After Peeta's and my tryst in the bedroom, I hurry back to my old house where Annie, Effie, and Johanna are getting ready. Johanna glares at me when I return but Effie just sighs and fixes my curls again. Jo corners me as I start to go upstairs, her manicured nails closing around my waist.
"You had sex on my wedding day!"
"And?" I challenge her. Her eyes seem to bug out.
"That's something…only I would do! What is happening to you little mockingjay?" I shrug.
"I guess I'm finally spreading my wings." I smirk at her expression and flounce up the stairs to where my dress is laid out on the bed.
Since Johanna is from District 7, I had suggested she get married in my woods. She seemed hesitant at first, sensing this was my place and she didn't want to intrude. But with Thom and Brent's help, as well as a construction crew, we managed to make it a beautiful location without going too far in. Brent finally had the fence removed too. Strange after all these years of slipping underneath, how easy it is to just walk through the meadow and straight into the woods. Peeta held my hand the first time the fence was removed and we walked through the meadow. It was appropriate, I thought. Sort of like, walking away from my old life and embracing my new one. Entering the woods with a man other than Gale, and two women at my side who I never would have thought in a million years I would call my best friends, was in a word, surreal. But it was calming. It was exhilarating even. I truly had changed. And I actually like who I have become.
"I remember leaning against this fence and watching you a time or two," Peeta had said softly as the fence in question was being taken apart. I turned to him, eyes wide.
"You what?" He shrugged.
"Shouldn't surprise you. You know I watched you for years. That sounds creepy, I didn't like, stalk you or anything," he wrinkled his nose and I laughed as I leaned up to kiss his cheek.
"I know what you meant." His eyes softened and his hands found mine.
"It killed me when I watched you and Gale walk out of here together. How many times I wished I could be the guy you were walking with. I always wished it was my hand you were holding instead." I squeezed his hand and pulled him toward the woods.
"Now's your moment, Mellark. Walk with me." A broad smile on his face, he entered the woods with me. It wasn't like it was the first time I had taken him into those woods. But that moment that I watched the fence coming down, it was like another part of my life, something from so long ago, was being packed away.
Now I'm walking through the meadow toward the trees in a long green gown that I have to hold up at my knees. I clutch the bouquet of white lilies in my hand and Annie smiles at me as I approach. We stand to the side and I see Finn trying to get out of Effie's arms and back to his mother. Some music starts up and the crowd all rises to their feet. I see George shift from side to side, his hands calmly folded in front of him. His niece Liliana sprinkles flower petals on the silver aisle and I see Peeta and Johanna appear. She looks beautiful and even a little nervous. Her arm is wrapped around Peeta's and she seems to be clutching his hand. He looks so handsome with his hair curled back and a peaceful smile on his face. They start walking toward us and I see Johanna's eyes meet George's. They really are a sweet couple. Her nervousness ebbs away and an excited smile forms. Effie did a beautiful job on our hair and make up. Johanna's short brown hair is covered by an intricate birdcage veil that hides most of her face. A white lily is clipped in at the top and her eyes sparkle underneath purple and green make up. Pinned on her dress is the brooch that George presented her with when he proposed. He had had explained, as a wedding tradition in 8, the men give the women brooches to wear on their wedding dresses and then it is hung over their beds to ensure fertility and good luck. Johanna rolled her eyes at the tradition but she agreed to wear it, which I'm sure pleased George. She and Peeta stop in front of George and Peeta kisses her hand before he places it in George's. Brent signals for everyone to have a seat and Peeta steps to the side, shooting me a smile. I watch as Johanna and George exchange rings and have their first kiss as husband and wife. Brent nods to Peeta, who shuffles to the side and hands me a tree branch. Johanna was adamant about this tradition, something everyone apparently does back in 7, sort of like our toasting here in 12. A tree branch, an alder tree to be specific, is burned and the bride and groom write their names in the air with the flame. After the fire is put out, the couple stands on the branch and squashes the flames completely, signifying that they will overcome any and all trials together. We had to look everywhere for an alder tree, as they don't seem to grow around 7 anymore. She nearly scratched my eyes out when I suggested we use a different tree. Alder trees represent endurance and passion as well as strength and understanding. I suppose all of the above are vital to Johanna.
Peeta helps me light the alder branch and we hand it to Johanna and George. Together, they write their names in the air and they blow the small fire out. The embers glow as they crunch the wood underneath them, squashing the fire together. We cheer and clap as they run, hand in hand, toward the woods. George sweeps her into his arms and they kiss under the trees.
Back in Victor's Village, I notice Johanna and George have disappeared for a long period of time. Peeta gives me an exasperated look.
"They couldn't wait until later?" I shrug.
"It's her wedding day. She can do whatever she wants."
"Well do you think anyone would notice if we…" he trails off as Johanna and George slip back into the living room, both of them glowing. Peeta presents the cake and everyone oohs and ahhs. Johanna wraps her arms around him and plants a big kiss on his lips, which make George, Peeta, and I a little uncomfortable. But it's Johanna. That's just the way she is.
The reception lasts all night. George, Peeta, Brent, Thom, and Haymitch are all gathered in the kitchen while Annie and I watch Johanna dance with Finn. Delly and Rory are talking animatedly in the corner and Effie is gushing over Cora's and Dane's son, Nathan. Annie sighs and rests her head on my shoulder.
"I'm exhausted," she yawns.
"I hear you. Finn's getting crazy isn't he?"
"I suppose he's getting that age," she yawns again. "Toddlers aren't supposed to be this terrible though, are they?"
"You're asking the wrong person," I snort. "I remember very little about when Prim was a baby. My mom always carried her around and I stuck close to my dad."
"You miss them, don't you," she says softly. "Your family."
"I do. But then I remember, I have a new family. Right here. And I would be lost without them." She squeezes my hand and I smile, leaning my head back against the couch. I wish Prim could be here to hold Finn. Laughing and dancing with Annie and me, Johanna would love her too. I blink back the tears and settle into the couch. I feel someone gently shaking me and look up into clear blue eyes.
"Come on Sleeping Beauty, I'm taking you home."
"Wait…where is everyone?"
"Already gone," he laughs. "You and Annie fell asleep. Johanna and George are about to leave for District 8 if you want to come say goodbye." I nod and jump to my feet, following Peeta outside to where people are seeing the couple off. Johanna smiles and pulls me to her.
"I was just going to let you sleep. I know how hard you have been working on my perfect day." Before I can say anything, she pulls me into a tight hug.
"Thanks for everything, brainless." She grins at me as George pulls her toward their car and she waves out the window. Peeta's arms wrap around me from behind as we watch the car pull off and he gently pulls me toward our home.
I can't believe that in less than a month, Peeta and I will be celebrating 5 years together. I shiver and pull my coat closed as the chill in the air gets worse. I stop in front of the bakery and pull the door open, sighing as the warmth and the sweet smells wrap around me. My husband looks up when I enter and he immediately comes out from behind the counter.
"Why are you walking in this weather," he asks, concerned, as he rubs his hands up and down my arms, trying to warm me up. "Why didn't you take the car?"
"It wasn't that cold when I left," I try to keep my teeth from chattering. He shakes his head and pulls me toward one of the little bistro tables. He goes behind the counter for a moment, then comes back with a cup of hot chocolate and a plate of cheesebuns.
"Eat. I don't need you getting sick again."
"I was only sick for two days," I argue.
"Yeah, and it scared the hell out of me. We seriously just need to stockpile your mother's healing brew. How are you feeling today?"
"Much better. I went to the orphanage to help out and went to town to see if I could do anything for the All Hallow's Eve decorations."
"Katniss, honey, you were really sick. Why aren't you taking it easy?"
"I'm fine," I say sharply and he sighs while I sip at my chocolate. The door opens and I see Peeta's face break into a grin.
"I was wondering if you were going to come in today."
"I can't resist those pumpkin cupcakes," a cheery voice says from behind me. I turn to hug the owner and lean back to survey her.
"Delly, you are glowing!" She takes off her hat, revealing bouncy curls and she smiles. Peeta pulls out a chair for her and helps her sit down and her hand rests on her enormous belly.
"It's almost that time, isn't it Delly," Cora asks from behind the counter.
"Goodness I hope so. I'm ready to meet him. I hope he looks just like his poppa."
"Here you go, Del. On the house," Peeta sets a plate of two cupcakes in front of her and she grins.
"You're the best, Peeta."
"Is Brent getting nervous," I ask with a smile.
"Surprisingly he's alright. We'll see how he is when I go into labor." Peeta looks wistfully at her stomach.
"You're so big. You're sure it's not twins?"
"Peeta Mellark, you better take those words back right now." I chuckle as Peeta looks abashed.
"I'm sorry Del, I didn't mean-"
"It's ok," her face softens. "I'm so emotional all the time! I just want him out."
"Soon, Delly. Very soon," I pat her hand and she sniffles.
"Poor Brent. I don't know how he puts up with me."
"He loves you Delly. And he can't wait to be a dad," Peeta says softly. I glance at him but he avoids my eyes. Sighing, I lean back in my chair and drain the rest of my chocolate.
"I should probably get back home," I say as I push my chair back. Peeta and Delly look up at me, surprised. "I told Helga I would help with some of the crafts for the kids and I haven't started. I'll see you both later." Peeta jumps up and follows me to the door. I pull my coat back on and he stops me.
"Hey. You ok?" I look into his wide blue eyes and see doubt and questioning swirling around. I reach up and rest a hand on his face.
"Yes. Everything's fine. I'll see you at home." I lean up to kiss him and give him a small smile before I make my way back out into the cold.
I'm hurrying around, trying to make dinner before Peeta gets home. The phone rings but my hands are full of hot dishes so I ignore it. It's probably Haymitch, calling from the Capitol. He went to visit Effie for a few days since she has been so busy with her academy. I never thought Haymitch would return to that awful place but I suppose love makes you do things you never thought you would do.
As I am taking the meat out of the oven, I hear a violent hissing followed by barking and growls. Frowning, I set the dish down and hurry over to the window. The sounds get worse, like a fight breaking out between animals. The cries become more feral and vicious. I run outside to find Buttercup clamped between a wild dog's teeth. I shout and kick the dog in the side, forcing him to drop the cat. He whines and moves away but doesn't leave. He keeps his eyes on the wounded cat and I search for something to grow at him. I pick up a heavy brick and throw it at his head. It misses but still scares him and he yelps.
"Get out of here! NOW!" The dog takes off out of the Village and I drop to my knees beside Buttercup. He's an awful mess. Blood pours from his ears and back. He can't even stand up straight. He's yowling in pain and I wince at his cries.
"Oh Buttercup," I whimper, reaching out to hold him. He hisses and tries to bat at me but can't move further than that. I see Peeta approaching and he runs over when he sees me hunched over.
"Katniss, what's…" his eyes widen when he sees the cat at my feet. "Oh shit." He drops to his knees and studies Buttercup's injuries.
"Peeta find me a towel to wrap him up in." He nods and runs inside, returning moments later with a towel and a bowl of water. I gather Buttercup in the towel, wrapping him tight and ignoring his angry hissing. He looks up at me with clouded yellow eyes that are full of pain and I stifle a cry.
"Katniss-"
"You'll be ok, Buttercup. You'll be ok."
"Katniss, honey-"
"Let's move him inside. Make him more comfortable." His hand on my shoulder stops me and I look up into his eyes. They're sad but resigned.
"I'm sorry sweetheart. There isn't much we can do for him."
"No! Peeta, we can save him. We just need to-"
"Look at him," he says gently. "He's in pain." Buttercup lets out another pained yowl and it sounds much more pathetic than before. He's losing blood and shaking in my arms.
"Buttercup, please." I cradle the cat to my chest and am surprised when he doesn't protest. He is silent as my tears wet his fur.
"You can't leave me too," I whisper and I see Peeta's eyes widen.
"Come on. Let's get him cleaned up."
He wets the towel and helps me clean Buttercup's wounds. But they're deeper than I anticipated and I can see immediately he is not going to make it. He seems to go limp in my arms and I stare down at the furrball I always hated. We wait for him to close his eyes but he emits more pained cries. Peeta can't take it anymore. He goes inside and comes back with my hunting knife. My eyes widen and I shake my head as he kneels next to me.
"You really want him to suffer?" My eyes filled with tears, I shake my head. Peeta rests a hand on my shoulder.
"It will be quick. And painless. He won't feel a thing." I look down at Buttercup and then back into my husband's eyes. Finally I nod and set Buttercup down. Peeta strokes his fur as he positions the knife at the cat's throat. I turn away and retch as I see his hand move and the yowling stops. I don't know how Peeta isn't going into a flashback right now, with all the blood. He must be keeping it together for me. I hear shuffling behind me and Peeta dipping his hands into the water. I'm on my hands and knees, heaving, when he strokes my hair.
"Let me find a box inside to bury him in. We can go to the meadow if you like." I nod but don't move. I hear him move inside and the door slam. I chance a look behind me and see a tiny body covered in the towel. Blood seeps through the towel and I heave again, emptying my stomach all over the lawn. Peeta returns with a box from our closet and a blanket we never use. He wraps Buttercup's body and tenderly places it in the box. Positioning it under his arm, he helps me up and leads me towards the woods. I have no idea where and when he got the shovel but he leans it against a tree and sets the box down.
"Why don't you sit down over here," he helps me sit on a rock and he begins to dig. I notice we are well past the meadow, fairly deep in the woods. The sun is setting and the world is peaceful and beautiful. The sun is a bloody red-orange at the moment and I am captivated by it while Peeta digs. Finally he lowers the box into the ground and covers it with the dirt. I find a vine of primroses and lay it on top of the little grave.
"Take care of her," I whisper to the wind. Peeta's arm wraps around me and he holds me to his side. I turn and cry into his shoulder and he throws the shovel aside so he can hold me with both arms. He strokes my hair and allows me to cry. By the time I pull away, the sun has set and the moon is high in the sky. Peeta picks up the shovel and starts to pull me toward the edge of the woods when we hear a low growl. His wide eyes meet mine.
"What was that?" I am about to answer when we hear it again. It's close. And sounds like more than one. This feels far too familiar.
Peeta feels it too. He knows we have faced this before. He swallows and droplets of sweat break out on his forehead. The growls seem to come from around us, like they are surrounding us.
"Katniss," he whispers. "Get up into the tree."
"Not without you."
"Katniss, I can't climb with this leg. You need to-"
"I said I'm not leaving you," I say sharply, a little too loudly. He winces and we hear a bark. I turn just as the wild dog jumps out. Peeta hits it over the head with the shovel but two more attack.
"Run!"
Mutts. Mutts are chasing us! We are in the Arena again! We have to make it to the Cornucopia! Peeta pants behind me as we quicken our pace. If I could turn and fire my arrows…
Shit! I don't have my bow. This isn't the Arena. It's my woods. And Peeta and I are unarmed, save for a shovel.
Shit.
"Peeta!" He looks behind him and runs a little ways ahead as one of them takes a bite at him. He manages to dodge it and he looks back at me, his face pale.
"Keep going! Don't stop!"
"Peeta, we have to get up! I'll help you! Come on!" I take a sharp turn and he follows me and the dogs are momentarily thrown off. I grab a low hanging branch and pull myself up. I hold my hand out and gesture for him to climb.
"Peeta, come on!"
"Katniss-"
"Come ON!" He jumps up and grabs my hand but we know he is too heavy. He shakes his head but I hold on.
"Don't you dare. Climb! Now!" He can't get anywhere with that damn leg so I drop to the ground, despite his angry protests. I pick up the shovel and hold it out.
"Katniss, get back up there!" I back up against the tree and into him. His arms wrap around me, trying to move me up the tree but I stand my ground.
"Stop it. I'm not leaving you," I growl. I whirl around and bring the shovel down on one of the dog's heads. It falls to the ground, dead and the others scatter. I drop the shovel and clutch the stitch in my chest. I turn to look at Peeta, who is gripping his hair tightly and shaking his head.
"Peeta?" His eyes shoot open and I see that there is not a trace of blue. I take a step back.
"Peeta, it's not real…"
"What's not," he snarls. "These mutts? You loving me? You being a filthy mutt?" He takes a step forward and I continue to back up.
"Peeta, no. Whatever you are seeing it's not real. We are married. We live here in District 12."
"District 12 is gone. Because of you. Everyone we know is dead because of you!" I start to protest but I feel his fingers wrap around my throat and I gasp.
"My family," he spats. "My brother…he'd just become a father!" His fist finds my jaw and I cry out.
"My friends. Our baby!" He hits me again and again tears stream down my cheeks.
"You killed our baby!" I fall backwards and he follows me down, hovering over me and placing both hands on my throat. I grapple at his fingers as they tighten around my windpipe. No. This can't be happening. Not like this.
"Peeta," I gasp out. "Peeta, I love you-"
"Not real," he barks. "Not real not real not real! She doesn't love you! No one will ever love you!" He hits me again and I feel my jaw crack. I already feel one of my eyes swelling shut. I try to move my hand up to his face but he jerks away, his fingers only tightening. I can feel my breath leaving me. I squeeze at his hands.
"Please."
"Don't beg. It's not becoming of a mutt." He lifts me up and starts to turn my head. I know what will happen. Peeta is strong enough to snap my neck in a second.
"It will be quick and painless," he says, his voice losing some of the edge. "You won't feel a thing. Far more than you deserve." I close my eyes and brace myself for the death blow when I hear him cry out and feel him being jerked away. I open my eyes, and through the blood I look up to see him being dragged backwards. One of the dogs has closed it's powerful jaws around his leg and he is screaming as he beats the ground with his fists.
"Peeta!" My cry isn't as loud as it could be, my voice nearly gone. I shakily wipe the blood from my eyes as I sit up. He's kicking at the dog as it bites down viciously. It suddenly comes to my attention that it has his prosthetic leg in his mouth…and is not ripping flesh. I look around for the shovel but the dog lets out a yelp and falls to the ground, an arrow sticking out of its head. I gasp as I see Rory lower his bow and race towards me.
"Are you two alright?" His eyes widen when he sees me and I hastily wipe at my face. It hurts like hell though so I gather my knees to my chest and wipe my face on my shirt.
"Katniss," Rory whispers, looking terrified.
"Peeta! Peeta," I choke out and he runs back to where Peeta is lying on his stomach.
"I've got him," I hear him say. Peeta seems to be coming to and he struggles to his feet. Rory drops to his knees to help him and Peeta shakily stands, shifting from side to side unsteadily. Undoubtedly the dog ruined his prosthetic but I am so thankful that it was his bad leg that was clamped in his jaws. Peeta rubs his face and shakes his head.
"What…what the hell happened? Rory what are you doing here?"
"I was finished hunting and was walking through the meadow when I heard yours and Katniss's screams. I ran here as fast as I could. I only arrived when I saw the dog dragging you away. We should get you to the hospital. I'm sure that dog's teeth did damage."
"No it's alright, it was only…" Peeta's voice falters as his eyes fix upon me. They widen in horror and he stifles a gasp as he drops to his knees in front of me.
"Katniss…what have I done?" I shake my head but wince, which makes it worse. Rory eyes us uneasily and I reach toward Peeta. His eyes travel over my face and finally to the bruises on my throat. I know he sees his fingerprints, like before. He looks at his hands in terror and scrambles backwards. I start to crawl toward him and his hands fly up in front of him.
"Stay away from me, Katniss. Just…stay away."
"Peeta-"
"No. No! I…look what I've done to you! I could have killed you. Again."
"You didn't. We just-"
"No. No more. I can't…no more." Shaking his head, he scrambles to his feet and walks away from us. I call after him and he doesn't look back. I fall to the ground, screaming his name but he never returns. I feel Rory's hand on my shoulder and look up at him.
"Come on. Let's get you to the hospital." I let him lead me away from the woods and into town. I don't say anything as the doctor looks me over. I don't answer their questions. I'm numb. The doctor announces my jaw dislocated but not broken. I also need stitches in my lip and across my brow. Rory refuses to tell them anything and for that I am grateful. I will not have it get out that my husband is abusive. After the doctors leave me to get my paperwork, I grip Rory's hand.
"You have to go after him, Rory. Stop him. I know him, he's going to leave. I can't survive without him." He squeezes my hand.
"I'll do my best, Katniss." And he hurries off, leaving me alone to deal with the doctors.
Several hours later, I'm discharged and told to come back in a week to remove the stitches. I hold the ice pack to my face as I walk back home. It's hard to walk with limited eyesight but I do my best.
When I arrive in Victor's Village, I see the car is gone. My heart sinks as I go inside and find an empty house. I go up to our bedroom and with a cry, I fall to the floor. His clothes are gone, his suitcase missing, and a note with only three words on our bed.
I Love You
Someone is banging at the door and I could care less. It's been a week and I haven't heard a word from Peeta. I haven't left the house and I'm sure someone has noticed. Most likely Annie but it could be Delly too. Or someone from the bakery, wondering where Peeta is. Did Rory tell them? Did he tell them my husband left me? My phone rings and I ignore it. I pull my blanket tighter around me and settle back into the rocker. I could just sit here and die in this rocker. Would anyone notice? Would anyone care? It's with that depressing thought that I close my eyes and feel a sharp prick in my arm. I try to open my eyes but everything becomes hazy and dark and I black out.
Whew, intense right? Sorry- it's just been too long since I have left yall with a cliffhanger. Happy 4th of July and I will try to post more when I get back into town next week! Have a great holiday everyone! Reviews will make mine even better ;)