Chapter 21

The details of our surprise party were sworn to secrecy by our prep team, who confess once its apparent that Haymitch found out. "Its going to be a splendid party," Venia protests as Haymitch narrows his eyes coldly. "Its a nice big one for your entire District! No one even knew about it until this morning when everyone was invited."

"Invited?" Peeta looks surprised.

"Oh yes, Paylor had some Capitol representatives come for your televised appearances," Venia continues. "A Capitol official will even meet you right when you reach the Justice Building where your party is! Its all just so grand!" Octavia chimes in. "I mean, really. You should be ecstatic! A party!"

I roll my eyes. But I can't hate them. We've all been through our own hell and back. Its really not their faults that they were sent her to make us look pretty.

Haymitch growls, not quite as threatening since he isn't holding a bottle. "The sooner its over, the better."
I can't help but agree. My prep team bursts into protests as Haymitch argues with them and I turn to Peeta. His brow is creased in thought as he moves off to the side of the room. What could he be thinking?

I join him instinctively. There's no room in that argument for me since Haymitch seems to be angry enough for all three of us.

Peeta looks up at me as I stand near him. "Are you okay?" I ask, biting my lip.

"Yeah. We should've expected it," he says. I can't help but agree with him. In my mind, I knew that an interview wouldn't be enough to help Paylor get the support she needs to stabilize Panem. But I didn't think that she would actually push us for more.

"Are you? I mean, about the party?"

"You mean, how long can I stay nice around people before I take off for the woods?" I mean it as a joke, but Peeta is looking at me earnestly. "I don't know. I'm not good at making friends."

Peeta's lips tilt up and he wraps an arm around my shoulders comfortingly. Warmth radiates off of him as I close my eyes and relax into his side. "Just get through tonight and we can be back on our way tomorrow," he mumbles.

I sense the misery in his voice. The misery I share. Once again, our relationship is not exactly clear with Paylor forcing me and Peeta to attend as a couple. Despite our agreement to strictly be friends, acting like lovers has its complications.

"I'm sorry," he says quietly, though I'm not exactly sure what for.

I find myself moving so I'm standing directly in front of him, saying, "We'll just see where today takes us." He nods while I think about what I have just said. Technically, I have just forgiven him for anything that we might be forced to do tonight. Kisses. Innocent touches. The acts for the camera. But underneath all that, I had also underlined the fact that we're still figuring out what we are, even if we say we're friends and play the part as lovers.

We're taken to our 'party' by, ironically, a chariot, drawn by white horses instead of charcoal black ones from the Tribute parade. Peeta offers me his hand when we walk over, and I take it gingerly as he helps me step up into the vehicle. He climbs in next to me, pulling his hand away to grab onto the handrail.

But I don't want him to let go. I can feel the memories coming back for both of us. Peeta's muscles are clenched and my breathing goes from normal to rapid. I'm the one that grabs his hand this time.

"Don't." The word is strangled, but I manage to pull his gaze over to mine. "Please."

His eyes clear. The effect is has on me is calming as his fingers tighten around mine. "Don't let go," I murmur under my breath. His hands seem to be pulsing energy through to my fingers, empowering us both.

"I don't plan on it," he says back just as the chariot lurches forward. The chariot takes us through town and people from all over the District wave and call out to us. Peeta puts on an easy smile and even waves back to some while I manage to plaster a serene tight-lipped smile on my face.

I'm light-headed by the time the chariot reaches the Justice Building where a large crowd has gathered. Now that I can see the entire population of District 12 present for our interviews and the ceremony, I see what Haymitch means by the District is being repopulated. I hardly recognize any of them, not that I really paid attention to people before.

Peeta's arm suddenly raises mine, exactly the same way we had done during the first Games parade. District 12 erupts into cheers as I clench his hand tighter. I no longer feel broken. I no longer feel empty.

I'm radiant as the sun with the boy with the bread by my side.

Peeta steps carefully down from the chariot, favoring his bad leg. I flash a look at him, wondering if he's in pain from the prosthetic leg, but he merely shakes his head and places his hands on either side of my waist, lifting me out of the chariot easily. The female population of the District is practically in tears when he winks at me and wraps an arm around my waist. I simply ignore them, relishing the feel of Peeta so close to me once again.

"You're to come with me, sir. Ma'am." I sigh as a Capitol official taps me on the shoulder, turning to follow obediently. But my mouth drops open when I see exactly who it is.

He's different, yes. More professional. Wearing a Capitol made suit, a gray uniform issued to all Capitol officials, yet adorned with badges and medals that told otherwise. More important. But he's still tall and lanky. Still has dark hair and those stormy gray eyes that match mine. The olive skin.

"Gale?"

He cocks his head and removes his hand from my shoulder. I can't find the words to say to him. Do I hate him? Do I hit him? Should I demand why he's here? Should I-

"Sorry, do I know you?"