Chapter 3: Labor of Love

The next project the Reconstruction Crew tackles is the Mellark Bakery. Having spent most of my time after (and sometimes even before) my first Games, I remember where everything was, so that we don't need the blueprints. I wash the walls until my hands are raw. I help lift the beams and order sparkling ovens. For me, it is truly a labor of love. I want this place to shine the way Peeta would have wanted it. Would he have worked here, if he had survived and we had married?

Darius and I observe the construction. "It will look better than it did before!" I promise. "But do you think a baker would take it over?"

"It would have to be a refugee from another district," Darius shrugs. "And we don't get many of those. But-" and he suddenly pulls a deed from his pocket. "- no matter who takes it over, it will always be Mellark Bakery. The name can never be changed."

I stare at him, and suddenly realize: he did it for Peeta. But he also did it for me.

I hug him. And I feel strangely warm inside when I do. And awkward. But Darius rolls with it, ad pats my back.

"Um, Katniss," he suddenly asks nervously, as other builders prepare to leave at the end of the workday. "There's going to be a party this Saturday night in the Hob. Reconstruction crew only. To celebrate, let our hair down a little. Would you like to come?"

I stare at him, taken aback. "Like on a date?"

He shrugs. "Must be your lucky day. But you can call it whatever you like."

I am indeed taken aback. But, though I don't mention this, pleaded, too. So I accept. "Yes. Pick me up at 7:00."