleeps in on the couch. She got excited when she thought we had had an argument but we managed to convince her Johanna had crashed at our place the night before. After that we scattered some of Peeta's stuff in my room in case she went snooping there. I am sure she will be keeping a close eye on us this week. She is really determined when she puts her mind to it.
As we draw nearer the small hotel Madge and Thom will be staying at, Madge gives me a pointed look.
"I have to say, I'm looking forward to see this play out this week," she states with a grin. "It's always fun watching you try to flirt."
Everyone laughs at my expense.
"She's come a long way under my expertise tutelage," Peeta chuckles. "Maybe I should chuck the art thing in and offer my services as a flirting advisor."
I smile now.
"A few of the guys at work could do with some tips. Cheesy chat up lines are their speciality. Katniss be thankful you have Peeta this week or you would have been on the receiving end," Thom says.
I hadn't thought about that. There are added benefits of having Peeta as my date this week. I at least won't have to put up with creepy guys trying to hit on me.
Thom works with Cato and I have met some of his other work colleagues before. Slimy is the one word I would use to describe most of them. Thom spends the next few minutes retelling us some of his workmates epic failures with women. It seems there are people who are even worse at dating than me.
The conversation takes my mind off the wedding and makes me feel less anxious. We soon arrive at the hotel and drop Madge and Thom off. As a member of Glimmer's direct family, Peeta and I get the privilege of staying at my uncle's grand mansion. Madge and Thom will make their way there later for the cocktail reception. From the hotel it is only 5 minutes to the house and we arrive there before am I am prepared for it.
The house used to be my maternal grandfather's. He became very rich after setting up a pharmaceutical company after the war. He supplies many of the major hospitals in the surrounding states. As a result of his wealth he built this massive house outside the main town. The house is an impressive building made of red brick with marble columns that line either side of the grand entrance. There is a massive wooden veranda that encircles the whole house. Well kept flower beds give the house pops of colour. It is the size of a small palace and includes 15 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a home cinema and gym. It is easy to get lost in there.
The surrounding grounds are equally impressive with areas of neatly trimmed grass and vibrant flower beds. To the rear of the house is a large private wooded area that my grandfather used for hunting.
All this money meant that my mom and uncle had a very privileged upbringing. My uncle Haymitch married into another well off family and he now runs the pharmaceutical business. Not that he enjoys the job too much. He spends more time drinking than anything else. When my grandfather died 5 years ago the house naturally passed down to my uncle. He complains about it being too big and difficult to manage but he loved my grandfather too much to ever sell it.
On the other hand my mom had a slightly rockier relationship with my grandfather. My dad used to pouch on his land and Grandfather was not happy when Mom fell in love with a poor man from the Seam. It is the worse part of town with high unemployment and crime. However this did not faze my mom, seeing past my dad's rough upbringing and she went against my grandfathers wishes to date him.
However Dad has a deep knowledge of plants and discovered a plant that could be used in antiseptics which ended up making the company a lot of money. Everything else was forgotten after that and my dad has been a welcomed addition to the family ever since.
As a result Prim and I have always had the best of everything. And while this has made Glimmer spoilt and materialistic, Prim and I couldn't care less. Our dad made sure that we always valued money and I can still remember the giddy pride I felt when I got my first pay cheque and bought something with the money I had earned entirely on my own.
As we pull up there is a valet waiting and he takes my keys to park the car. At the bottom of the steps there is a young man waiting to take our bags. Aunt Effie has ensured that the house will run like a expensive hotel this week. Peeta interlinks his fingers through mine as we ascend the stairs following the man carrying our bags. I accept his hand readily. I no longer try to pull away from his touch.
"You'll be fine," he whispers in my ear. "You're a lot better at this than you think."
I gave him an incredulous look. He has to be kidding. I may have improved but I am still bad. He just lets out a small chuckle.
"Remember everyone is here for Glimmer. No one will even notice us," he tries to reassure me.
I shrug my shoulders but know that won't be the case. My family are nosy and everyone will be itching to know how I finally got myself a boyfriend.
The young man takes us to our room and puts down our bags. I give him a tip and then turn to survey the room. It is the room I always stayed in when I was a kid. I had a choice in the decoration and as a result it is still the same earthy green shade I had back them. I chose it because it reminded me of my favourite place; the woods you can see out the window.
Peeta is also looking around the room and he eyes stop on the large king sized bed. It is the only bed in the room.
"I guess I'll take the floor," he says.
I frown. He's been sleeping on our couch for 6 weeks now. It can't have been good for his back. We are not 21 anymore.
"Don't be silly. The bed is big enough for the both of us," I reply.
Peeta raises his eyebrows at my comment.
"Are you sure?" he asks hesitantly.
"Positive. You don't have to worry about me jumping you. You are not that attractive," I joke. Peeta laughs. "Beside Glimmer is probably going to check on us. Best be prepared."
"Okay then. But I have to warn you I snore," he agrees.
I smile and shake my head as I begin to unpack some of the essentials.
We have arrived later than most of the other guests. I had to hand in a report at work this morning and wasn't going to leave until it had been done. This means everyone else is already getting drunk at the reception downstairs.
Peeta and I change into more suitable attire. I pull on a red sleeveless dress that Madge made me buy while Peeta puts on a crisp white shirt and navy jacket and tie. The navy makes his blue eyes pop. I think navy is becoming my favourite colour that he wears. After I sweep a dash of mascara over my eyelashes we are ready to join the party.
On our way down to the main reception room we come across my uncle Haymitch hiding in the hallway nursing a glass of some sort of spirit. Aunt Effie has clearly made him dress up for the evening and has managed to get him into a suit and bow tie. She's even managed to tame his greying, muddy blonde mop on the top of his head and taken a razor to his face. He looks miserable.
"Not enjoying the party?" I ask sarcastically folding my arms across my chest.
He looks up from his drink and scowls at me.
"If I never hear the words wedding, centre piece or string quartet again it won't be a day to soon," he grumbles.
Both Peeta and I laugh. Uncle Haymitch has never been comfortable with my grandfather's money and would quite happily live by simpler means. However his wife is exuberant and over the top and loves throwing parties like this. I highly suspect it is events like this that causes him to drink so much.
I have always liked Uncle Haymitch. He was one of the few people who championed my dad when he first started dating my mom. I have always respected him for that. And we are more similar than I would probably like to admit. We are both a bit sullen and grumpy but both of us loyal and hard working.
Haymitch straightens up against the wall as we approach.
"So you managed to get yourself a boyfriend sweetheart," he says pointing his glass as Peeta. "Tell me, how did you get him to go out with you? You are about as charming as a dead slug!"
It is my turn now to scowl at him. Peeta doesn't miss a beat before jumping to my defence.
"Katniss's charm lies with her ability to always do the right thing. It's captivating and no one can accuse her not being loyal and there for the people she loves," he says pulling me into his side and kissing the top of my head.
I remember to smile at his words. He is so reliably good at this and has, as always, managed to pick the right thing to say. I only wish I found it as easy.
Haymitch shrugs his shoulders and takes another slurp of his drink.
"Congratulations sweetheart. You've successful pulled the wool over this one's eyes. He hasn't realised you're a workaholic bore. Don't let this one go," he says.
"For that comment, I am dragging you back to the party. I am sure Aunt Effie has plenty of people she wants you to engage in small talk with," I reply.
I grab his arm and march him back to the main reception room. I know how much he hates mingling. Peeta follows smirking behind me.
As I expected Effie is on him immediately demanding to know where he has been and that Claudius Templesmith has been waiting to talk to him. He gives me an angry glare as he is dragged off and I smirk back at him. Revenge is sweet.
However I don't get to savour my victory for long as Glimmer is on Peeta and I in a flash. She pulls me into a tight hug and declares, "Look who has finally arrived! Katniss and her new boyfriend!"
I search for Peeta's hand to steady myself as Glimmer pulls back and looks at me challengingly. Her loud greeting has alerted many people to our arrival and I am conscious of a lot of people watching us. Instinctively I snuggle into Peeta's side to try and hide away from their stares.
"So good to see you again Glimmer. Your flower displays are magnificent. Fantastic choice of colour," Peeta replies trying to distract her.
It works as Glimmer gets excited about the compliment and turns her attention away from me.
"I'm so glad you think so. Hearing that from an artist is so rewarding!" she squeals.
Peeta nods his head and engages her in a conversation about her inspiration behind the decorations. I stand tucked in beside him trying to look like a loving girlfriend. Glimmer's fiancé, Cato, comes up behind Glimmer to greet us. He wraps his arms around her waist and it is clear by the look on his face that he believes he is the luckiest guy alive. Glimmer leans back into his embrace instinctively and I envy how easy it is for them. They don't need to plan their affection for each other. They are simply in love.
We chat for a few moments more with Glimmer making more over the top comments about my relationship with Peeta and causing more people to look in our direction to study Peeta and me. Finally Aunt Effie saves us by coming over and redirecting Glimmer and Cato over to a group of her friends.
"Enjoy the party with your boyfriend," Glimmer declares as she departs stressing the word boyfriend.
She gives me another challengingly look to show me that she isn't convinced yet. I give her a forced smile and try not to let her comment rattle me. She has no way of knowing the truth.
However seeing Cato and Glimmer together has shown me how natural it should be. I don't know how to compete with that. It is only now that I realise how hard this will be for me to pull off.
Peeta senses my tension and gives me a reassuring squeeze.
"You are doing fine," he whispers in my ear.
I try to believe him and relax but just as I do my next test comes up.
My parents come to greet us.
The give both Peeta and I a warm hug and inquire about our journey. My palms begin to get sweaty. So far I have avoided having Peeta and my parents in the same room even though my parents have been begging to take us both out for dinner. I am nervous because my family know me the best and are the most likely to see past the lie. Prim doesn't arrive until tomorrow so, for at least tonight, it will only be my parents I have to convince.
We exchange pleasantries and catch up before Dad decides to bring up the topic I know they are both dying to discuss.
"I have to say it is nice seeing Katniss happy here," he says with a smile. "How did you get my hermit of a daughter to go out with you?"
Why does everyone keep asking that? I have just had different priorities the last few years. I could have got a boyfriend if I really wanted one.
"Cheese buns," Peeta replies with a smile.
Everyone chuckles. Peeta then looks down at me, with on the outside must look like a loving look. Only I know it is fake. I try my best to return the look. I must be reasonably successful because my mom clutches her hand to her chest and sighs happily. She looks like she is genuinely happy for me and is relieved that she finally gets to see me like this. It hits me again how much I hate lying to them about this. I was just too embarrassed to reveal the truth the first time.
"You know how bad I am at baking," I say trying to join in with the joke. "The ability to bake is my number one quality I look for in a man."
Another round of laughter and I relax a little bit more.
"Do you remember when you tried to bake that birthday cake for Prim? You forgot the eggs and then grilled it instead of baking it. It tasted foul. Poor Prim ate it all the same as she didn't want to hurt your feelings!" Mom reminds everyone.
To my annoyance everyone else laughs. I tried really hard with that cake. It was the thought that counted any way.
"Well, I will just have to live to serve your every baking need," Peeta replies pulling me close.
I smile up at him and he bends down to place a quick kiss on my lips. I try not to look too startled by the fact he has just kissed me for the first time and instead pretend that this action is an everyday occurrence.
"I have to say I am glad that we know you so well already Peeta. I already know you are good enough for my daughter," my dad chips in.
"I appreciate that Mr Everdeen. I only want to make her happy," Peeta replies.
"Peeta, you have never called me Mr Everdeen in your life. Please don't start now," Dad says. "Though I am going to give the obligatory protective father speech. Don't go breaking my daughter's heart."
I go red with embarrassment at my dad's comment. Fake relationship or not that is never easy to hear. Peeta seems unfazed and looks at me tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Wouldn't dare dream of it Heath," he replies sincerely turning his attention back to Dad. "Besides I've seen what she can do with a bow and arrow. There's no way I am getting on the wrong side of that!"
I relax again after Peeta says this. He handles people so well. I see my dad give me an approving look and I try not to look ashamed as the guilt for lying to him washes over me. I don't think I have ever lied to him before.
Glimmer's loud greeting of us has drawn a lot of attention from the other party guests. After my parents leave we are swarmed by family members and Dad's work colleagues all asking us about the state of our relationship. Peeta is well known amongst my family as our 2 families are quite close. Everyone echoes his mother's sentiments about how nice it would be for our two families to be finally joined together.
All this attention makes me feel uncomfortable. I have never been good at small talk or liked having all the attention on me. I let Peeta do most of the talking. He repeats the same answers again and again as the conveyer belt of well wishers continues.
The whole time we hardly break apart. He is always touching me; his hand on the small of my back, a gentle kiss on the top of my head, brushing strands of hair off my face. I can tell by the looks we are being given that he is very convincing. The women look at me in awe at me sweet and doting boyfriend.
It helps that Peeta is so charming and instantly gets on with everyone. He jokes about his life as an artist or how he doesn't understand brides' obsessions with wedding favours and seat covers. Within an hour he has charmed nearly everyone in the room and we have unwillingly become the centre of attention.
This does not go unnoticed by Glimmer. Her over the top greeting was supposed to unnerve us and cause us to slip up. However we didn't fall into her trap and instead she has taken all the focus off her and placed it on us. She gives us evil glares throughout as yet more people come up to congratulate us.
Eventually she can't take it anymore and I overhear her ranting about how I always steal her thunder. First when I broke my arm on her 8th birthday, then got my job at Panem Forestry Commission the day she graduated high school and finally this. She stamps her feet and storms out upset. Cato is left to run after her and calm her down.
I think about going to apologise to her. I don't want all this attention and she is more than welcome to it. It was never my attention to steal her thunder. But then I remember that she was the one that made a big deal about our arrival and I lose sympathy.
Cato eventually manages to coax her back, snivelling about being upstaged. However Aunt Effie ensures to make a big fuss of her and some of the guests go back to congratulating her. With this her earlier jealousies evaporate.
Although I have got rid of Glimmer's angry stares, they have been replaced by Gale's steely gaze.
Unfortunately Gale is Cato's best friend. He is Cato's right hand man at the weapon company Cato's family own and as a result the pair of them are as thick as thieves. With no brothers the role of best man has fallen to Gale.
I assume someone told him I was coming with Peeta but by the looks he is giving us I can tell he isn't thrilled at seeing us together. He spends most of the evening with his wife receiving his own congratulations about the forthcoming twins and placing a hand on Leevy's growing bump. Though he still spends a lot of time watching Peeta and I. This must be the first time he has seen me with another man. I know he likes to think he still has some hold on me and I am glad that I still have the ability to unsettle him.
His constant glares cause me to up my game with Peeta. I want to show him that he doesn't mean anything to me and I have moved on. This means I spend my time laughing loudly at Peeta's jokes and stroking his arm as I listen to him talk. I surprise myself at how easy I find it.
It is this extra motivation that causes me to sit next to Peeta on one of the red love seats, tucked into his side with my head on his shoulder. Peeta is sitting talking to Plutarch Heavensbee, the man in charge of marketing at Cato's company. They are eagerly discussing Peeta's art.
"What type of painting do you do?" Plutarch inquires.
"Mainly traditional stuff, landscapes, children playing in the park, an old woman drinking coffee by herself. In everyday life I see scenes that just capture my attention and I try to recreate them in as much detail as possible," Peeta explains.
Plutarch nods his head.
"I find that quite refreshing. I've been looking for art for my office but I just find all that modern stuff obscure. I want to look at a painting and know it is a boat and not have to look for the hidden meaning," Plutarch states.
"The problem with some modern art is that the artist often needs to have a long explanation next to it for people to be able to understand it. Good art shouldn't need that. It should allow people to come up and make their own interpretations without someone having to explain it," Peeta explains.
Plutarch nods his head and they carry on talking about Peeta's art and good examples of modern art and what it means to them. I just sit there listening to the velvety tones of Peeta's voice. I have always loved hearing him talk about art. He is so passionate about it and the way he talks about it makes even the most disinterested people interested. Sitting listening to him talk, with his warm presence beside, calms me. I forget about all the lies and what I have to endure this week and just feel content.
Eventually the conversation with Plutarch winds down and he seems pretty enthusiastic about seeing some of Peeta's work. I smile to myself. If Peeta manages to sell some paintings this week I won't feel so bad for dragging him into this mess.
I get up and tell Peeta I am going to get us some more drinks. Peeta nods while he exchanges business cards with Plutarch. I make my way to the bar and order two more glasses of champagne. I lean against the bar taking the weight off my aching feet. It's been a long night and I can't wait to get back to my room and sleep.
Just as the bartender brings over the drinks, the last person I want to see sidles up beside me.
"It's quite a show you are putting on tonight," Gale says with a sneer.
I turn to face him taking a sip of my champagne.
"What do you mean?" I ask innocently.
"Oh come on Catnip! Mellark is all over you like a rash. You wouldn't even let me hold your hand in public!" he declares.
I narrow my eyes at him. That is a bit of an over exaggeration and the use of my former nickname annoys me. After everything else that has gone on tonight I really can't be bothered dealing with any lingering jealousies he may have.
"I just never felt the urge to do that with you. I think deep down I always knew you were not worth it. Peeta treats me with respect, which you never did, so I guess I just want to show my affection more," I reply.
I can see the anger in Gale's eyes at my declaration. I don't quite know where that came from. I normally cannot convey my feelings so eloquently.
"He's just using you for your money. It's no secret he is back crashing with you and Madge. He is in a dead end career and he knows you will provide for him!" Gale rants.
I am about to hit him when I feel a pair of warm arms steady me. I twist round to see Peeta.
"Everything alright here?" Peeta asks looking between Gale and me. "Katniss you looked upset."
I give Peeta a smile before turning back to Gale. I am so angry at him. I can't believe what he has just insinuated. Even if this relationship was real it wouldn't be because of my money. After our conversation a few weeks ago I know Peeta wants to be able to provide for his family himself.
I feel I have to prove something to Gale. That I don't let his words affect me anymore. So instead of answering Peeta's question or hitting Gale, I pull Peeta down and kiss him fully on the lips. We haven't discussed doing this and I don't know how he will respond. But for the moment he leaves any questions and lets me kiss him.
It's a surprisingly warm kiss. I taste the champagne on his lips and I get a little lost in the strength he brings to it. Unexpectedly I poke my tongue out and run it along his bottom lip, begging him for entrance. Peeta doesn't hesitate, tangling his fingers in my hair and tipping my head back to deepen the kiss. He opens his mouth for me and gently pulls my tongue into his mouth, stroking it with his own. A warm feeling begins to spread from the centre of my chest and moves throughout my whole body. I forget that there are people watching us.
Eventually the kiss slows and Peeta ends it with a soft peck on my nose, still holding my head in his hands. I look back at him my face flushed. Gale is still angrily glaring at us, but I don't care anymore. That kiss has confused me. I notice a strange look on Peeta's face but I am too tired to figure out what it means.
I don't understand what just happened. Maybe it was the champagne or the fact it has been a while since I have been kissed so thoroughly but why did that kiss feel so good?