Haha I love all the speculation and questioning on Peeta's costume! I had to split this chapter into 2, since it was REALLY long! Sorry in advance for the cliffhanger ;) but I should be able to post the next one very soon! Thanks for all the awesome reviews! To the fan who commented that the last chapter was mediocre, I apologize. I think these two are more than deserving of a little normalcy and I actually enjoyed writing a chapter without so much drama :) sorry if you didn't agree but this next one should keep you on the edge of your seat! ;) XOXOX
I am completely floored by how incredible she looks tonight. Not that I haven't always found her beautiful but tonight, she is exquisite in a different way. The way she carries herself and how radiant she looks make my eyes follow her as she makes her way across the room.
When I first arrived, I stayed out of sight, doing my best to blend in. Not so easy to do when you are laviciously dressed. Atop my head is a golden crown and around my neck, I wear various precious jewels and gold necklaces. To hide my face, I have a gold mask that I can hold onto. I feel myself weighed down by the heavy fabrics of my costume but at least I look the part of a King.
When Katniss asked me to dress up, I racked my brain for ideas. When I was little, I would make a crown out of dough and put it on my head. I called myself Prince Peeta and made my brothers bow down to me (Ryean played along but Bialy told me to grow up and quickly left us younger boys to play)
One of my favorite stories from my father's library was that of a king, who lost everything. His family was killed by his enemies and his throne was taken. He was driven into the wilderness, believing the love of his life was dead. He was even driven mad for a time. He lived as a bandit for many years until his love returned to him in disguise. When they were reunited, she helped him reclaim his throne and they destroyed his enemy. He took her as his queen and they ruled as just and kind rulers. They had several heirs to the throne and when his queen died, the king decreed that all should love his queen as he had and he took her and placed her in the stars, so that all could look upon her.
I can definitely relate to that king. I feel like I lost everything but Katniss has taught me to love my life again. She is my beloved Queen.
So when I saw Rory helping her down from the wagon, I nearly had a heart attack. She truly IS my Queen.
Her dress is a deep red, almost crimson, with gold trimming around her bust and waist. The design in gold thread was intricate and had to be hand-stitched. A rich gold belt with red gems dangles at her waist and strands of rubies and pearls gleam at her throat. Her dark locks are partially covered by an intricate golden crown, while the rest of her hair cascades down her back. The mask that hides most of her face is gold with pearls on the sides.
I was dead. She was more beautiful than any dream or vision I could have ever concocted in my mind. I moved through the crowd, keeping my eyes on her.
She's talking to Annie and holding Finn in her arms. If I thought she looked beautiful before, she is breathtaking now, with a baby in her arms. The way she smiles and her eyes seem to dance spur me into movement. I cautiously approach her as Annie walks away with Finn in her arms. Katniss turns to me and gasps when I stop in front of her.
"Good evening, My Lady," I say in as low of a voice as I can maintain. I reach out for her hand and bring it to my lips. "Or should I say, trick-or-treat." Her eyes meet mine through our masks and I can't help but notice how utterly captivating her eyes are tonight. They search mine as I lower her hand.
"Majesty," she sweeps into a curtsy and I bow low. "Where are you joining us from tonight?"
"Oh, a far off district," I wave dismissively. "Close to the sea. But I heard there would be a Masquerade Ball tonight and I had to gather my servants and join the festivities. I did not expect to find such beauty though."
"It is a beautiful night indeed." I smirk as I shake my hand.
"It was not the night I was referring to, Highness. It was her Majesty's gentle looks and flawless complexion. The way your eyes dance like the stars in the heavens and the way your lips curve into a sweet smile…I should like very much to kiss those sweet lips."
"How would you know if my lips are sweet or not?" I smile at her teasing tone.
"Lips so plump and luscious-looking could be nothing but sweet. May I have the honor of stealing a kiss?"
"You may not steal, my good sir, but I will give it to you willingly." She leans forward and my lips brush against hers. I feel sparks shock every part of me, all the way down to my toes as I pull away. She blinks and gives me a shy smile. As the music changes to a slower tune, I offer her my arm.
"Shall we dance, My Lady?" She bows her head and takes my arm. As I sweep her around the crowd, I cannot take my eyes off hers. It is almost like her eyes have turned green and they seem to sparkle as I whirl her around. She slides her hand into mine and my heart jumps at the sight of the pearl on her finger. I'm relieved that she didn't take it off. I briefly considered taking mine off just for the night but then thought better of it. My hand rests on her lower back and I press her into me a little bit more. I feel her heart racing underneath all that material but I am sure it is matching the pace of mine.
"Is your heart taken, My Fair Lady," I ask, looking pointedly at her ring.
"It is, Majesty. My husband the King is a just man but he allows me to visit Court without him. He often leaves me alone, to fend for myself."
"Perhaps he knows what a strong huntress you are," I say quietly and she raises a brow. "I mean to say, you have the presence of a lioness. Perhaps that is why he leaves you alone. Because he knows he has nothing to worry about."
"Then perhaps he shouldn't be thinking of my physical state and instead, focus on my heart. I yearn for him and still he leaves me."
"Have you spoken to him about this…dilemma?"
"Quite often," she shrugs. "He is a very busy man." I have to say I am impressed at how committed to this role she is. Katniss has always said she is a terrible actress but she is playing the part of a Queen perfectly tonight.
"And a fool," I say quietly. Her eyes glisten as they bore into mine and I feel a tap on my shoulder. Delly looks very pretty tonight but I only have eyes for Katniss and don't want to be with anyone else.
"Sorry to interrupt. Peeta, I was wondering if I could have one dance with you before I leave?" Katniss drops my hands and steps away.
"I will be around," she whispers in my ear. "Find me later, Your Highness." I watch her leave with an open jaw and quickly take Delly's hand. She giggles.
"Close your mouth, Peeta, you are still gaping at that girl like she is the most prized treasure in Panem."
"She is," I reply. Her eyes soften.
"I hope I find a love as wonderful as yours one day. I still remember watching that little boy pining after the Seam girl every day and wishing there was something I could do to help." I laugh as I spin her around.
"We've just changed so much, Del. I'm sort of glad I never had the nerve to speak to her when we were little. I don't know if things would have turned out the same but I know without sacrifice, there can be no victory. We were brought together by everything that has happened. Without the Games...well, we would still be under Capitol control and definitely would not be here."
"Do you think our parents would have made us get married?" I'm shocked by her question and temporarily stop spinning her. She's biting her lip, her blue eyes wide.
"I-I don't know, Del. Probably."
"Do you think you would have ever loved me?" I frown, wondering what has gotten into my dear friend.
"Delly, I do love you. You have always been like a sister to me."
"That's not what I mean, Peeta," she snaps. I swallow, feeling uncomfortable with this conversation.
"I have always had my heart set on one girl. Only one. Though I thought she would never return my love, I never had eyes for anyone else. I may have thought some were pretty or maybe took one or two to the Slag Heap to see how far we'd get but it was never far because all I could think about was her. It's always been her. I'm sorry," I add, seeing her face fall. I don't know what she's thinking. Delly has been nothing but supportive of my marriage to Katniss and she knows better than anyone the extent of my love. She drops my hand and rubs her eyes.
"It's ok. I'm going to get some punch." And I'm left alone on the dance floor, blinking after my friend.
A few girls I've never spoken to ask for dances and as I spin them around, my eyes travel over the crowd. I see Delly dancing with Brent and her eyes look red. It's only now that I notice they are dressed like a couple. I would say Delly is Cleopatra and Brent is Marc Antony. He looks handsome with his red toga and his dark hair that offsets Delly's golden curls. Merchant and Seam. Once forbidden is now the norm. I look around for my own Seam Queen and find her dancing with a dark man who sort of reminds me of Chaff, Haymitch's deceased Victor friend. A pretty Merchant girl shyly asks me to dance and I agree, though my eyes never stray from Katniss.
I manage to shake off the next girl who approaches me by apologizing and saying I need a drink. I make my way over to the refreshments and watch Katniss wipe her brow and approach the bar.
"Some punch, My Lady?" Slipping back into my part, I hold the cup out and she smiles as she takes it.
"Thank you, kind sir. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"There are indeed many beauties to dance with tonight. But I'm afraid I have only shared one dance with the most beautiful of them all."
"Oh, she's free right now. You could go ask her." I frown, looking in the direction she is pointing and see she is indicating the busty blonde who was my previous dance partner. I clear my throat.
"It is definitely not that maiden I was referring to."
"And who, pray tell, has captured the King's attentions?" I move closer, feeling her warm breath on my face.
"Only one maiden has stolen my heart," I say softly. "One maiden with hair as dark and soft as a raven's ring. Her eyes are as timeless as a still statue, and her skin makes me think of the sun and the tossing waves of the ocean. When she speaks, I freeze in place, transfixed by the clear ringing of her voice." She holds out her hand and I take it. I let her lead me back onto the dance floor and she wraps her arms around my neck, her fingers threading through my hair. Her hips sway to the music and she presses against me, our gazes never breaking.
"Your Grace, I beg of you to allow me to escort you home and show you how breathtakingly beautiful you really are."
"You would have me leave my guests? How terribly rude."
"I promise you, they will hardly notice you are gone." Her lips curl up into a sly smile, more like a smirk, that makes my heart pound.
"Very well, my King. You may escort me home." Without another word, I pull her off the dance floor and we slip away into the darkness, undoubtedly unnoticed by our neighbors.
When we reach Victor's Village, Katniss pushes the door open and I trap her against it as soon as it is closed. I hold her hands over her head as I ravage her mouth, then move down to suck at her neck and her pulse-point, which I have learned, drives her crazy. She squirms against me and I feel myself harden against the layers and layers of material that are trapping me. I push my knee between her legs and she rubs against me like a cat in heat. She moans audibly when I pull away and my hand slips under her skirts, pushing the material up her legs. She whimpers when I have pushed the dress up to her thighs to discover she isn't wearing any underwear. I grip her wrists tighter and lean in for a kiss, in which I tug her lip into my mouth.
"My Lady, I'm shocked. No undergarments?"
"I wanted to be as historically accurate as I could," she says slyly, instantly dropping the Queen act. I shake my head and drop to my knees in front of her. She starts to move her hands toward me but my head snaps up.
"Keep your hands there." She obeys and stills, her wide eyes watching my every move. I push her dress up again and find that I can fit my entire body underneath. Giving her a sly smile over the edge of her skirts, I smirk. "I've been waiting for my treat all night."
I gently pry her thighs apart and hear her let out a deep moan as soon as I lean forward. I tease her for a minute, breathing softly on her core, and spreading her apart with my fingers so I can touch the tip of my tongue to her clit. Her knees are shaking and I hear her scrabbling at the wall. I place gentle kisses right on her dripping center but give her no further relief. Not until I hear it.
"Peeta," she whimpers and a smirk snaps into place on my face. It's what I was waiting for, to see how long she could go without moaning my name. I spread her apart and drink her in, like a starving man in the desert. I plunge two fingers in and she falls forward a little bit. I move my hands up her thighs to hold her in place while I continue to devour her.
"Oh! Oh god!" I know she is close and I know how to get her there. I thrust my fingers in and out while my tongue viciously attacks her nub. I reach up and squeeze her bottom before lowering onto my back and bringing her down on top of me. With her legs bent on either side of me, she rides my face to completion. I move out from under her dress, already sweating and she pulls me in for a kiss. Her hands are frantically working at my trousers and my hand rests over hers, stilling them.
"Let's get these clothes off before we ruin them. They cost too much to be yanked off and thrown aside." She grumbles but agrees and I help her up. We go to our bedroom and I help her out of the elaborate dress. I set her crown, mask, and dress aside and then remove my own crown. She helps me out of the robes and trousers and folds them neatly on top of the drawers. When she's stripped the last piece of material off of me, she drops to her knees and takes me in her mouth.
"Shit," I let out with a groan, my hands twisting around her hair, which is still intricately braided and I scrabble around to find something to hold onto. She looks up at me as she moves up and down over my shaft, her eyes smoldering and still so damn entrancing. It doesn't take me long at all until I'm warning her and crying out with my release. Her tongue rakes over me a few times before she stands up and wraps her arms around me, kissing me fiercely. I push her back toward the bed and kneel between her legs.
"I believe I was supposed to show the Queen how breathtakingly beautiful she is," I say as she stares up at me with heaving breasts and blazing eyes. Her face softens as she pulls me on top of her for a kiss.
"I believe you already have, good sir. And I believe I want to be your Queen until the end of our days."
"You are already the queen of my heart," I say softly, determined not to let emotion choke me up in this important moment. "I am devoted to you, like a King to his most prized treasures." She leans up and bites her lip.
"And what does my King desire now?" I lean down and kiss her and reach down to grasp myself, rubbing against her and moaning at how incredible it feels.
"My Queen," is my reply before I bury myself deep inside her and carry us both to heaven and beyond.
Our one year wedding anniversary is tomorrow and I won't even get to spend it with my wife. Instead, I'm on a train hurling towards District 4.
We received a phone call yesterday from a hysterical Annie. I mean we couldn't even understand a single thing she was saying. The phone was taken away and we heard Johanna come over the line.
"Finn's been in an accident."
Katniss and I froze, hands grasping and growing tighter the minute as we heard Annie's shrill cries in the background.
"Is he ok?"
"He was stung by a jellyfish on the beach," she said slowly. "Annie was watching him when someone came up to talk to her. When she turned around, he was in the water playing with some kind of animal. It was one of the dangerous ones and he was rushed to the hospital. Mrs. Everdeen tended to him and said he was very lucky but…it's serious, you guys." Her voice got quieter as she tried to get away from Annie. "He's in so much pain and Mrs. Everdeen isn't sure if…well, if he will walk again." My heart dropped out of my chest. That kid is much too young to deal with this. Katniss looked at me frantically, tears streaming down her face.
"What can we do," she asked softly.
"Look I know the situation with your exile. But maybe if you tell Paylor that your godson is in pretty bad shape, she might temporarily lift it again." I glanced at Katniss and bit my lip. Annie had made us Finn's godparents (joint with Johanna) when he turned 1.
"We'll leave as soon as we can," I said firmly and Johanna thanked us before she hung up. Katniss clung to me and cried into my chest.
"That little boy can't die! Annie won't survive it. She's been through so much…he doesn't deserve this!"
"Sh, Sh, Katniss, calm down. He's not going to die. Your mother is the best Healer in Panem. But we need to call Paylor. We need to go see him." She nodded sadly and I could tell she didn't have much hope.
Turns out, she was right. Paylor sounded distressed about a Victor's child being hurt but she stood firmly on Katniss's exile. Katniss blew up and I had to rush her out of the room before she said anything bad to the President of Panem. Paylor may not be Snow but I still will never trust the government and don't want to give anyone any reason to take Katniss away.
When I hung up the phone, I went to our room and found Katniss sitting on the edge of the bed. She stared at the floor, her hands in her lap.
"You have to go alone," she said solemnly. I dropped to my knees in front of her and looked up into her eyes.
"I won't be gone long, I promise. And if you don't want me to go, I won't."
"You have to, Peeta. Annie needs you. Johanna wouldn't have called if she didn't need us there." I squeezed her hands and kissed her knuckles.
"We will celebrate our anniversary when I get back, ok? And I'll call you every night." She nodded and looked sad but determined.
"Go. Take care of our boy." I was temporarily frozen at her words but shook myself and jumped up, running to the closet to pack a bag. Katniss called and purchased me a train ticket and we walked to the train station together.
Now I'm anxiously wringing my hands, hoping against hope that Katniss will handle this trip better than the last one I had to take. The attendant comes in and tells me we will be arriving in 4 in the next ten minutes and I quickly gather my things.
I freeze in place when I jump off the train and find who else, but Gale Hawthorne waiting for me. He nods to me and takes his dark sunglasses off.
"Don't tell me. Paylor sent you to watch over me."
"I'm acting as your escort, Mr. Mellark, and will be ensuring your safety and well-being."
"Cut the crap, Gale. Why do you keep getting assigned to us?" He frowns.
"Perhaps it's because Paylor knows we have history." I snort. History? You mean we both loved the same girl? I shake my head and pick up my bags. Thankfully, he doesn't make a move to take them. He leads me to a car and opens the trunk for me to toss the bags into.
I'm surprised that Gale is the only guard I have this time. I guess two victors equals more guards but one victor needs less security. Gale drives and I notice his knuckles are white on the steering wheel. I sigh and try to settle back. I don't really like my life in the hands of the guy who was once in love with my wife.
As we near Victor's Village, Gale glances at me.
"Look Peeta," he says heavily. "We'll never be friends. I get that and frankly, I'm not too disappointed by it. But we are allies and we always have been. Because we've always tried to keep her alive and happy. I see that you are what makes her happy and I'm ok with that. So let's not make this complicated, alright? I'll stay out of your way unless you need my help. And you won't dangle your marriage in my face and brag about how happy you two are. Deal?" Surprised, I nod.
"Deal." He nods and his grip seems to relax. I swallow and look out the window. I'd never have thought that Gale could be uncertain…jealous, even. I know he's been dating a girl back in 2 but that's all I know and all I care to know. I won Katniss's heart in the end. That's all that matters to me. I'm not the kind of guy to brag about it or rub something in someone's face. Not even Gale Hawthorne.
"You know," he says in a low voice. "I wanted to hate you. But you just make it too difficult. You're too damn likable, Mellark. Even in the Games, I wanted to hate you and just couldn't do it." I don't say anything. What the hell am I supposed to say to that? I swallow and nod and he falls silent again.
We pass Annie's house and I see the new hospital at the end of the road. I freeze when I see the sign out front.
Odair Memorial Medical Center.
There are two large portraits of Finnick and Mags at the front of the building. I take a step toward the door and stop. I feel Gale right behind me and I urge my legs to keep moving. But my eyes remain locked on Finnick's smiling face.
Mags sacrificed herself to save me. I was felled by the poisonous fog and Katniss couldn't carry me. She begged Finnick for help and Mags climbed off of his back, kissed him goodbye, and walked to her death.
Finnick defended Katniss to his death. He kept watch over her in the Star-Squad and he fought off the deadly mutts. He made Katniss climb out of harm's way and stayed behind to get all of us to safety. I remember fighting with him, protesting that I should be the one to stay behind, because I was a mutt too. He pushed me up the ladder after Katniss. His last words to me were 'keep her alive and someday, you'll find each other again'.
I've never repeated those words to Katniss. I'm not what sure good it would do, knowing that yet another person scarified themselves for us. I know how guilty Katniss feels when she thinks about the many lives lost in the Revolution. People may tell us that things are better now but the amount of sacrifices that were made make us sometimes question the worth.
"Peeta!" I whirl around at the sound of my name and see Johanna and George running toward me.
"You're here!" She doesn't comment on the fact that Katniss isn't but I think she understands. She takes my arm and leads me upstairs, to the pediatric ward.
I stifle a sob when I see my godson lying on a hospital bed, his long golden lashes resting on his tanned cheek, his bronze curls messy and unkempt. His mother holds his hand by his side and has her face buried in her arm. Peeking out of the blanket, I can see the boy's leg bent at an odd angle, so scarred and mangled that I think for a moment it can't be real. Johanna's hand rests on my shoulder and she sniffles.
"He was in so much pain, Mrs. Everdeen had to give him morphling." My eyes fill with tears. For once, I understand Katniss's fear of having children-and not being able to protect them. I already feel my heart tearing at the sight of my godson like this. If it were my son, I would be in hysterics. Like Annie.
Annie and Finn are both asleep so I pull a chair up to the bed and sit on Finn's other side. I hear Johanna suck in a breath behind me.
"What are YOU doing here, Hawthorne?"
"I've been assigned as Mr. Mellark's head of security, Miss Mason," I hear Gale reply coolly.
"Mr. Mellark. Miss Mason. Cut the shit, Hawthorne, you act like you didn't fight beside us in the Rebellion! Or does being Paylor's little lapdog mean you're too good for us District people now days?" I jump to my feet, terrified of where this can lead. Gale looks red with anger and George is trying to pull Johanna away.
"Guys, stop it," I hiss. "You want to kill each other, fine. But NOT here." They seem to understand and shoot daggers at each other before separating. Johanna flings the door open and George follows her out. Gale nods to me.
"I'll be down in the lobby. You know where to find me, if you need anything." I nod and he stalks off. His olive skin is tinted red and it strikes me how similar he and Katniss are. I shake my head and sit back down beside the bed. The boy stirs and his eyes flutter open.
"Daddy?" My heart clenches and I reach for his hand.
"It's Uncle Peeta," I say softly, pushing his curls out of his face. "How you doing buddy?" I immediately regret the stupid question. It was what the nurses asked me right after they cut off my leg. How the hell do you think I'm doing?!
"It hurts. Lots." His eyes well with tears and I squeeze his hand.
"Let me find someone to give you something, ok?"
"Candy?" I smile at his toothy grin, despite everything.
"I'll ask your mom. Try to get some sleep, ok?" He shakes his head and shifts his leg, crying out in pain.
"I hurt, Uncle Peeta."
"I know buddy. Your mom and Aunt Jojo and I are all here. Aunt Katniss wants me to tell you she loves you so much."
"Finnick?" Annie's eyes flutter open and she sits straight up when she sees me. "Peeta. When did you get here?"
"Just a few minutes ago. I'm going to find a nurse and see if we can get him something for the pain." Silent tears fall down her fair cheeks.
"He's already been knocked out twice. I don't know if they will give him any more." I reach over and squeeze her hand and Finn reaches up to give me a hug.
"I'll be right back, bud." I hurry out of the room and search for a nurse. I hear yelling down the hall and frown as I make my way towards it.
There are two nurses and George, waving their arms and trying to break up the heated argument. Johanna and Gale look are standing inches apart, yelling at the top of their lungs, both their faces blood-red.
"Say what you like about me, Mason, but President Paylor assigned me herself and I'm not leaving my post! You'll have to kill me to get rid of me!"
"That can be arranged," Johanna shrieks. "You're just trying to get close to Peeta to off him, so you can move in on Katniss!"
"Johanna!" Completely stunned, I run to her and try to get her to back down but she flings me off and I'm reminded of her impressive strength.
"That couldn't be farther from the truth," Gale yells back, pushing back George. "Peeta and I have made peace! You just don't want to admit to yourself that I am not the bad guy!"
"You kissed Katniss while Peeta was recovering," she cries angrily and I freeze. "You KNEW she loved him! And you still made a move on her! I bet you were secretly hoping he would get killed on the Squad so you could take care of her! Help her forget about him!"
"How DARE you," Gale hisses through clenched teeth. "I volunteered to save him! To save you all! We were young and stupid and she didn't know what she wanted! And YES, I loved her! I wanted her to choose me! And now I know she loves him and I surrender, Mason, I fucking give in!" He turns to me, his breathing heavy and his eyes dark. "You won, alright? She chose you. I accept that. Now are we ever going to put this bullshit behind us?"
"It may be bullshit to you," Johanna hisses. "But it's tainted Peeta's mind! It's what they tortured him with! You and Katniss and he will always have that small doubt in his mind-"
"Johanna, that's enough!" Everyone seems a bit surprised how cold my voice has turned. But I am fuming and so close to a flashback, my hands are shaking. Johanna's eyes flick downwards and she bites her lip.
"Peeta, I'm so-"
"Stop talking about me like I'm not here. I'm sick of it. I'm SICK of it. Everyone did it. Even after I started to get better, everyone talked about me and what I was capable of. Even Katniss said it would be like shooting a Capitol mutt." My hands clench and unclench, my breathing is heavy, my heart is pounding against my chest.
She chose Gale. She still loves Gale.
No! Stop it! Stop it now! She loves me. She married me, she isn't with him.
Because he left her. You're only second-best in her eyes. You've always been second place.
She chose me because she loves me! Go away. You're not welcome here.
Oh I'll always be here. I'll always be here casting doubt over your mind and keep this shadow in your soul.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" The words echo around the hospital and everyone is staring at me in shock. I fall to my knees, clutching my head, my eyes screwed shut and I vaguely register someone calling my name before I succumb to the darkness.