Chapter 3
Peeta drove back to his house on mental autopilot. Before he knew it, he had pulled into the driveway and just sat there. Replaying the conversation he had with Katniss just a few minutes prior. "I'll see you tomorrow for lunch then?" She asked him.
She was planning on telling him about the twins… why didn't she tell him before now? Where had she been all this time? What had she been doing all this time? What were his kids' names? Peeta had so many questions, he finally moved to get out of the car and headed into the house. He was so focused on the questions he had for Katniss, that he completely forgot about facing his family.
"Peeta," Mr. Mellark said gently. Peeta finally came back to reality and saw his father standing in the foyer, waiting for him. "Let's talk in here." Mr. Mellark said, gesturing to his study. Upon entering his father's study, Peeta groaned at the site of his entire family waiting for him expectantly.
"I can't do this right now." Peeta said and turned to leave.
"How could you not know!?" Mrs. Mellark exclaimed. Mr. Mellark silenced his wife by reminding her that Peeta's "ideal girl" is upstairs getting ready for bed.
"I would've known if my mother and brothers let me know Katniss tried to get in contact with me. Speaking of… did you keep the letter or did you destroy it, Mom? I'm guessing you destroyed it, because I know you would've read it if you kept it." Peeta spat out. Helen Mellark looked ready to swallow her tongue and then flashed a look at her husband.
"He has a right to know." Franklin shrugged, looking indifferent to his wife's shock and anger.
"Yeah, and what did you say to Katniss' mother? Did you know she came by to tell you about the twins? When you refused to let me know Katniss wanted to contact me, she asked Mrs. Everdeen to stop by and tell you all, twice! Did you know that's why she stopped by? When were you going to tell me she tried to contact me at all? What made you think you had the right to toy with my life?" Peeta asked his mother.
"And you…" Peeta turned on Braeden. "Did you know Katniss visited the bakery this morning looking for me? She arranged for me to meet her for lunch tomorrow, thanks to Dad. But no, you had to run and tell me instead of giving her a chance to tell me herself." Peeta said in a bitter tone. "When is comes to Katniss, you, Mom and Wheatley have always been unreasonable. With your help, I've now missed out on the first five years of my children's lives and there's no way I can get those back." Peeta then turned to his father, "Would you mind coming with me to lunch tomorrow?" he asked, very close to losing it. Franklin silently nodded and with that, Peeta walked out and headed to bed. The Mellark family waited until Peeta was well and truly upstairs before speaking again.
"I just don't understand, we were trying to protect him." Helen said in an indignant voice.
"You're right. You don't understand when to stop meddling in other people's affairs. Let's face it, you hated that Peeta loves, yes loves Katniss. That boy still loves her, very much. You hate that Katniss is from The Seam and what truly galls you about Peeta being in love with Katniss is that Lucille Everdeen is her mother. I suggest you get over it all, because I met, fell in love with and married you and I didn't pine over Lucille when she decided she wanted someone else. Neither Lucille nor Katniss are a threat or competition for me and Peeta's affection for you. Unfortunately, you've always been too foolish and blind to see that. Now, because of your petty, hateful jealousy, you've caused us to miss out on our grandchildren." The color drained from Helen's face and Wheatley and Braeden looked at their father, horrified.
"Before you two begin to protest, you helped your mother in every way possible to tear Peeta and Katniss apart. Braeden, then you called Peeta, having the colossal nerve to be angry and blaming Katniss for not telling your brother about their children. How could she? You denied her access to Peeta… for the past six years. You and Wheatley have missed out on your niece and nephew. You also denied Katniss the opportunity to tell Peeta about their children. As a family, are these the type of actions we do to each other? I have no idea why you two dislike Katniss so much, but I can only guess it has to do with the nasty things your mother has said about her. I'm going to be staying in the pool house for the duration of this catastrophe." Mr. Mellark said, and with that, he exited his study, leaving his wife and older sons in stunned silence.
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"I see you slept in." Haymitch said to Katniss, upon entering the kitchen the following morning. Haymitch was glued to his laptop.
"I thought you were on vacation." Katniss stated.
"Nothing wrong with getting a little work done, while waiting for you to get ready to go the The Hob. You do realize it is a quarter to 11. We're supposed to meet Peeta at 11:30 am." Haymitch reminded her. Katniss let out a breath of exasperation.
"I am dressed and ready to go." She looked down at her simple cream short sleeve blouse, navy slacks and chic navy loafers. "Am I overdressed?" She asked Haymitch nervously.
"You look fine, I mean you just saw Peeta last night, some of your nerves must be gone by now." Haymitch said with a raised eyebrow. Katniss gave a careless shrug.
"I guess we better get going." She said, and niece and uncle headed out the door. The drive to The Hob was quick and quiet. Haymitch noticed Franklin Mellark's car parked near the entrance and glanced over at Katniss. She didn't appear to have noticed the car, because she got out directly and headed straight in the 1940's style diner. Once entering The Hob, Katniss took a deep breath and sighed, taking in the smells, sights and sounds. The carefully preserved diner had a quiet impact on Katniss, it was the place where she started getting to know jazz music, especially the singers. The sounds of Dinah Shore's version of "Tess's Torch Song" played softly throughout the place.
"Haymitch! How could I forget about this song! I will add this to the new album." Katniss said happily.
"Aren't you supposed to be on vacation?" Was the response.
"Yes, but I can still be inspired while on vacation…" Katniss answered and then stopped short when she saw Peeta and Mr. Mellark at a table across the diner. Haymitch followed her gaze and nodded at Mr. Mellark and Mr. Mellark nodded back. Haymitch headed over to the table, but Katniss didn't move.
"Are you coming?" Haymitch asked as he looked back. Katniss gave a small nod and started over with Haymitch to where Peeta and his father were sitting. Upon nearing the table, Franklin Mellark and Peeta stood up, as Katniss and Haymitch went to sit. Once everyone was comfortably seated, all in the party grabbed menus, while the deafening silence took hold of the table. Just when things were getting truly uncomfortable, Sae magically appeared at Katniss' side.
"Oh honey, this is quite the surprise." Sae said as Katniss got up to hug the older woman tightly. "Come over here with me for a few minutes." Sae said, leading Katniss away from the three men and over to the diner counter. Katniss gratefully sat on one of the leather cushioned stools and let out a sigh of relief.
"So, what brings you to town after all this time?" Sae asked, with a knowing smile on her face.
"I needed a vacation and just wanted to spend time with Mom and Prim." Katniss replied, smiling in return, but missing the look of happy secrecy on Sae's face.
"I bet Peeta being in town was a shock. I suppose you're meeting up because he wants to know how you turned into Bonnie Abernathy." Katniss stared at Sae in disbelief.
"How did you know?" Katniss almost shouted.
"From the pictures on your album cover. I know they're taken in a way to keep your identity hidden, but I know my girl when I see her." Sae said with laughter.
"Yes, Peeta being back in Twelfth City did surprise me, but that's not why I'm meeting him. He doesn't know about "Bonnie" and I want to keep it that way for now. I'm here to talk to Peeta about the twins." Katniss answered. It was Sae's turn to stare.
"Why do you need to meet here to talk about the twins? That should only require a phone call."
"We're here because Peeta just found out about the twins last night." Katniss confessed, feeling her face flush with shame. Just how many times would she have to tell this story? Sae just stared at her in disbelief.
"You never told him? Katniss, I have to say, I'm very surprised at you."
"I did try and tell him, but I could never seem to make contact with him after I left. I know, I should've made more of an effort before leaving town, but all we did was argue and fight if I was anywhere near him. After that, it just got harder and harder to try and get in touch with him. I really didn't mean for things to end up like this." Katniss explained, while Sae nodded her head thoughtfully at her story.
"Well, the guys are looking eager for you to get back over there. Send Haymitch and Franklin over to me, if we need to intervene with you and Peeta, we will. I just have one favor to ask; do you think "Bonnie" would be willing to hold a small concert here at The Hob?" Sae asked, and glanced over to the small stage set up for karaoke. Katniss smiled; she couldn't help herself.
"Yes, talk it over with Haymitch once Mr. Mellark leaves. I'm sure we can get a few musicians out here. All the proceeds will go to you. This place needs to stay open, Sae." Katniss replied. Sae chuckled in return, but Katniss thought she saw the older women look ready to tear up. Katniss obediently went back to the table.
"Sae has asked that you and Mr. Mellark join her at the counter." Katniss explained, once back at the table. She couldn't quite meet Peeta's eyes at the moment. Once the two men were seated at the counter, Peeta started.
"Look, I wanted to apologize about how I acted last night. When I got home, I did ask Dad about you arranging to meet me today. I guess its safe to say you wanted to tell me about the twins?" Peeta asked.
"Yes, they're eager to meet you as well." Katniss said quietly.
"What are their names?" Peeta asked.
"Rickon and Rhiannon. We call Rhiannon, Rhian for short. We tried a nickname for Rickon, but he didn't like any of them." Katniss replied.
"Do you have any pictures of them?" Peeta asked. Katniss nodded and pulled out her phone. She showed Peeta pictures of the twins from newborn, until pictures as recent as the week prior to their arrival in Twelfth City. Peeta just stared and admired their children. "Wow, Rhiannon really does looks like me. Braeden didn't exaggerate." Peeta said sadly. He looked at Rickon a good while and couldn't believe the resemblance between his son and Katniss.
"I'm really trying not to be angry Katniss, but I missed five years." Peeta said after she showed him the all the pictures she had on her phone. His voice raised just slightly. He stopped speaking to take a breath and to calm down.
"I know. I truly tried to tell you so many times before leaving Twelfth, I did, but all we would do is argue over that stupid kiss. I never initiated it…" Katniss started, but Peeta stopped her.
"That's not what's wrong…" Peeta started, but Katniss replied.
"Peeta, please let me finish. That's what started this whole situation, and here it is, six years later and a lot of hurt and anger hasn't changed or gone away, in fact it's worse. If we're to fix this, please hear me out. I did not initiate that kiss with Gale, actually, it was the opposite. Gale asked me out, knowing we were seeing each other, when I refused, he said I never gave him a chance, and that I should have, considering we were hunting partners and close friends. Interestingly, I hadn't hunted in over year at that point, so I had no idea what he was playing at. The next thing I know, he's kissing me. I pushed him away and slapped his face and left the meadow. The next thing I know, I find out I'm pregnant and trying to figure out a way to tell you. I finally decided on having you to dinner. When I tried to invite you to dinner in person, you treated me a little coldly, which I quickly figured out why. I was surprised you replied to my text message to come over for dinner. When you came over an accused me of cheating, I couldn't even think of telling you I was pregnant because of that huge argument that happened. When I realized you truly didn't believe me, I didn't tell you because I thought you would think the babies were Gale's. In the end, Gale got what he wanted out of it; us broken up. Interestingly, after that, he never bothered to try and ask me out again, even after I moved away." Katniss finished.
"So, why didn't you take my phone calls later on?" Peeta asked.
"Because I was angry, hurt and my emotions were all over the place. I didn't trust myself or what I would say, not to mention the morning sickness by that time was unbearable. I don't know how my mom and uncle could even stand to be around me. I couldn't hold anything down and I know I looked awful. After the first trimester, the morning sickness went away and I definitely felt more level headed, that's when I tried to contact you. First the phone calls to the last number I had for you, which you had changed. Then I tried calling the bakery, where your brothers always answered the phone. I think after that first phone call I made to the bakery, they realized I was trying to call you, I think they kept your father from answer the phone, not only at the bakery but at your house as well. That was easy to do, considering all they had to do was tell your mother I was trying to contact you after cheating on you… I'm just guessing as to what happened. So, feeling desperate, I sent my mother over twice. The things your mother said to my mom, I don't even want to repeat it." Katniss explained, and Peeta looked completely shamed faced, because he knew what his mother was like.
"I sent a letter to your father, specifically, but I guess your mother figured it was me. I even tried an old email address of yours, and it just bounced back. I also guessed you must've blocked me on all social media, because Peeta, it was as if you just vanished. I knew that you were angry, but I didn't think you actually hated me. I tried everything I could think of short of a private detective, but after a while, I just thought you truly didn't want me in your life. I knew if I told you about the twins, then I would probably be forcing that on you. When I got into town a few nights ago, Mom and Prim warned me almost immediately that you would be in town as well. I was dreading it, but I saw a chance to come clean, because honestly, with Rhiannon looking just like you when you were little and Rickon's very blond hair, I knew there was no way I was going to be able to keep them from you. I hadn't even been home twenty-four hours before trying to look for you when Braeden somehow saw me at Cartwright's and decided he would be the one to tell you. I knew I didn't stand a chance then; I just had no idea you would come over immediately when hearing the news." Katniss explained. Peeta looked at Katniss for a long moment, finally really seeing the young woman and not the teenaged girl he was so angry with.
"So, Rickon? Are you a Game of Thrones fan?" Peeta asked, to lighten the mood. Katniss had the grace to blush.
"I had started reading the series while I was pregnant and I really liked the name. I really wanted to name Rickon, Tyrion, but I thought it would've been too obvious." She answered. Peeta wasn't sure what he was feeling, but he knew he missed Katniss and he was full of regret.
"Listen, Katniss, I'm sorry about everything that happened. I had no idea you went through so much after what happened with Gale. All I remember is being very angry, extremely hurt and the jealousy I felt, drove me of out my mind. I knew I said things that were so hurtful that you probably wouldn't want to talk to me again, and when I tried to call a few times and you didn't answer, I felt so… powerless and helpless. I just knew I had ruined everything about us. I hoped to see you at Brown, but soon discovered you had withdrawn your admission. I thought you probably decided to attend college at one of your other choices to avoid me. Now I know you didn't go because you had our twins. Where did you go when you left?" Peeta asked. It wasn't lost on Katniss that he referred to the twins as "our" twins, and she stifled the thrill that ran through her, and instead concentrated on how to answer his question.
"I moved to New York and started working with my Uncle Haymitch." Katniss said very carefully. Peeta, who would have noticed Katniss' reticence in the past, was in deep thought and overwhelmed with finding out he had fathered two children and had no idea.
"Haymitch is in the music industry, right?"
"Yes, he manages talent. Its actually very interesting work, I've met some very interesting people along the way."
"Does he manage any talent or a specific genre?"
"He manages jazz musicians at the moment, but I believe he will probably retire in a few years." Katniss explained.
"So, were you able to go to college at all?" Peeta asked.
"I went part time at Columbia University. I just graduated a little over a year ago, with a major in music, special concentration in jazz." Katniss answered cautiously.
"Well, that makes sense since you're working in the music industry."
"Peeta, are you ok?" Katniss asked.
"Honestly, no. I'm not. Last night, when I got home, I had a discussion with my family about why they prevented you from contacting me, or rather I talked at them. I couldn't yell, because we have a house guest," Peeta explained. Before Katniss could stop herself, "Ah, yes, your girlfriend." She them quickly covered her mouth, surprised at herself.
"I see news travels fast, but yes, I didn't want my girlfriend to overhear so, the whole atmosphere at home is tense and strange. My dad has opted to stay in the guest house to avoid my mother and brothers, my mom was still in bed when we left, and my father ordered my brothers to run the bakery today and tomorrow."
"Why are they running the bakery today and tomorrow?" Katniss asked.
"For one, so we could meet you here at The Hob, and two, I was hoping we could meet the twins tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to tell Clove, that's my girlfriend's name, everything that's happened, and I'll need today to get that out of the way. Dad thought it best to come with me for moral support and he would like to meet the twins as well." Peeta replied.
"What about your mother and brothers?" Katniss asked, confused.
"Oh, well, about that. I told my brothers I want to get to know our twins first, before they meet them, and Dad has forbidden my mother from meeting them at all until further notice. By that, I mean he's told her not to call Everdeen house, she's not allowed to call the herbal shop or to even stop by. He's forbidden her from contacting the Cartwrights as well, since that's where Braeden first saw them. So, mom is in bed, crying and being depressed, because as crazy as all this is, she wants to meet the twins too. I'm not sure how to handle things with her, because during the argument, Dad said some things to my mom and brothers after I had gone to bed that have clearly left her rattled. My brothers couldn't even look me in the eye this morning." Peeta asked.
"If I'm honest, after everything that has happened, I'm not too keen on the twins meeting your mother and brothers just yet, however, they will have to meet them at some point." Katniss said.
"Tell me more about them." Peeta stated, but thoughtful at Katniss' confession.
"I don't know where to begin. Rickon is so much like you. His favorite color is sunset orange, he likes to sleep with the window open, he loves to draw, he's getting pretty good at it and he likes his shoelace double tied. Rhiannon, I think is a mix of me and Prim, she loves the outdoors, she loves animals, the color green and they both love cooking and trying to make different types of food. Rickon is seven minutes older and he's very protective of Rhian. They have ways of communicating specific to each other, its fascinating to watch. Rhiannon has also shown an interest in music and they both know how to read a little. You just have to get to know them, there's just so much." Katniss explained, with a dreamy look on her face. She missed Peeta tearing up slightly, and by the time she returned to reality, Peeta had pulled himself together.
"What time did you want to stop by tomorrow?" Katniss asked, amazed that their meeting was going fairly well.
"How about around lunch time? This way, you will have a chance to tell them I'm coming for a visit?" Peeta putting everything into the form of a question.
"Are you nervous?" Katniss asked, finally cluing in.
"Yes, very. What if they don't like me?" Peeta asked, and Katniss realized he was serious.
"I don't know of anyone they actually dislike, Peeta. I don't think they'll start with their father. If anything, they will hope you like them." Katniss said, while Peeta reached for her phone. He put his number in and told her to call him later to discuss tomorrow. With that, Peeta started to get up and leave.
"Aren't you going to eat lunch?" Katniss asked, a bit alarmed.
"I'm not hungry, I just have too much to think about right now. Should I bring anything tomorrow?" He asked. "Just bring yourself." Katniss answered. Peeta nodded his head and headed to the counter where his father was in a deep conversation with Sae and Haymitch. Upon Peeta's approach, the three stopped talking and looked over at Katniss, she was absorbed in reading the menu she knew by heart.
"You ok?" Haymitch asked, Katniss started because she hadn't even heard Haymitch walk over.
"Yeah, I guess." She said while her uncle sat down at the table to join her. She looked up and the Mellark men had already departed the diner. Sae strolled over and silently placed a bowl of lamb stew in front of Katniss and a prime rib lunch and beer in front of Haymitch and left. The two ate in silence for a bit before Haymitch said, "Peeta looked overwhelmed."
"Color me surprised. I Can honestly say the feeling is mutual."
"How did Peeta take it when you explained what happened on your end?"
"I think he's angrier with his family than he was before he came here. He mentioned that the conversation that happened last night when he got home wasn't exactly pleasant." Haymitch nodded his and continued to eat his meal. Once they were finished, they went up to pay Sae.
"It's on the house, you just get me a date and time for the concert." Sae said to Katniss, Haymitch looked over at her in surprise.
"She already knew it was me." Katniss said holding her hands up and chuckling. Haymitch looked over at Sae in shock.
"Ok, I'll be in touch, we'll have to have a few musicians down, I'll stop by tomorrow to see what sort of setup you have available for the stage and sound system." Sae smiled in response, and Katniss and Haymitch left The Hob and headed home.