Disclaimer: I don't own anything from the HUNGER GAMES. A few things might resemble some parts of the book but it's only to make more sense to the fiction. I'm not making any sort of profit with this story. Thank you for reading.
Author's Note Part 1: Thanks to the readers that are reviewing, making this story favorite and following it. At to those who just read, thank you too. You guys are great. What I love most about is that I can see how many of you are standing by my side. Chapter 13 is one of my longest chapters so far. So go to the bathroom before and then grab a popcorn.
For this chapter, I took inspiration on the soundtrack of Jane Eyre (2013) by Dario Marianelli, The Village by James Newton-Howard and The Last of the Mohicans by Randy Eldemen. No special song in particular. Just listening to all and writing.
Chapter 13 – I Feel Better.
Katniss didn't mean to lose Madge's and Rory's goodbye before they left to the Capitol. But when she was in search of her sister, Prim, she was nowhere to be found. Panic started to rise. A couple years ago, Primrose was no longer her little sister. She started to receive love letters, started to go out more and became a teenager. An annoying teenager. Selfish, boring, irritating teenager. More specific, a rebel. Prim no longer respected Katniss or their own mother.
It took Katniss to the edges. She had to escape more. Escape her life. Escape her burden. She went to the woods more often. Her only pacific place. Her secret. And Gale's.
Gale sometimes would come to her aid. Comfort her, tell her about Rory and his weird behavior as well. He would keep her company from times to times until he was enforced to work on the mines. After that, He only appeared on Sundays and sometimes late at night to talk. But when things started to tight, after the little girl Rue won the 74th Hunger Games, Gale was gone. Working all the time and hunting at night. Katniss tried to help as much as she could without his acknowledgement. Hazelle kept it quiet as well. She was also on the edges with Rory, her second son, who took tesserae.
Rory and Prim had grown up. Katniss sometimes thought they were meant to be together. They were always together before. But suddenly, Prim started to go out with other groups. Townie groups. She couldn't be that shallow but what did Katniss really knew about her sister? They didn't talk. Prim obviously wanted girly stuff. But not Katniss. Never. Girly meant to worry about looks, better clothes, parties and boys.
She never went to those parties. She knew part of it was about to dance and drink but most of it was about making out. She knew Gale went to those. But they weren't that kind of friends that shared that much. He was free to do whatever he wanted. She never thought about Gale that way. Again. Girly stuff. And girly stuff led to dating, marriage and children. She couldn't bring herself to give birth to a loveable child that could someday be selected. Dragged away from her most protective arms for killing playtime for the Capitol. But Gale wanted children. He told her so. Many times.
There were once a time he tried convincing her to run away. Survive in the woods. Have children and never worry about the Hunger Games again. It was strange… him talking like that with her. They were never romantic but understood each other. She did, of course, considered marring Gale someday but those thoughts were only allowed after their last drawn on the pool. She preferred to wait. No promises to each other until then.
The rules of the 75th Hunger Games came with a shock for her. She did slightly considered going to the Games but only if Gale could. His last drawn has been a long time ago. It even surprised her even more when Rory searched Katniss help. He had taken tesserae and wanted to learn how to hunt. He said things were becoming difficult for them and something about a possible war that might be coming.
She knew about it. Rebels were starting to raise protests and were gaining force somewhere. She hated the thought about it. War. Fight. Death. She wouldn't be able to protect her mother and her sister against an incoming war. But something had to be done about it. She would have to train Prim survival skills. Leave the girly stuff at school. Rory even suggested taking Madge too. This sounded bizarre for her. Madge? But Rory explained about Madge being too innocent around Town. She could be kidnapped and worse, beaten. Katniss worried about Madge too. Her only girlfriend was a diamond among thieves. It was only a matter of time before someone assaulted the Mayor's daughter.
Katniss didn't have time to agree about when a fight erupted in the hallways of their school. But when she heard it was between Peeta and Thom, she hurried to intervene. Poor Madge was in the middle of their blows and was hurt after all. Later she called Rory and agreed to take Madge too. He would also take Vicky and Posy. It was a crowded party but something had to be done. Hazelle and Gale couldn't find out. If some war was definitely coming, it was better for them to run away to the woods. Survive and be gone away from the madness.
Gale would be mad. But whatever. Gale was never around anymore. The mines were taking all his energy.
On the day of the drawn, Gale was already mad. Somehow he heard about the fight and went to talk with her and Thom. Probably some stupid girl told him trying to get his attention. Katniss assured Gale everything was fine. Madge was her friend. How could Gale forget? All those times when they brought her strawberries and Madge naively gave them too many coins. Madge always smiled, made small talk and invited them in. She was never ashamed to have Seam friends. Madge would never betray her.
That day even got worst when Posy name was drawn. What were the chances? It was her first time and right away she was already drawn? With only one little piece of paper? It raged her. What could Katniss do? She was too shocked with Gale's little sister going on stage when someone yelled. Some poor soul was going to save Posy and die in her place. A too familiar voice.
Madge volunteered. And it was obvious she did it because of Posy. Madge would never want to go the Hunger Games. She wasn't mad. But when she yelled at those peacemakers struggling to keep Posy on stage, Katniss was impressed. Madge had straight. Those poor peacemakers were definitely trembling at her authority. Madge knelt in front of Posy and sweetest face and voice took hold of her. She looked like a Hazelle talking to Posy.
Katniss decided right then to be the first to visit her. She had to warn her against the careers. Give her a chance to survive. A little angel, called Rue survived before with little skill. And another girl, Annie-something did too.
Madge was strong. Her father was always benevolent with all citizens of District 12. No wonder all of them instead of applauding her brave action did the old gesture of respect for her. They were grateful for someone to take the place of young sweet Posy. They were proud to have a hero among them. The Mayor's daughter.
No wonder, the following actions startled all of them. Effie was about to finish Peeta's name (which strangely made her heart stops even harder) when Rory volunteered.
Rory Hawthorne. Her best friend's brother. Posy was just set free and Rory was indeed free as well. But what was happening was beyond imagination. Rory hurried to the stage and took Madge's hand. Were they acquaintances? Had they met before? Something was off the hook. And Katniss would definitely inquire them in the Justice Building.
Just when she was about to go inside the building that she saw Prim running back to the Seam. She could be in a difficult age but at least she had to say goodbye to Rory. He was her a friend of the family.
It took too long for her to find Prim. She was crying hard against a tree beside the school building.
"Prim, What the Hell? Rory is about to leave! We must go!", Katniss looked at her watch. Only 15 minutes to four o'clock.
"No! He made his own decision. I won't support his stupidity", Prim sobs.
Katniss wouldn't handle that right now. Prim would have to learn from her own mistakes from now own. Her colleague, her friend was leaving. She tried running against the crowd but the odds were in her favor.
When she finally got there it was Peeta who was waiting for her on the stairs.
"It's too late. They already took them", Peeta stares at the train leaving in the distance.
Katniss falls on the ground. She mentally sends the couple a message: Please be safe. She stands there holding her tears until the train is far away from view. She knows her nose was probably red and just a few tears were allowed to drop. She almost forgot Peeta's presence before he knelt in front of her.
"Here, have some cookies. It will make you feel better" Peeta offers an open bag in from of her. Katniss only picks one and thanks. They stay there just watching the people leave. Some peacemakers are taking off the decorations while others start to clean the square.
"We should leave here", say Katniss. She starts to walk back to the Seam only to later notice Peeta was standing by her side all the way.
"You don't have to follow me, you know?", Katniss slightly grins.
"I know. It's just that Madge was my friend too. I mean, she is. She is my friend. I was just sharing a little bit of my sadness with you", Peeta shrugs his shoulders.
"Oh… I see. I was going to visit the Hawthornes before... so are you coming with me?", Katniss asks.
"I should. Rory did take my place. I should thank them or something. I don't know…", Peeta's big blue eyes stares at her. Peeta in his own way was a very attractive young man. Katniss memories of his kindness would never do any justice to the reality of his actions. Peeta was always smiling to someone, making jokes and being friendly to everyone. Madge and Peeta were very similar in that way. They are always kind to everyone. Katniss couldn't help but feel jealous of the woman that someday would make him smile just for her.
"Hazelle is a kind person perhaps you should go another day. Today was too much for her and Rory's brothers", Katniss says softly. She couldn't imagine the pain to lose a son or a brother.
"Indeed. Well, take these with you then. It might bring some comfort for them. My dad, he makes me these every year. But I don't feel like eating right now. I don't want to waste them. You don't need to tell them I sent them. I probably shouldn't bother them", Peeta holds a full and heavy bag of cookies. He as about to leave when something seams to stop him "Katniss… Madges knows. She knows you're a good friend. She told me that… before she left. She said… well, she said for me to take care of you. For her. She told me to keep you company, no matter how hard you denies me."
"Peeta… really, I don't need that. I'm a lonely wolf. I rather that way". Katniss grumbles.
"I know. But I promised. So this isn't about you. It's about her. And I intend to keep my promise". Peeta assures her, he smiles. "So, I'll see tomorrow, Katniss. Wanting you or not"
He leaves without waiting her protests.
It doesn't take longer for Katniss to arrive at Gale's house. His house is small just like hers. But Gale has more family members than most people in the Seam. Even that isn't a condition for him to have a bigger house. Katniss sees Posy siting by the stairs in the front porch.
"Posy? Are you alright? Why are you sitting here?", Katniss asks while sitting by her side.
"Oh. I'm not allowed to hear Gale's fighting with mom or Vicky", Posy says. But Katniss can clearly hear some plate being broken and Gale yelling at Vicky.
"But you can hear everything from here, dear", Katniss holds her. She almost lost Posy today. She should definitely enjoy more moments with the young girl from now on.
"Sssshhh, I know! But don't tell them. That way I won't know what's going on" Posy sweetly smiles. Being the youngest and only girl of the Hawthorne's taught her some boys' manners. Katniss enjoyed that. Posy was not going to be easily manipulated by any boy someday. Unlike Prim.
"So, what's going on so far? Here grab a cookie", Katniss holds the bag Peeta gave her. Posy's eye flash instantly with joy.
"Well, I'm not so sure but Gale was asking mom and Vicky about Rory's interaction with that pretty girl", Posy answers.
"You mean Madge. And? Did Gale find out something?", Katniss wonders.
"Kind of. It seems Rory was messing around a lot. Dating a few townies and going to the parties at night. He even got into some fight these week. But I don't know if Madge was one the townies Rory dated", Posy wonders. She is so young but seems to know too much already.
"I don't think so either. The Mayor is very strict with Madge's time outside the school and their house. And I'm sure if Madge was dating Rory, probably everyone would know about it", Katniss smiles.
Posy approaches Katniss and whispers "Don't tell Gale I told you about this but I guess Rory met Madge at dawn sometimes."
"What?!", Katniss was surprised.
"Ssssh, be quiet please. It happened twice last year. I saw Rory leaving very late at night and only coming back very early in the morning. And when I asked him on the second time why was he leaving, he told he was going to meet an angel. So after that I don't know if he was more careful while leaving or if he stopped seeing her"
"Why didn't you tell Gale or Hazelle about this Posy? Rory could be in trouble", Katniss asks. People under 19 weren't allowed to wander on the streets after 9pm. If Rory was caught, he and his family would be punished.
"It wasn't important at the time. Rory was always very kind with me and for a while I saw him sad and crying. But after he came back from those meeting with his angel he seemed better. Happier, I guess. Besides, Gale is being such a pain in the ass lately that I'm sort of angry with him", Posy says.
"Posy, do you think…" Katniss was about to ask something when a door slammed open behind them. Gale was standing there with a tempestuous look. It doesn't seem he heard Posy. He was only leaving the house when he saw Katniss and Posy. He stopped for a while but walked past them.
"Gale! Gale where are you going?", Katniss asks.
"Leave it, Katniss. He is going to drink at the Hob. Just leave him alone for a while. He is not being himself today." Hazelle holds Katniss. "Come inside. I'm cooking a rabbit for dinner and tonight we are few less".
Katniss watchs Hazelle go back inside. She is little bit lost with what to do but seeing Hazelle like that broke her heart. She wasn't allowed to drink and honestly she wasn't in the mood to calm Gale down.
"Hazelle, what can I do to help you?", Katniss walks towards the kitchen. As she seens the broken plate she starts picking the pieces up.
"I wish I could know. Rory is gone but not dead. Gale should know that. He got pretty angry when we visited Rory. Told him… oh, dear, the things he said… too awful. I should have stopped him. But Rory, my brave boy, scolded his words away. Said he was going to win. To takes us away from this misery. Take Gale away from the mines. He and Madge. He said Madge was stronger than any person… and Gale, well, he got silent after that. I'm not sure but Gale seems to have visited Madge as well. I only hope he didn't say anything harmful. I should have visited her as well… I should have done so many things. Gosh, I'm so tired." Hazelle sits on the couch. Posy goes to hug her and stay by her side.
Katniss proceeds to clean the kitchen and watch the rabbit meat cook. She notices a package with the symbol from Panem on top of the table.
"What's this?", Katniss wonders.
"They came here. The peacemakers and the Mayor. It's some procedures they are going to make. Install the tv and cabo plus some aid while Rory is in the Games." Hazelle answers. "I can't affirm this but I guess since you're friends with Madge, you're going to receive something similar. You can see it if you want."
Katniss opens the brown paste. Resuming, it says no one from the family can miss the 3 hour special the plus the 15 minutes they update every hour about the Hunger Games. Family and close friends will receive a special channel with 24 hour broadcast from Rory and Madge. Since they can come back as a pair they will be able to watch both at the same time. Money and food will be provided to all family members and friends with special permissions to allow them to skip school and work. Meaning, they will have to see Rory and Madge possibly die. Katniss felt disgusted. She finished to cook the meal and went to say goodbye to Hazelle but she was fast asleep on the couch.
"Posy, dinner is ready. You can keep the cookies I'm not hungry right now. Take care of your mother", Katniss whispers.
"Okay. You should come tomorrow to see Gale. He should be alright by then".
"No promises Posy. I am not feeling very well." Katniss leaves only to find the same package for herself at her house. But the package was for her only. Prim and her mom weren't included as mandatory view 24/7. Katniss guessed Prim's ending her friendship with Rory now came with a bitter price.
On the following morning, two peacemakers came to Katniss's house and installed the tv an cabo. It would show a split screen, one for Madge and the other for Rory. They explained a peacemaker would stay outside her house to assure her security and food and money would be brought every day until Madge dies. They said it with such conviction it took all her energy not to punch the guy in the face. Today the channel would only start at 7pm and would show the reaping and the parade around the Capitol. And in a few days the scores and interviews. Katniss was going to be alone since Prim decided to watch the mandatory view on the square and her mom would go along.
When she was starting to appreciate her lowliness someone knob on her door. I was Peeta and a second peacemaker.
"Hey, I know this is sudden but I was kind of hoping to watch the opening with you. I don't know if you know but Madge was also my friend and I kindly was put in their special list of treatment", Peeta says with a funny sarcasm. The peacemaker behind him seamed bored and was already in a small talk with "her" peacemaker.
"Of course, come in. I was about to heat the food they brought me". Katniss goes to the kitchen and starts preparing the lamb with potatoes they brought her. There was also rice, beans, carrots, a chicken soup and chocolate cake. She was never the type of person to host someone at her house but right now, with Peeta's presence, she wished she had cleaned around a little bit.
"If you don't mind I brought some cheese buns and blueberry muffins. They should go well after dinner and are still very good in the morning", Peeta nicely says.
Katniss assures with her head. She wasn't sure why was she feeling so hot. Could be the oven… No. It was the oven. She would go along with her thoughts.
They enjoyed the dinner in silence. Only pausing to appreciate out loud the meal and make small talk. When Katniss deliciously ate the cheese buns with too much appreciation that she noted the comical expression of Peeta with his open mouth.
"What?", she asks annoyed.
"Nothing. I was only wondering if I brought enough cheese buns. Never thought you liked them so much", he says with his cheeks burning. "We should sit on the couch, I think the broadcasting is about to start".
"Yes, I think it is".
Katniss sits on the only two seat couch on the room. She was about to enjoy another piece of muffin when she noticed Peeta getting a chair from the chicken and intending to take it to the living room.
"You don't have to do that. Mom and Prim aren't coming. You can sit by my side". She says. He looks in doubt at her side of the couch. "I won't bite"
"Can you swear?", Peeta holds a smile.
"As long as you continue to bring these deserts I think I can handle myself", she plays along.
"Well then. I will take that as an invitation for the next time then."
Katniss don't deny. She wasn't exactly inviting him but Madge made him promise to be by her side. She was only making sure he was following her wish. Peeta sit by her side keeping a safe distance. She was a lone wolf after all.
The show starts pontual at 7pm and shows every District ripping. Just like Katniss predicted, most of them have volunteers. Some were monsters in disguise others simple but definitely dangerous. She tried to see who Madge and Rory could go along with but they were all truly scary. Even the Careers would have lots of trouble this year. When it comes to District 12 that Katniss heart seems to stop. The face Posy made, Hazelle fainting, Madge's authority and finally Rory's invasion. It was all so unlike District 12. Something the reporters even points make small talk and go a live screen of the Capitol. The stage is set along the streets of the Capitol and the chariots are getting read. From Districts 1 to 5 is all about gold, diamond, technology and fashion. The reporters make small talk about each tribute, saying about their past, their District and one or two tributes are sons of previous victors. From District 6 to 11 is about agriculture, food, animals, sea and other stuff Katniss can focus. 'Cause it seems something right at the place where the chariots were coming off was set on fire. The reports and people seemed to finally have noticed too and the camera zooms in the District 12 chariot.
"Gale?", Peeta says. Katniss is confused as well but the boy… no… the man standing beside a beautiful girl is Rory. And the girl whose hair is also on fire is Madge. They are both holding on each other strangely… like lovers or something. At first the crowd is scared but soon after they all claiming for District 12 and their tributes names. The reports notice their closeness and a few moments later Rory and Madge are holding their hands in the air.
"Wow, they are really showing a strong bond. Those two will be forming a strong alliance on the Games" a reporter says. "Did you know that the girl tribute, Madge Undersee, not only is the Mayor's daughter but is also the niece of a former tribute 25 years ago?"
Even Katniss is impressed. She never knew about Madge's family before.
"And the boy tribute, what a great beauty he has! He definitely outstand all other tributes. In fact, this is the first time I see a couple tribute show such a perfect harmony. And this year we will be able to see both of them win the game. May the odds never be on their favor!", another reporter comments.
Katniss is strangely glad. She knows their chances are small but if they are smart enough they will undeniably get a lot of sponsors. It only takes her a few minutes to finally look at Peeta and realize that between the ripping and the parade, she started to hold his hand.
"Sorry", Katniss quickly takes her hand away leaving a strange feeling of butterflies in her stomach.
"It's okay. I hardly noticed", Peeta says. His voice don't hide his disappointment and his cheeks are bright pink.
The shows goes on some babbling about odds and bets before finally ending. Recaps will go on later at dawn and again tomorrow.
Peeta stands up but instead of leaving he starts to clean the dinner's dishes.
"You don't have to do that. Really. You probably want to go home", Katniss hurries behind him.
"I… I actually rather stay a little longer. I'm not on a hurry to go home if you know what I mean", Peeta says sadly.
Katniss nods with her head and starts to help him. She knows about his mother and his ignorant brothers. Katniss would never deny Peeta help. She owns him her life. Her bread boy. No… not boy. Not anymore.
Author's Note, Part 2: So? What did you think? Katniss and Peeta are more comfortable with each other. And yes, Peeta's story with the bread and all are still here. I'm hoping to make him more manly and protective of Katniss. Prim is a little bit of her character but here she is just like Katniss said, an annoying teenager. Prim finally understands what she lost and will feel jealous towards Madge. And you-know-who will also be jealous towards Rory. But boys will be boys.
Thank you for reading!
NEXT CHAPTER: Romance is the air. But not for Rory and Madge. Who is this mysterious couple? Review and find out!