Chapter Six – Fire Burning Bright
AN: Thank you for your interest in reading "Destiny." This chapter will have Haymitch, Peeta, Jimmy and Katniss' POV. A fair warning for future chapters, this story is rated M [for sexual, foul language, depictions of violence] If you are offended please refrain from reading further. It'll be a bumpy and angsty ride for Peeta and Katniss. It is an Everlark love story. Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. An mistakes or errors found, they are mine.
Haymitch POV––
"Fuck!" I screamed as freezing ice water contacted my head and dribbled down my neck and shirt. By instinct I gripped a long kitchen knife in my hand and swung my arms in a circular motion. "What the hell." As my eyes focused, I flinched in anger.
"God damnit Jay, why did you do that? I could have killed you." The image of me killing the MockingJay, our rebel leader flashed in my mind. Why do people think they can barge into my home uninvited? First Peeta and now Jay. I have got to remember to lock my door.
"You should know by now that I know your habits and tendencies," the intruder spoke. "I saw the knife in your hand, Haymitch. You still sleep with that?"
"She's my best friend," I said in a sarcastic tone.
"Your house is mess, Haymitch," he smirked back as he looked around. He walked into the kitchen. "What happened to your kitchen?" I raised my brows in confusion. "It's….it's so clean in there." I snorted at him. "Did you get rid of your housekeeper?" I shook my head. 'Housekeeper' was our secret word for any bugging devices.
"Why? It isn't as if I invite people to my home, Jay," I said. Every time Jay visited he wanted to know if my house was bugged. I knew my home was bugged once I moved into the Victor's Village twenty-three years ago. After the arena I was paranoid of everything and everyone related to the Capitol. During my Victory Tour when I was 'inducted' to the Capitol social scene as their Golden Boy, the Capitolites knew too much of my history and habits. They knew things about me that I never told anyone. How in the middle of the night I screamed Maysilee's name from a nightmare. How my family refused to move into my home abandoning me to live alone in a house all by myself. So as soon as I came home I swept my house looking for video cameras or microphones and discovered three devices, one in my living room, the viewing room and my master bedroom. The sickos took great pleasure in listening to me 'entertain' my female guests. I never gave them the satisfaction, as I never invited anyone to my home, ever.
But after years of having no one in my home, Snow and the Capitol gave up. But…
I did a sweep in all my rooms on weekly basis. So imagine my surprise when I discovered someone was using one of my guestrooms as a painting studio. In the corner of the room stood an easel with a cloth covered canvas. Beside it was a table with bottles of paints, brushes, cleaning fluid and rags. Who was my mystery artist that invaded my home? How dare this person assume to breach the sanctity of my home and use it without my permission?
My first reaction was to throw everything out but as I removed the cloth that hid a painting I was stunned and shocked. On the canvas was an unfinished picture of a meadow. To my right, I noticed a drawing besides the easel. The artist drew a pencil sketch of the meadow first and was now committing it on canvas. It was pinned to the wall. I could see the details of trees, foliage and animals. The sketching itself was remarkable in detail and realism. Who ever he or she was talented and had a good eye. Each day for a week my mystery visitor would complete a section until it was finished.
A week passed. I stared in awe and admiration at the completed painting. On the canvas was a depiction of a beautiful lush meadow with array of vibrant green trees, plants and foliage. Transparent clouds on the sky were suspended in the air as sun rays filtered through their milky surface. On the green luscious meadow and trees were small animals like rabbits, squirrels and other woodland creatures that I haven't seen in decades. The painting in a word was a masterpiece. I scrunched my eyes when I noticed two marking on the bottom of the canvas. It stuck out, as it was bright orange in color.
There on the right side were two initials, a signature left by the artist – PM. I chuckled to myself. I should have known it was Jimmy's boy, Peeta; that boy had a lot of gumption to use my home as his studio. But then I couldn't blame him. I imagined his mother's reaction if she knew what 'useless' hobby he entertained himself with. Sometimes, I wanted to slap that woman every time I noticed a bruise on young Peeta's face. How Jimmy could tolerate that behavior was inexcusable? Thank God, I'm single and childless.
"My house is clean," I confirmed. "Haven't had a bug in years." Snow finally relented and gave up bugging my home, but with the rebellion at the birth of reigniting, I couldn't take any chances. "What are you doing here? Someone could have seen you."
"I was careful, Haymitch," Jay said as he walked over to the living room and sat down on the couch. I followed behind him grabbing a bottle of scotch off my dining table and two glasses.
"You really need to cut down on that. I need you to be clear minded and focused." His eyes narrowed at the offensive bottle.
I took a swig and placed the scotch on the coffee table. "I know, Jay. I know." He was right to scold me, but the lure of oblivion was too addictive. When I drank I felt and thought of nothing and no one. Living alone granted me a life of having no responsibilities for anyone but my self.
"What are you going here, Jay?"
He sighed. "I know that you had a 'little problem' with one of the Peacekeepers," he continued.
"Was that you, Jay? Did you take care of our problem?" I was loathed to ask but I needed the confirmation. When Peeta described the mystery figure, my first thoughts were…a Merchant or Seam father, brother or boyfriend seeking revenge. But when Peeta said that he wore a hood as he shot Ivan, I knew it had to have been Jay. No one had access to a gun in district 12. It was forbidden to possess any firearms or weapon. But MockingJay was resourceful.
"I won't confirm or deny it, Haymitch."
"Fuck, Jay. Things are already volatile here. You killing Ivan just made things worse."
"It needed to be done."
"You didn't have to…kill him." My mouth felt dry and my tongue thick. I was at a loss for words. Jay wasn't a killer but his execution of Ivan was…unnecessary and cold-blooded. It cropped up new problems for us.
"He was assaulting the women and girls here in 12," he replied in disgust. "He beat up Gordon's daughter, Celia. He attacked a 14 year old girl."
"And Jimmy's boy, Peeta saved her."
"What about––"
"Jay, please. You cannot play judge, jury and executioner in my district. I know that you…I know that you meant well but now I have to clean up after your mess." I sighed in frustration. "You and Gale just made things worse."
"I did what I thought was best. Ivan is only a small incident. People need to know that the districts are in turmoil. How can we feel safe in our own districts if our 'protectors' can't protect us? Conditions will never get better for us. Nor will it get better for the next generation." He reached over and opened the bottle of scotch.
"Jay, I will follow you to the gates of hell. You know that but you lack patience. You're impetuous. Your action has consequences. And who know who will pay for them." Years as a mentor taught me the game of patience and the art of negotiation. Jay lacked those skills. He was my leader and I would die for him but…I held my own principles as well. There was a time to act and his solution to eliminate Ivan was thoughtless and unnecessary.
"I dealt with it, and it's done. There is not point arguing over it." He was right but I knew that his actions would have consequences. I just hoped that Cray would not take it out on innocent citizens of District 12.
"We have another problem…you were being watched when you smothered Ivan to death," I announced. Jay didn't react but took a large swig of scotch. He coughed as he placed the bottle back on the table.
"I know, Haymitch. Jimmy's boy wasn't exactly light footed when he ran away," he rasped. I chuckled. For a gentle boy, Peeta was loud as an elephant traipsing in the bakery.
"Poor kid. You really scared the shit out of him," I returned. I may not like a lot of children. I avoided being around them, especially babies. Blech. But Jimmy's boy, I was fond of him. He reminded me of myself at his age, young and hopeful. Not a care in the world but to survive the reaping, finish school and marry. All those dreams obliterated when I was reaped. No one comes back alive from the arena. "That poor kid has lived and witnessed too much."
"That is why it is time to act now, Haymitch. It's bad enough that seventy percent of what each district produces goes to Snow and the Capitol. Then to have each head Peacekeeper take another ten percent. People are starving and dying, Haymitch."
"I know that. District 12 is amongst the poorest district. Don't go preaching to me that people are starving. I see it everyday," I sneered back at him. "You see it everyday."
"I'm sorry, Haymitch but when I found out what Ivan had been doing and his uncle did nothing. I hadn't meant to kill him…but when I saw Hawthorne beat him up. I knew that Ivan would report to Cray." He sighed in resignation. "Ivan was a coward and making him disappear was the only solution."
"I know you're not an amateur when it comes to killing. Jay, I just can't believe you didn't hide the body far enough. His body was found."
"I didn't have much time. Time was running out and I dug a hole with what tools I had with me. We have more Peacekeepers in this district than any other." He leaned back on the couch resting his head. "I guess the wild dogs found him and dug him out." I flinched at the image.
"You're getting careless. I know that he attacked––"
"Ivan had no preference who he was assaulting whether she was Merchant or Seam. He was a problem that needed to disappear."
"I know that. I just wished that Gale hadn't…he placed our mission in jeopardy. He should have known better than to have gone after Ivan. I can't have guys like that impetuous, angry and uncontrollable by my side. He lacks discipline and control."
"Hawthorne has a temper, just like his late father. We can use his anger to an advantage," Jay returned.
"What advantage?"
"I think he's the perfect candidate. He knows the woods and the way to District 13," Jay suggested. "I don't think you'll have a problem getting him to volunteer for our mission."
"I know, Jay. I already asked him."
"And what did he say?"
"When he found out that the mission was for the MockingJay he jumped for the opportunity, but…" I recalled Gale's eager face as he wholeheartedly agreed but had one stipulation.
"But, come on. Haymitch, spit it out what did young Hawthorne want?"
"He wanted to know what would happen to his family? Who will take care of them when he's 'dead?' "
"There are many who will look after his family. I will make sure that they are cared for."
"Then I guess we don't have anything to stop us now." Jay nodded his head. "Gale agreed with the assurance that his family is protected and cared for. He's ready to do this," I informed him.
"I just need you to know if everyone involved is on board?" he asked.
"Yes, they're committed." This was it. We were committed to start again. After all these years, it was happening. I just hoped that nothing else would deter this.
"No I mean, once this starts there is no going back. Haymitch, it's been years since the last uprising. You know how that ended." I also knew how it started. At the time, Snow was demanding more coal. We weren't producing enough so Nate was forced to add more shifts. The production got sloppy and careless. The deaths of eight Seam miners motivated the MockingJay to instigate the resistance. After the accident, it sparked the formation of rebels in each district but since they operated on their own instead of a group, each resistance was quelled. They didn't operate as a united front.
The last wave was District 13's attempt to invade the Snow's mansion. It was a massacre. Snow retaliated by bombing their district until every living creative and human was destroyed. He leveled 13 that life on the surface was inhabitable. It was critical for us to confirm the rumor that 13 had gone underground. Literally underground, so to speak.
"So what our timeline?" Jay asked and stood up to stretched his legs
"Soon."
"How soon?"
"Two to three days at the most." I just had to make sure all our bases were covered. We couldn't afford to make a mistake.
"That soon?"
"Once I get the okay from Nate. It's a go." I stood up to walk Jay out when someone pounded on my door. "Shit, Jay hide." He ran to my guest bathroom. Once I knew he was out of sight, I opened the door.
"Haymitch, come quick," Graham spoke fast and out of breath. He wore an apron smeared with blood and guts. I could tell he came straight from the butcher's shop.
"What's wrong, Graham?" I saw the look of fear in his eyes.
"Come quick. It's Peeta," he said as took a few steps away from my doorway. I ran out leaving my door ajar and unlocked.
Peeta POV ––
My hands were clasped together, my head down. I closed my eyes and concentrated breathing through my nose and exhaling out my mouth. My left wrist was shackled to the table. I couldn't move or walk around the room. I was scared. So scare that my knees shook underneath the table. The room was white with white walls, floor, ceiling and furniture, which consisted of a six-foot table and chairs. The brightness hurt my eyes, as I couldn't distinguish the four walls that surrounded me. There were no windows or any décor on the walls. I didn't know how much time has passed since there was no clock or timepiece in the sparse room. To help me focus, I stared on my dark pant and blue shirt.
After walking out of the school playground, the Peacekeepers led me straight to the Justice Building where I was quickly placed in the current room I resided in. I haven't seen or heard from anyone since then.
I think an hour passed when the door opened and a Peacekeeper walked in. Behind him was a young girl. I recognized her as the person Ivan attacked behind the bakery a week prior. She looked scared so I smiled at her.
"Is he the Merchant boy who helped you last week?" the Peacekeeper asked.
"Yes," she replied her voice soft and timid. Her head was down but her eyes focused on me.
"Speak louder I can't hear you." The Peacekeeper's voice boomed in the air that the girl jumped.
"Yes, it's him. Peeta. Peeta Mellark. He was the one who saved me from the––"
"You're done," the Peacekeeper said as he placed a hand on her arm and walked out of the room.
"Hey, where's my Dad?" I yelled as the door shut firmly behind him. "I want to see my Dad." The minutes ticked away. I was again left alone.
"Hello, can anyone hear me? I need to use the restroom. Hello?" Nothing. No response. With my elbows on the table, I propped my right hand under my chin. I could do nothing but let my mind wander. What was going on? Why haven't they spoken to me? Where's my Dad?
The door opened and Haymitch appeared. "Hey, kid." he said as he sat down. "They treating you okay?' I nodded my head. Seeing Haymitch first made me suspicious. Why didn't I get see my dad first.
"Why are you here? I want my dad."
"We need to talk first," he started. "I'm sort of representing you."
"Without my dad?" I asked. "Am I in trouble? What's going on? Why am I here?" I had an idea but acted oblivious. Too much was at stake.
"That depends," Haymitch returned. He looked uncomfortable. "Listen kid, be careful what you say, okay?" He gestured with his eyes at the ceiling. I looked up. On the surface of the ceiling were nodules. Bumps. "What you say to me will be a secret between the two of us." I furrowed my brows. Huh? "I don't know what happened that night. So I need full disclosure."
"Are you my lawyer, Haymitch? Do I need one?"
"This is just a formality, kid. Just tell me what happened to you?"
"When? What are you talking about?" By now I'm confused. Why was he talking…funny like he didn't know what happened that night? He was there when I spilt my guts out to him telling them about Ivan, Gale and the hooded man.
"You can tell me everything. We're alone and no one is listening."
"I don't understand, Haymitch?" I asked him. Why did he… Then, it hit me. We were being listened to. The nodules on the ceiling were listening devises.
"Listen, just tell the truth and everything will be okay?" he advised me.
"Truth about what?"
"The night..." I shook my head.
"I don't know what you're talking about?"
"Listen, Peeta. Just tell them that––"
"Shut up, Haymitch. I don't know what you're talking about?"
"Peeta."
"I want to see my dad. Where is he?"
"Peeta, you have to cooperate…" he leaned down close to my ear. "Start calling for your dad and have a tantrum." What? Tantrum, what I am I two? I looked at him like he was out of his mind. "Just do it?"
"Leave me alone. I want to talk to my dad, Haymitch." I acted out like he advised me.
"Peeta, I'm trying to help you."
"I want my dad here. I'm saying anything or want to talk to you."
"Listen, kid––"
The door opened again. This time Head Peacekeeper Cray walked in. "That's enough Abernathy." Cray was big man with grayish hair. The permanent scowl on his face etched lines on his skin. They were deep and pronounced especially on his forehead. Since his assignment at 12, he gained weight from lack of exercise and too much alcohol. His armored white body suit made him look pudgy. He wasn't fit like he used to be.
"Cray, he knows nothing. You don't have any evidence or witnesses that can prove that he was involved with Ivan's death."
"I beg to differ," Cray said. 'Shit,' my mind screamed. I'm here because of Ivan. I've been discovered or given away.
"Just give me a few more minutes to prove to you that this kid knows nothing about your nephew's death." I did, though. I witnessed his murder but I couldn't identify his killer. I couldn't admit that I was there when the mysterious guy shot and smother him to death. I would have to admit that I also witnessed Gale beat him up prior to his murder.
If I gave up Gale, he would have to admit to beating Ivan because he almost raped Katniss. All of us, Katniss, Gale and were I involved with Ivan. Our interaction led to his death.
"You're done, Abernathy. You can go."
"But…you can't question him without a parent," Haymitch reminded him. "You may be the head Peacekeeper here, but you still need to adhere to the law. And the law says that no underage child can be questioned without a parent and legal counsel. He's still 16 and have the right to have a parent or legal counsel when you question him."
"Well, as I recall Haymitch, you're not a lawyer," Cray retorted.
"Even so, his father should be here when you question him," Haymitch returned. I was impressed at how calm he was. Me, I trembled all over, as I couldn't stop my knees and hands from shaking. My stomach was in knot. I had no appetite during lunch but by now I was starving and thirsty. I also needed to use the bathroom. The cuff on my wrist bit into my skin.
"I can do what I goddamn please," he sneered back. "I will question him now. You will leave."
"No," Haymitch said loud and firm. "If you're not letting his dad be present while you're questioning him, I am staying"
"Leave or I'll throw you out myself," he threatened him, but Haymitch stood his ground.
"No, I'm staying." Angry, Cray grabbed Haymitch by the collar and pushed him against an adjacent wall. "Go ahead, Cray. Lay a finger on me." Haymitch dared him as he shoved Cray away from him.
"Don't try me." Cray stood toe to toe with him. "You think you can hide behind Snow––"
"Go ahead, order your guys to 'beat me up,' and see how Snow will react when he finds out you touched one of his Victors." Haymitch narrowed his eyes. Cray was still for a few seconds mulling over Haymitch's words. He knew that harming any of Snow's victors was forbidden. Haymitch was untouchable. "I'm not leaving Peeta here alone with you."
I wanted to throw up as I watched two grown men stared each other down. Cray relented as he sat in front of me leaning back on the chair. "State your name, your parent's name, you age, and your trade" I blinked a couple of times. "Well, I don't have all day." I looked over to Haymitch. He nodded his head.
"Go ahead Peeta," he said. "Answer his questions."
"Abernathy, I'll allow you to stay but you're not say another word. Do you understand? This is an interrogation and I will not have you…coaching him. You will remain silent or I will throw you out, victor or no victor." Cray turned to me. "For the record state your name, age, parent's name and profession in training."
"My name is Peeta Mellark. I am sixteen year old." My parents are James and Evelyn Mellark. My profession in training is a baker."
"Any brother or sisters?" Haymitch sighed in impatience. Cray glared back at him.
"Two brothers, Graham and Rye Mellark," I returned. A screen came into view on the adjacent wall revealing a photo.
"Can you identify the person on the screen?"
"That's…that's Peacekeeper Ivan." It was photo of Ivan sans long hair. The image was taken a few years ago since he looked around 16 years old. Most Peacekeepers started training at sixteen. They went through two years of basic training before given an assignment on their eighteenth birthday.
"And how do you know Peacekeeper Ivan?" I turned and looked at Haymitch.
"Don't look at him," Cray bellowed, his tone hard. "Answer my question. He can't help you."
"Last week…I was outside at the back of our bakery when I heard a scream. I followed the sound and found a Peacekeeper attacking a young girl," I continued.
"It was Peacekeeper Ivan. He had her pressed against a wall at the side of the building. She was screaming for him to stop and let her go."
Cray flashed a photo of a young girl on the screen. "Is this the girl you identified in the alley?" I nodded my head.
"Yes, the girl same girl who was here a few minutes ago, she was one that Ivan was attacking," I confirmed.
"Or so you assumed," Cray added.
"Come on, Cray. There are many people, Peacekeeper, Seam and Merchant that can testify that he was harassing the girls in this district," Haymitch admonished him.
"You can't refute the truth that Ivan was a predator." Cray glared at Haymitch.
He turned back to me. "So what happened next?"
"So I grabbed Ivan, Peacekeeper Ivan by the shoulders and pulled him off of her. I told him to leave her alone. He got mad at me for interrupting him. I told him that he was attacking a 14 year-old girl. He said to mind my own business. He got really mad and came after me but I fought back."
Cray scoffed, as he looked me over not believing that I could overtake his nephew. It was true that he was taller and heavier than me but I could defend myself. With two older brothers who were bigger and stronger than me I knew how.
"I got him on the ground and told him to stop. He…cursed at me. I let him go but he attacked me again. Then my Dad found us. I went back to bakery."
"So you had a fight with Peacekeeper Ivan?" I nodded my head. "And you're father can corroborate your story."
"Yes, he told me to go home and then told Ivan to leave." Cray stared at me for a few minutes.
"Where were you on the night of the celebration between 7 and 9 pm?"
"I was with my family at the celebration."
"I have witnesses that verify that you left the party and was gone for the rest of the evening. Where did you go?"
I gulped. My mind spun and formulated scenarios to not implicate Katniss in any way. "I went home."
"Why?"
"It had a been a long week working in the bakery. I wasn't feeling well." It was true. That was the night I had hoped to finally speak to Katniss. And I did only to be shot down. My heart broke that night. My dream was over.
"How did you get those bruises on your face?"
"I…I…" I couldn't speak. I panicked. "I want my Dad."
"No, you need to answer my question. How did you get that black eye and busted lip? Whom did you have a fight with?" he spoke slow pronouncing each word as he leaned forward placing his arms on top of the table.
"I…my brother and I horse around. All three of us belong with the wrestling team at my school."
"And that's important to know because...? He gave me a skeptical look.
"I was messing around with my brother when one of them accidentally hit me." I winced hoping that Cray would believe my lie. I focused on Katniss making sure I kept her out this mess.
"So one of your brother did that to you," he gestured to my injuries.
"Yes." My hands were sweaty. The bright light on the ceiling felt hot that beads of sweat dripped from my head down to my neck. I kept my head down and eyes focused on my clasped hands. I noticed that the cuff on my left wrist was shiny, bright and smooth. The band around my wrist was two inches wide. On the shiny surface, I could see a long angular image of my face.
"Look at me Mellark," he instructed. I closed my eyes. "Look at me now." I raised my head and opened my eyes. I couldn't focus as tears threatened to brim my eyes. I blinked a few times to clear them.
"Tell me again where were you on the night in question? Where did you go and whom did you have a fight with?" he repeated. My bladder started to hurt.
"I need to use the bathroom?" I croaked. For an hour Cray repeated the same questions. He would ask to state my name, age and name of my parents. He repeated the process over and over.
"For crying out loud, Cray. The kids answered your questions. He doesn't know anything." He ignored Haymitch.
"So Mellark, who were you with and who gave you the black eye?" he repeated again. I lost count of how many times he asked the same question. I gave him the same answer.
"I need to use the bathroom, please," I begged as tears ran down my eyes.
"Give him a break, Cray. At least let him use the bathroom. You want him to make a mess while your interrogating him?"
He stood and walked over to my side. He leaned down close to my ear.
"I know you're hiding something?" he said. Then, to my surprise he removed the cuff from my left wrist. The door swung open as Peacekeeper appeared at the exit. "Take him to the restroom and bring him right back." Haymitch moved towards me.
"No, you stay. He can use the restroom on his own."
"And what if I need to use the restroom myself?" Haymitch snickered. "I've been standing here for more an hour."
"You can go after him," Cray returned.
"Go ahead, Peeta. Take your time," Haymitch advised.
Relieved, I walked out the room and was led to the bathroom where I did my business. The bathroom was clean, white and pristine just like their interrogation room. I washed my hands on the white basin sink and looked up at the mirror. I looked pale. My hair was a mess and the bruises on my face were more pronounced than ever. With my head down I poured water over my head and washed my face. My face hurt as my hands rubbed on my tender skin. I jumped when someone pounded on the door.
"Time's up."
I was led back to the same room. As the door open I gasped in shock. On the walls were images of Ivan, his body bloody and beaten. Cray stood in the middle of the room. I walked back to my chair where the Peacekeeper reattached the cuff on my left wrist. Haymitch stood beside me, his hand on my shoulder.
"So again, tell me Mellark. Tell me the truth who gave you the bruises on your face? Who were you fighting with? Was it my nephew? Did you have an altercation?"
I took a deep breath. "My brothers Graham and Rye…" I answered back. This line of questioning was repeated again.
"Cray that's enough. You're going nowhere. He doesn't know who beat up your nephew," Haymitch reiterated. I was tired, so tired that my whole body ached.
Cray asked another round of questions. "What are you hiding? Who really gave you those bruises?"
"I didn't kill your nephew. I didn't see him that night."
"I want to know why my nephew singled you out," he said.
"I don't understand," I repeated.
"One of my Peacekeepers said that Ivan ransacked your room saying something about a payback," he explained. "What did he mean by that?" Oh, that's what happened to my room on the night of the celebration. After the celebration my room was a mess. I had left it pristine and in order like I usually did. We all knew that they were searching the shops and homes, but having my room ransacked was…telling. I didn't say anything to my dad since I didn't think anything of it. I should have known it was Ivan.
"Oh, so Cray what was Ivan doing in the bakery then? Care to explain that?" Haymitch alluded. "The question should be why was Ivan in Peeta's room to begin with?"
"I have the right to search any business or home necessary without permission. Unless you have something to hide," he sneered back.
"It seems to me that Ivan has a problem with Peeta."
"He must have provoke him," Cray defended his nephew.
"I didn't provoke him. He was attacking a defenseless girl," I explained again.
"Did you have another encounter or interaction with Ivan?"
"I haven't seen him since then. I've been working at my dad's bakery. I didn't have time to do anything else."
"It's true his parents can vouch for him. Peeta only has time to go to school then he works in the bakery until it closes. When does he have time to do anything else," Haymitch added.
"He still hasn't explained who gave him those bruises. Who is he protecting then?" The last question startled me.
I asked for my father. "I'm not…I want to see my dad."
"No."
"I want to see my dad," I repeated. "I won't…I'm not talking anymore. I want my dad."
Frustrated, Cray yanked me by the arm and punched me in the stomach. I winced in pain as I sat back own on the chair. "Cray, that wasn't necessary," Haymitch screamed as he stood by my side. "Peeta hasn't done anything wrong." The punch surprised me. I fought to catch my breath as my free hand clutched my stomach. I closed my eyes tight clearing my head from the pain radiating from my belly.
"He knows something. I know he does and if have to…" Haymitch pushed Cray away from me. "You're all hiding something. All of you." Two Peacekeepers rushed into the room and held Haymitch back.
"Leave the kid alone," he yelled as the Peacekeepers held by the arms. "Leave him alone."
"I may not be able to touch you, victor but he…" He gestured to me. "…is vermin like the rest of this district. You're all pestilence that needs to be eradicated from this earth. I would be doing Panem a favor if I got rid of all you." Cray walked over and slammed my head onto the white table. I winced in pain as his hand squeezed my head and pushed it further onto the smooth surface.
"Stop. Don't hurt him anymore. He's just a kid."
I closed my eyes as tears ran down my cheeks. Cray leaned down into my ear. "Tell me where were you on the night in question? Who gave you the bruises?" Pain radiated on my cheek. His nails dug into my skull. "Tell me now?" He screamed in my ear.
"I want my dad," I cried, tears flowed from my eyes. "I want my dad. Please, stop." Haymitch's screams faded in the background. The pain in my head shot through the base of my skull and down my neck. I was about to lose consciousness when the pressure on my head lifted. I cried in relief. The next thing I knew Cray unshackled my hand, grabbed me by the back of shirt forcing me to stand up. I felt woozy from the change of position from sitting to standing. My vision blurred as the room spun. It was white everywhere.
He grabbed my arm and led me out of the Justice Building. My mind spun as my view changed from a stark white room to the outside of the building. My feet felt numb. It was almost dark outside but I scrunched my eyes blinded by the light. I inhaled buckets of air into my lungs. My chest heaved gasping to breath. Outside the Justice Building a large mass of people gathered. I couldn't focus me eyes. I wanted my dad. 'Where's my dad?' I need him to make this go away like he did whenever I had a nightmare or when I was sad or scared.
Eight Peacekeepers stood in front of the crowd rifles in their hands aimed at group assembled outside.
"Where's my dad?" I muttered, my voice scratchy and raw. My eyes searched for him.
"Peeta." I heard a voice calling out to me. It was my dad. I lost control as I cried out for him.
"Daddy, help me."
"Peeta!" I heard his voice desperate and shaken. "Peeta." Two Peacekeepers held me by the arms. My legs felt weak. My head hurt my cheek burned with pain. "Let my boy go," he pleaded. His voice laced with fear and sorrow. "Peeta, my son."
"Daddy," I whimpered. "I want to go home." I felt like I'm five years old again. The age when I realized truly, realized that my mother didn't want me or loved me. It was my first heartbreak. I needed my dad to hold me, comfort me. I was five again, feeling alone and unwanted. The hours with Cray and his interrogation, the guilt I felt in my involvement with Ivan took a toll on my head and heart. I just wanted everything to be over, I wanted to die.
Then my eyes focused, I saw her and I wept as I looked away. "Daddy, help me." My eyes glanced at the crowd to find my dad struggling as two Peacekeepers held him back. My brother Graham and Rye were on the ground face down as Peacekeeper placed a foot on the small of their back. Delly and Sonja were crying a few feet away from them. My mother stood tall and proud showing no emotion on her hard face. "Daddy."
Cray walked before me and shackled my hands. He led me to the middle of the arcade in front of the Justice Building. "A crime has been committed. A crime committed against a Peacekeeper. An offense punishable by death." The crowd gasped in shock.
"What is the crime?" someone shouted from the crowd.
"My nephew Ivan was brutally murdered the night of the celebration," Cray announced. "He was beaten, shot and smothered to death. I am charging Peeta Mellark as a culprit who committed this crime"
"No, that's not true," Dad yelled as people around him gasped in horror and surprise.
"What is your proof?" Graham shouted.
"I have witnesses who stated that Peeta Mellark was missing from the time my nephew disappeared at the night in question," Cray continued.
"So what? That means nothing," Dad replied. "He wasn't feeling well, he went home." My knees buckled.
"Cray, you don't have any physical evidence or witnesses to prove this ridiculous charge," Haymitch stated.
"He refused to tell who he gave him the bruises on his face. He won't reveal who he fought with."
"Ask his mother," someone shouted. The crowd grew quiet. I turned to my mother, her face red with shame and guilt.
"If he is not guilty, then who is?" Cray asked. "He is complicit to the death of Peacekeeper Ivan and I will not rest until I find out who killed him."
"He had nothing to do with Ivan's murder," my dad stated.
"Then he has nothing to hide by telling me who gave him the bruises. If he and Ivan did not fight, then whom did he fight with? It's a simple question that requires a simple answer." The crowd murmured amongst themselves. "I know that he is hiding something or someone. Step forward if you have any information in regards to the murder of Peacekeeper Ivan. If he is not involved with the death of Peacekeeper Ivan then someone step up and give me proof that Peeta Mellark wasn't the one who killed him." The crowd grew silent. The sun kissed the horizon and the air grew cold.
"No volunteers? Then Peeta Mellark I hereby charge you as an accessory of the death of my nephew Peacekeeper Ivan Petrosky." Everyone gasped, their shouts reverberated in the air. Their voices muffled in the background like bees buzzing in the air.
"I know you're not he one who killed him. You don't have the stomach or the guts. You're weak." I mentally scoffed at Cray as he didn't realized that I thought I had killed him myself. "But I know that you beat up my nephew. That's how you got those bruises on your face. For that offense, touching a Peacekeeper, you will be punished."
"No."
"That makes no sense, Cray," Haymitch walked forward to him. "If Peeta beat up Ivan then he should have cuts and bruises on his hands. Look at his hands, damnit."
Cray lifted my hands and inspected them. "Doesn't matter. Then he's hiding someone and I have lost my patience. Strip off his shirt and bind to the post," he ordered his Peacekeepers. They led me to post, ripped off my shirt and shackled me on the post with my arms around it. Get on your knees." I shook my head. "Now." He cracked the whip behind my knees. I gasped in pain as I knelt down causing my arms to extend upward.
"For crimes against Panem, you shall receive twenty-two lashes. A lash for each year of my nephew's life." I gasped in horror and fear. Twenty-two lashes, I wouldn't survive past ten. "Anyone care to step up now and give me any information as to the person or persons involved in the death of Peacekeeper Ivan Petrosky?"
"Stop, this isn't right," Haymitch said, he received a whip across his face for interfering. My dad was on his knees with tears on his eyes. Graham and Rye were guarded with two Peacekeepers besides them. As for my mother, her hand covered her mouth. I dared not look at Katniss. Seeing her would…so I closed my eyes and waited. Cray cracked the whip once, then twice for effect. The sound echoed in the air. By this time, we lost sunlight and the lamps around the arcade lit up. The air was cool as the breeze licked my heated skin on my back. I felt the beating of my heart hard against my chest as the sound traveled to my ears. I tried to numb myself from pain that was to come.
Sharp stinging shards of pain spread from the top of shoulders down to my waist. The first whip stung by the fourth lash my back burned. I lost count after the sixth lash when suddenly a voice cried out. "Stop it, Stop."
Jimmy POV ––
The bell from the front door tinkled. The morning was slow as customers trickled in one by one. Words spread that my wife was no longer working at the bakery. Slowly Seam customers stopped by purchasing bread and baked goods. I felt good knowing that I was operating on my terms. That I was selling to anyone who walked across my door. Merchant or Seam.
I smiled as I found myself selling baked goods to Seam I hadn't seen in years. Like my old class Priscilla Miller, a girl who was in some of my classes in my school days. "It's good to see you, Priscilla,' I greeted her.
She smiled back weary and cautious. "I…um…can I buy a loaf of white bread?" She looked behind me. "I don't want to cause any trouble––"
"I'm the only one here, Cilla," I assured her. "You can buy anything you want." She sighed in relief then winced. "It's okay. You can come by anytime you want. Mellark Bakery serves everyone." A dark brow raised, she looked skeptical. "There's a change in management," I chortled.
"Thank you, Jimmy," she laughed back at my joke. "You bake…the finest bread I ever eaten. I've missed it."
"Then you're not going to miss it anymore, please let everyone know that I'm open to everyone," I assured her. I packed the white loaf she requested and added two sugar cookies. "This is for your grandbabies." Cilla gasped in surprise, as she was about to protest. "This is my treat. It's the least I can offer for the years…that my doors where closed to you." I felt heat rise to my face as I admitted my shame. Her hands shook as she extended her hand and dropped four coins on the counter.
She turned to leave. "Cilla?" I smiled at her. "I'm sorry." I couldn't formulate any more sentences as my throat tightened.
"Nothing to be sorry for, Jimmy," she added. "I look forward to coming back."
"Say hi to August for me," I returned. August was a former wrestling teammate back in my school days. He was a big man in comparison to his tiny wife. He stood two heads taller than her. They were an odd couple as Auggie was rambunctious and loud while Cilla was quiet and soft spoken. He had two brothers, one was lost in the mining accident that took eight lives. I'd never forget that day; the day that shook District 12 at its core. It marked the day that birthed the MockingJay and the resistance.
I glanced at the clock wondering how Peeta was fairing at school, as I knew he was nervous going back. The first day back was hard on him as his classmates stared and whispered behind his back. Gossiping once again at the bruises he sustained. I was not oblivious to the gossip that ran rampant every time he or one of the boys appeared in school with a bruise on their face or arms. To my shame, I turned a blind eye to Evelyn's treatment of them for years. I thought since they were boys they were strong enough to handle her…abuse, help toughen them up. In reality, I was too weak to oppose her. I hated confrontation or any kind of turmoil. I avoided it. And in my cowardice, my weakness caused more harm than good. Peeta took most of her abuse emotionally and physically.
However, after witnessing my youngest boy defend a young girl from a much taller and stronger Peacekeeper, I couldn't help but learn from his example.
He defended the young Seam girl without a thought of his own safety or consequence. How could I have been gifted a brave and noble boy like Peeta? How did that happen? I knew that I had to make changes in my life? The war was inevitable and the stress of having a cold and feeling wife and mother was something I couldn't tolerate any longer. If not for me but for the sake of my sons, I knew what had to be done. I recalled the night that changed my life forever.
Flashback ––
All day Evelyn sneered and snickered at Peeta. She was unrelenting in letting him know how displeased she was for denying her the chance to contract him to Agatha Berridge. In another time, I would have encouraged Peeta to court Agatha. She was pretty girl with blond hair and deep blues eyes. Though she was older than Peeta, the match would have been advantageous for my family. It wasn't everyday that a Berridge was contracted to anyone. However, my boy Peeta had been in love with Garrett's daughter Katniss since he was five year old.
At first, I smiled and humored his 'crush' for Katniss. She was after all two years older than him and he was only five years old at the time of his revelation. Who at the age of five knew what love was about? I thought he was too quick to dismiss the girls around him. So I encouraged him to seek out girls his age and class. He did for a while but his heart always led him back to her. I stopped trying to push him. As the years past, his feeling developed from crush to admiration, then love. There was nothing I could do to deter him. Falling in love with a Seam girl was courting disaster not just in a social sense but a path that guaranteed heartbreak. Marrying outside your class was looked down upon. But Peeta never saw the division or distinction. He only had love in his heart for the dark haired beauty.
When Evelyn discovered that he had a crush on her at an early age, the news angered her. My wife had known that my first love was Lily. We were engaged for a few months when she broke it off telling me that she fell in love with Garrett Everdeen, a Seam miner.
So when her youngest proclaimed that he was going to marry Katniss Everdeen, it was blow to her ego and her heart. How dare Peeta fall for the offspring of my first love? It was more than she could handle.
I married Evelyn because I did love her but the knowledge of knowing that she was second choice? She had never gotten over it. There was only so much I could do to insure her that my love was real and true. I couldn't dispel her fears and insecurities. I gave up trying. And in giving up she grew bitter and resentful which she took on my sons. There was only one thing she ever wanted in her life and that was to have a daughter. Even I failed her in that aspect. She never forgave me or Peeta for it. Then to make matters worse, Sonja bore us another boy, a grandson.
The bakery was clean and organized. I dropped the cleaning cloth in the basin and headed upstairs. As I reached the top step I watched as Evelyn 'bumped' into Peeta causing to bounce on the wall as he tried to pass her in the hallway.
"Evelyn, I said to leave Peeta alone," I said to her, my voice hard and stern.
"I was just passing him in the hallway," she sneered. "I can't help if he's clumsy and stumbled." I gritted my teeth.
"I saw what you did to him, Evelyn," I said. "Don't try to convince me that you accidently bumped into him."
"You're imagining––"
"Dad, it's okay," Peeta spoke. Apologetic and humble as always, Peeta hated turmoil in our home. "I was clumsy and hit the wall accidently when mom passed me."
"I saw what your mother did to you. She shoved you against the wall with her shoulders." I grabbed Evelyn by the arm and led her to our bedroom slamming the door behind me.
"You will stop being hurtful to Peeta from now on," I demanded as stood in front of her.
"He needs discipline,' Evelyn stated. "I don't understand how why you give him so much leeway. He gets away with things all the time. You never punish him when he's––"
"Peeta is a good boy," I interrupted her. "He's been nothing but a good son to you. You punish him more than Graham and Rye."
"Because he needs it, James. He's lazy and––"
"He's the hardest working one in the bakery. He loves working here. Don't ever say that he's lazy because that's not true. That isn't the issue here. You're mad at him. You're mad because he refuses to let you contract him to marry a girl that you want. Not who he wants to marry but who you wants."
"What's wrong in getting the best for him? Agatha Berridge is someone I can be proud to claim as a daughter in law not some slut in the Seam," she sneered.
"Peeta will marry the girl of his choice, nor you or me will decide who he marries. He will pick his wife, Evelyn."
"Not if I write up the contract with Mrs. Berridge," she threatened. "He's sixteen and cannot override my decision." I gasped in horror. She would contract Peeta against his will. Merchant parents contracted their son or daughter to the spouse of their choice, but it needed signatures from both parents. If she thought I would agree to sign the contract without thinking about Peeta's feeling, she didn't know me at all.
"No you'll do no such thing, Evelyn. I forbid it," I told her. "Peeta will marry the girl of choice. Someone he loves not some arranged marriage. Graham and Rye got to marry who they wanted and Peeta will have the same choice."
"You are not going to ruin this for me," she returned. "Peeta will be contracted to Agatha. I will not allow that Seam slut––"
"No," I placed my foot down, metaphorically. "The contract needs both signatures from each parent, Evelyn. I won't sign his heart away to make you feel better."
"Then I will make his life a living hell," she threatened. It wasn't as if she hasn't already made his life miserable. "I will have my way with this, James. I will insist on it. It's bad enough that you let Graham leave us to work at the butcher shop. The only thing you've done right is let Ryle marry Delly Cartwright. Peeta will marry Agatha––"
This was the last straw. "No."
"What? What are you going to do about it? I'm still his mother and I say that––" I had no choice. She left me no choice. I predicted endless harassment for Peeta. The verbal and physical abuse he endured would continue. Evelyn was relentless in her determination to punish him for not being the girl she wanted.
"And a poor excuse for one," I gritted my teeth. "I may have failed Peeta as his father but you will no longer dictate how he will live his life."
"What are you going to do about it?" she sneered challenging me. I took out a bag and packed some of her clothes.
"What are you doing?" she cried out in anger and horror. "James, you can't…you seriously choose your son over me. I'm your wife."
"You will leave this place and not come back until you––"
"I will not be treated like this. After everything I sacrificed for you and this bakery," she said. "I should have married––"
"Well, here your chance," I finished for her. "Until you change and stop abusing my sons especially Peeta, you are no longer welcome in my home, in my bakery." I grabbed her by the elbow and escorted to her sister's home.
End of Flashback ––
A few more Seam entered the bakery. Not many had money but came because they were curious about the rumor that I had opened my doors to them. I welcomed all of them with opened arms. Business ran smoothly and profits rose in the days since my wife's departure.
I looked up to find…Lily Everdeen walking through my door. She was still lovely as ever; a bit ragged and drawn but still pretty as the day I met her. "Lily, it's good to see you," I greeted her. She smiled back at me. "It's been a long time, how is Garrett?" She held a pouch in her delicate hand.
"James, it's good to see you as well," she answered back. "Garrett is fine. He's…helping a friend build a fence around his property." She appeared uneasy as she looked around the bakery checking for any sign of Evelyn. "Um…I'm actually here for your son, Peeta." My brows rose to my hairline. 'What could she possibly want with Peeta?'
"I wanted to give you this." She placed the pouch on the front counter. "It's for his…bruises. For his eye and lip."
"How did you––"
"I thought I could trade this for a loaf of bread."
"But of course, that's a fair trade." I would have gone to our local healer but he was Capitol trained and all injuries had to be reported and documented. And, since Evelyn refused help from a Seam healer, especially Lily Everdeen, Peeta's injuries were treated with a wet cold cloth for his eyes and upper lip. Whatever medical help I purchased from the medical center were for burns and lacerations from any baking 'accidents.'
"I miss your bread," she admitted, her face red from blushing.
"Then your welcome to come by anytime, Lily." I smiled at her. Lily Everdeen would always be my first love, but time had passed and lives moved on. I could never regret marrying Evelyn for I would never have my boys. They were worth everything to me. "Bring Garrett next time you visit."
"You're a good man, James," she commented. "Just like you sons." I smiled beaming with pride. They were my life.
Suddenly, the door opened or rather crashed opened. A disheveled and panicked Delly stumbled through the door. "Mr. Mellark, please come now."
"What's wrong Delly?" My thoughts went straight to Peeta. "What?"
"It's Peeta. Peacekeepers took him out of school and made him go with them to the Justice Building," she said.
"Oh my God. Where's Rye?"
"He followed them. He didn't want Peeta to be alone." Bless my boy Rye for taking care of his little brother. "Delly, go and get Graham? I need to get to the Justice Building. Tell him to meet me there as soon as he can." I removed my apron and threw it down on the counter. "And Delly, tell him to go find Haymitch Abernathy, please."
"Mr. Mellark, what about the bakery?" Delly asked. "Who's going to watch the store?"
"Delly, close up for me. I have bread and muffin in the oven. Close everything and lock up the register." In my haste, I forgot about Lily as I raced out the door and ran for my life. 'Please be okay,' I prayed. 'Peeta, please, be okay.'
I was certain that if I were to lose Peeta, the Capitol would have taken him away from me. He still had two more reaping years. That was why I was adamant in joining the resistance. I would rather take our chances dying for a cause, our freedom. The thought of Peeta in Peacekeepers' hand was more than I could bear.
An hour later, I stood outside the Justice Building with Graham and Rye by my side. This couldn't be happening. Cray wouldn't permit me to see Peeta. I stood helpless and in fear for his life. Who knew what they were doing to him? Even Haymitch who pleaded for Peeta's case was denied access to him. He argued with a Peacekeeper for close to an hour when they finally let him walked into the building. He still had not returned. His absence made me panic more.
Then another hour passed and still nothing. I was going out of my mind with worry that I hadn't notice that Evelyn walked over to me.
"What's going on, James?"
"I don't know, Evie," I answered back. "They won't me see Peeta. He's been in there for almost two hours."
"Is it true that the Peacekeepers took Peeta in for questioning?" she asked. I nodded my head in acknowledgement. I was rendered speechless. 'This could not be happening,' my thoughts repeated in my head.
"Why? What has he done this time?" My head turned, her accusation stunned me. I blinked once, twice making sure I heard her correctly. Graham, Rye and Delly stood beside me with shook and disbelief on their faces. They too were stunned by her lack of feeling or regard for Peeta's life.
"What do you mean what has he done this time?" I was close to…hitting something or someone. "He's done nothing wrong?"
"Then why did they take him out of the middle of school and kept him for questioning? This is embarrassing. I mean all our neighbors are talking about––"
"I don't give a fuck what our neighbors are saying," I seethed in anger. "Your son is in there. Who knows what there doing to him and you're worried about our neighbors gossiping? Get the hell away from him, woman or I'll do something that I should have done a long time ago." I was enraged with her. My hand clenched at my side. I have never struck anyone in anger but my mind was filled with frustration and fear for my son's life.
"Mom, you need to leave if you're not here to support Peeta," Graham berated her. She gasped in shock. Graham, my dutiful eldest son never opposed his mother, ever. Evelyn took a step back but then stayed in place.
More people gathered in front of the Justice Building. The crowd whispered amongst themselves both Seam and Merchant. The wait was torture as my mind conjured images of Peeta hurt, tortured or worse, dead. The hot sun beat on top of my head. I was so focused on Peeta that I didn't realize that my skin was turning red from sun exposure. Sonja appeared with Delly carrying two flasks filled with water. Delly handed me a flask.
"Drink this, Mr. Mellark," she said. "You've been standing out here under the sun for too long. You'll need your strength once Peeta get out of there." I smiled back at my future daughter in law. She was perfect for Rye. My second boy was sullen and brooding just like his mother. Delly was a ray of sunshine with her perky personality. It was no wonder that she fell for him. She was the complete opposite of Rye while both Graham and Sonja had the same temperament and personality.
"Thank you Delly," I said to her. Rye wrapped an arm around her tiny waist. I couldn't wait for them to start their life together. They both deserved to be happy.
Another hour passed and nothing. Graham and Rye started to get restless and angry. "What are they doing, Dad?" Graham asked in frustration. "He's been in there for more than two hours."
"Why won't they let you see him?" Rye asked. "And why is Haymitch in there instead of you?"
"I don't care, boys. As long as Peeta isn't in there alone," I said. "Haymitch will take good care of him." In truth, I'm angry that Cray refused to let me see Peeta. However I realized that Haymitch had a better handle in taking care of Peeta. I would have lost my mind and probably done more harm in order to help him. I wasn't thinking straight. Who knew what I would have said or done if I was in there with him. The wait was beyond torturous. The crowd grew larger as everyone gathered at the arcade. More Peacekeepers appeared in show of force with rifles on hand. It was becoming tense.
Mayor Heath Undersee chose that moment to approach the building. He walked up to two Peacekeepers who were guarding the front entryway to the Justice Building. "As mayor to District 12, I demand to know what is going on. I demand that you give Mr. Mellark any news regarding his son, Peeta. As a citizen of Panem I have the right to know how he is being treated."
The two Peacekeepers looked at each other than laughed in his face. "Go away." Then shoved Heath backwards causing to land on his backside. Angry, both my boys Graham and Rye ran towards him but were deterred as four Peacekeepers tackled them to the ground face down. Delly, Evelyn and Sonja screamed in terror. My world was collapsing as Peeta was in the Justice Building being…I didn't know what was happening to him. Graham and Rye were pressed down the ground as Peacekeepers aimed rifles on their backs. Everyone around was yelling and screaming for mercy, help or out of sheer terror.
When suddenly, the front door opened. My heart cried out in relief as I watched my son, Peeta walked out the door. He looked disheveled with his hair a skew. The cut on his lip was bloody. Haymitch looked helpless as he trailed behind him. I lost track of time, sound and everyone around me as I focused on my little boy who looked scared beyond imagination. His eyes reached out to me. He called out to me, his voice cracked. Peeta was being punished for a crime he didn't commit. That Peeta was complicit to Ivan's death. My heart bled, as I felt helpless. My throat and chest ached in pain and misery for there was nothing I could do to comfort him. The space between was near and yet so far. Cray was going to punish and kill my son right before my eyes.
I was stunned and paralyzed. I couldn't focus as I watched Cray shackled his wrist and dragged him to a post in the middle of the arcade. The first lash echoed in the arcade as Peeta held his scream. He closed his eyes tight as he clenched his teeth together. He was being strong for me, for us. Where was justice?
I reached out to heavens for help. Then I heard a voice, loud and clear, "Stop, stop it."
Katniss POV ––
"Stop, stop it," I screamed my throat ached as I strained to be heard above the shouts for injustice and mercy. "Peeta didn't do anything wrong." Cray continued to lash out on Peeta. His head was down as it rested on the post as he hung on for his life. Pain registered in his face as he received one lash after another. One, two…six lashes and I couldn't bear watching Cray kill him. Peeta groaned clenching his teeth together.
"Katniss," my mother's voice faded behind me as I focused him alone. "What are you doing?"
"Katniss," Dad's voice echoed beside her. "Stop." I couldn't. Peeta was being punished for saving me. He kept his mouth shut to protect me and in result Cray was determined to kill him. I couldn't in good conscious hide behind my own fear and cowardice.
"I'll tell you where he was that night," I said out loud that everyone stopped shouting. "I was with him." The crowd gasped. "We were together that night."
Cray stopped and turned to me. "You, you're Seam. I thought Seam and Merchant were forbidden to be together." I wiped the tears that tracked down my face. "You're just lying to protect him."
"I swear to you," I cried out. "I was with Peeta that night. We…we were together…in the woods. He and I were…" I stopped and blushed. I had to be convincing. "We've been hiding our relationship from everyone."
"Katniss," Peeta slurred. "Don't say…don't tell them." He was bleary eyed but staring at me, his eyes frightened, exhausted and unfocused.
"Tell them what?" Cray demanded. "What is he hiding?"
"We…we've been together…for months." Mrs. Mellark gasped and cursed in shock.
"You're lying," Cray insisted.
"It's not true," Gale's voice rang in the air. I turned to him angry. His face was smeared with coal dust. There was fury behind his cool gray eyes his lips in a straight line. "Katniss, tell him you're lying." He had just left the coal mine as he still wore his overalls, hardhat and work boots. He was covered in black dust from head to toe. In that moment, I knew I had to choose––his friendship or Peeta's life. I turned around and made my choice.
"I'm not…I have proof. I have his shirt. The one he wore that night after we…" I blushed hoping that my lie would cover the truth. Peeta covered me that night as Ivan ripped the front of my dress. The dress I hid in my room waiting to be burned. His shirt I kept and held at odd hours in the night when I couldn't sleep rubbing the soft material against my face.
"She's not lying," Prim spoke out loud. "They were together. I know about the shirt she's talking about. The one she hides under our bed." I turned to my brave little sister as I smiled in gratitude for reinforcing my lie.
"She's lying," Gale persisted. "She's lying."
"No she isn't," Prim countered back.
"She isn't Gale," Rory confirmed. "Peeta sav…Katniss was with Peeta. I saw them together during the celebration last Friday." I smiled back to Rory as he stood next to Prim. Gale turned to his brother. There was a look of disgust and betrayal on his face.
"Rory, how could you not tell me––"
"It's none of our business––" Rory returned. "She was with Peeta that night."
"Shut up both of you," Cray hollered.
"Katniss," Peeta whimpered. "Don't…don't do this."
"I don't believe you. How did he get the bruises?" Cray asked and turned to me.
"I don't know. When I met him, he already had them and I asked him." That night I was too scared to notice that he had the bruises. It wasn't until Prim who had asked me if I knew about them. "He wouldn't tell me." I took a step forward. "I was with him all night in the woods so he couldn't have seen or been anywhere near your nephew."
"Why didn't he just admit that he was with you?"
"Like you said, Merchant and Seam are forbidden to be together. He was protecting me. We didn't want to get in trouble. I didn't want him to get in trouble because…because his mother wouldn't approve."
"You're damn right I wouldn't approve," Peeta's mother screeched with fury. "How long has this been going on? I will not tolerate or permit this abomination to continue."
"Shut up, Evelyn," Mr. Mellark barked. "They're beating our son to death and you're worried about his…his relationship with Katniss?"
"All this time he's been sneaking around," Mrs. Mellark continued as she ignored him. "That's why he won't let me contract him with Agatha."
I gasped in disgust. There was only one girl named Agatha in our district. My stomach lurched at her admission. She was contracting Peeta to marry Agatha Berridge? The news bothered me more than I realized. Peeta with that…that…the thought of her with him angered me. She didn't belong to him. Agatha was loud, obnoxious and felt entitled. She insinuated herself with anyone she came in contact with. She was an embarrassment as she spoke to loud, giving comments and spouted unwanted opinion and advice freely.
"Shut up, all of you," Cray's voice boomed in the air. "Everyone shut the fuck up or I'll arrest every single one of you for disrupting this proceeding." He leaned down to Peeta. "Is it true, she was with you the night Ivan disappeared?"
Peeta looked into my eyes. I silently begged him to confirm my lie. I knew he had to or else Cray would place me right next to him for lying to the head Peacekeeper. Our secret was still intact – that Ivan had almost raped me and he had saved my life. I knew in my heart that Peeta was incapable of taking Ivan's life. 'Please Peeta, please say yes,' I begged him with my eyes.
He closed his eyes and nodded, "yes," he said soft and low but his response resounded in my head as loud as firecrackers exploding in the air. My relief was palpable as I swallowed hard as air escaped through my mouth. "Yes," Peeta repeated his breathing labored.
"Now, you know the truth," Heath spoke, calm and firm. "Peeta had nothing to do with the murder of your nephew. This was just a misunderstanding." He took a step forward addressing Cray. "Release the boy so he can get medical help. He had done nothing wrong but…sought a relationship with someone his parents disapproved."
"He still won't tell me who gave him the bruises," Cray howled. "He will receive the rest of his punishment until he tells me who did that to him." He was determined to finish what he started. There was nothing that anyone could do.
"I did," Mrs. Mellark said, her voice timid and low. I was stunned. As I looked around me, everyone reacted the same way as I did. Mrs. Mellark admitted to beating Peeta. It was…it was hard to believe.
"He refused to let me marry him off to a wife of my choice so I…I…did that to him." Cray looked at her in disbelief as he stared at Peeta and his mother. Then, he laughed loud and boisterous his laughter mixed with annoyance.
"You're all wasting my fucking time," Cray screamed. "I don't need to be involved with some love sick teenage drama and family squabbles. I have better things to do." I held my breath as he took a step back then turned to Peeta. He reached above him and unshackled his wrist. Peeta fell forward onto his knees. I ran to him first grabbing his face with both hands. His face was warm and wet from perspiration and tears. I hadn't realized that tears flowed down my face matching his. His hair was plastered to his forehead.
"Peeta. Look at me," my eyes focused on his baby blues. "It's me Katniss. Look at me."
"Katniss?" he mumbled under his breath.
Mr. Mellark, Graham, Rye and my parents hovered around us. Prim cried quietly as Rory held an arm around her waist. Graham's wife and Rye's fiancée were huddled together crying.
"Hurt…I...I…want…Dad." His breathing was erratic as he swayed on his knees. "Hurt so…much."
"Please help him," I cried. I felt helpless and angry with myself. I should have spoken sooner. He didn't deserve the punishment he received.
"We need to take him to the hospital," Haymitch stated the obvious.
"No, no not the med center," Mr. Mellark stated. "I don't trust them. It's run by Capitol bureaucrats. If we take him there, I might not be able to see him. Cray might…"
"He's right. I'm sorry, Jimmy," Haymitch apologized.
"Take him to my house," Dad suggested. "Peeta will be cared for by the best healer in District 12." Prim nodded in agreement.
"No," Mrs. Mellark yelled. "I don't that woman near my son."
"Shut up, Evelyn. You don't get a say what happens to Peeta now or ever," Mr. Mellark bellowed. "You stay away from him." She gasped in fear. "Go away and let Peeta be with people who love him."
"James, don't––"
"No, he's my son," he shouted. "I will do what's best for him." Mrs. Mellark stood motionless. The crowd around us dispersed, as stragglers looked onward watching the drama that unfolded.
"Please Mom," Prim pleaded. "Help him." She nodded in agreement. "Graham, James take him by the arms. Don't touch his back." They pulled to Peeta to his feet. He was unsteady, his knees buckled from lack of strength. Peeta's arms rested over his father and brother's shoulder as his feet dragged the floor. They lifted him with ease while Peeta moaned in pain.
"Someone get a stretcher," Rye shouted. Mr. Cartwright appeared with a Seam holding a stretcher between them. "Delly, go to his room and pack him a bag of clothes. I'll come back to fetch it." She ran towards the bakery.
"What can I do, Dad?" Graham asked. He stared at his baby brother as they laid him on his stomach. His father stood motionless from shock and relief. "Dad, how can I help?"
"Take your Mom to her sister's," he ordered him. "Go home with Sonja––"
"But Dad––"
"There's nothing you can do," he said as he walked beside Peeta. "He's in good hands. I'll send news when I can."
"Dad, I want to go with you," Graham argued.
"You have a wife and son waiting for you at home," he reminded him. "I also need you to open the shop tomorrow."
"I can't––"
"Please Gray," he pleaded. "I need to focus on Peeta and I need you to open the shop. Can you that for me?" Graham reluctantly nodded his head.
"Take care of him, Dad. Please let me know how he's doing?" He walked over to his mother and wife and led them home.
"Prim, run ahead and get everything ready," Mom instructed. She took off without a words or a glance back with Rory running behind her. "Please be careful. I don't want the cuts on his back to tear open some more." I cringed from the image as blood seeped down his back drenching his pants. I was glad it was dark since I didn't want to know how much blood he lost. His whole back was a shade of dark red like a painted canvas.
I walked beside him daring not to look at his open wounds that marred his pale skin. He had blisters and cuts long and deep. His hand suspended beside the stretcher. I reached over and grabbed it. They were cold and clammy. Peeta's eyes blinked as he focused and closed it a few times. He was awake and in agony as he breathed hard through his mouth.
"Daddy," he called out to him. My heart ached. Mr. Mellark stood in front of me as I held onto Peeta's hand not wanting to let go. Mr. Mellark looked at us and smiled. Rye smirked. The two Mellarks walked beside him.
"Yes, son," he responded.
"Hurts…" Peeta moaned.
"I know you're hurting. Just hold on, Peetie." His voice was soft like a wisp in the wind. "I'm not leaving you alone. I'm right here. Rye is here too."
"Am I dead?" he asked in soft and low tone.
Tears flowed from Mr. Mellark's eyes. I noticed his Adam's apple bobbed up and down his throat as he held back a sob. "Why…do you say that, Peetie?"
"Katniss," he sighed as he whispered my name. His voice was gentle, almost...reverent. The tenure in his voice sent a shiver up my spine.
"What about Katniss, son?" He smiled, tired but relieved that he had his son back.
"She's…she's holding my hand." I blushed as I looked down between our clasped hands again; his pale skin glowed against my dark complexion. Mr. Mellark chortled to himself and winked at me. Rye smiled.
"She is holding your hand, Peeta. You're not dreaming," Rye confirmed as I gripped his hand firmly for assurance and comfort. Who was comforting whom, I wondered.
Peeta sighed. "I like this dream. I don't want to wake up," he said as he closed his eyes. A few minutes later, his hands went slack. I held back the choking feeling in my throat. Something fluttered in stomach; it was that same feeling that I got every time he was near me.
I sighed in return focusing on the Boy with the Bread not realizing that my best friend was sending daggers to the back of my head as he trailed behind me. It didn't matter since I made my choice and I didn't regret it.
AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. My eternals thanks to my reviewers [wonderishome, Ines123, pumpkinking5, CrazyWithABook, IcyPinkLemonade, guests] I hope that this chapter met your expectations. Please review at your leisure. Have a great weekend.