Chapter 13 – Making New Friends and Enemies
AN: Thanks to my reviewers [MeLovesPM, wonderishome, ana, J, mar071, Tea4e, hstrywlk, pumpkinking5, Nai1987, Shellibug 32sheshe, beckyike, LACR and guests]. I greatly appreciate for taking the time to write them. This chapter will have Lily Everdeen, Hazelle Hawthorne and Katniss' POV's and is rated R for language. The rating M will appear in future chapters. You've been warned in advance. Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. Please excuse an errors found in this chapter. I'm horrible at editing my own work since it's what I do for a living. lol On with the show...
Lily Everdeen POV ––
"Delly, you should have gone home," Rye told her. They had been arguing for the past few minutes. He wanted her to go home but she was adamant in staying. She was afraid to leave him. I didn't blame her. The turn of events paralyzed with fear.
"No, Rye," she retorted. "Mom and dad know that I'm staying for the night. I explained everything to them."
"There was no point in staying," he returned.
"Rye, if I went home all I would be doing is worrying and wondering what was happening to dad and Peeta." She sighed as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Please, let's not argue about this anymore. I want to stay here with you. I would be at home sick with worry." He relented. They looked adorable together as love radiated between them. I was pleased that their marriage was a love match. "I'm staying. What kind of fiance would I be to leave you when you need me the most?"
"I love you," he sighed as he crushed her small frame around his big arms pressing her body close to him.
"I love you too," she laughed as he pressed short quick kisses all over her face. "Stop, we have company." Prim giggled at their antics.
Most marriages in 12 were a result from a romp in the slagheap or an arranged marriage between the Merchants. Love had little to do with it. For the Seam marriage was formed because necessity and companionship. I was lucky to have found love with Garrett even if the last few years have been the hardest for us. I wouldn't change a thing. I wanted my daughter to find love and to not go through the hardship and struggles I endured. It was part of the reason why I objected to any matchmaking between Katniss and Peeta.
A few minutes passed that I wasn't aware that Prim was trying to get my attention. I noticed that Rye and Delly were in the midst of an argument. They heads were closed together as they whispered to each other. How did they go from sharing kisses to arguing in a matter of a few minutes?
"Mom, are you all right?" Prim asked. The cup of tea clasped in my hands has long since turned cold. Fear and desperation filled me reaching into the depths of my soul. My husband and daughter's fate rested in the hands of Snow. My mind couldn't comprehend what he wanted from them.
"I'm fine, Prim," I answered back. "I just wish that your father and sister were here."
"Me too," she returned and sighed. "We were having such a lovely time. And then…"
"This is all Gale's fault," Rye seethed in anger. Concerned turned to anger as Delly tried to contain Rye's fury. I didn't fault him for saying what was true since all this could have been avoided had Gale not attacked Ivan prompting Jay to kill him. The consequences were unimaginable had Cray discovered Gale's actions. Touching a peacekeeper was by default a crime, which no matter what injustice had instigated it led to death.
In reality Peeta's misfortunes was caused by Rory's confession to Gale at the night of the attack. Had he kept quiet none of this would have happened. So actually this is all Rory's fault but I was not about to admit that to Rye especially not in front of Prim. I was not completely clueless of my youngest daughter's affection for Gale's younger brother. Pointing the blame to Rory served no purpose but hurt to Prim and causing a greater rift between Gale and Katniss.
"Rye," I sighed. Prim was beside herself worrying for her sister and father. The last thing I wanted was to argue with James' son. "I know you're scared and worried––"
"You know I'm right," he continued. "Gale Hawthorne. He started all this by beating up Ivan." Prim looked surprised as did Delly. "Dad told me everything. How Ivan almost raped Katniss and Peeta saved her." He continued to rant things I had already known. "Then, to try to point the finger at Peeta for Ivan's death, that rat bastard deserved to be whipped not my brother Peeta." I flinched at his statement.
"Poor Katniss," Delly surmised. "I'm just so glad that Peeta was there for her." I was too as grateful for Peeta. However, I was also relieved that she didn't feel for Peeta the same way he felt for her. It was a running joke between James and Garrett that one day we would be attending their toasting. At the time, it was funny but as time passed, I sensed that Peeta's attraction and affection for Katniss grew. I had hope that he would grow out of his infatuation. He didn't.
I never discouraged Katniss to seek out boyfriends as she matured, but then I never encouraged her either especially anyone Merchant.
When Gale entered her life, I thought why not? They were both from the Seam and he was a kind and sweet boy. He would love and take care of Katniss. But I knew Katniss' personality and any kind of encouragement towards Gale as a suitor would have put her off.
As for Peeta, I never understood why Garrett approved of his attraction to our daughter. She was quiet and moody while Peeta was popular and kind to Merchant and Seam. I only saw hurt and pain if they ever got together. I knew that kind of pain and hurt since I married Garrett Everdeen.
My family disowned me and I lost my Merchant friends as they abandoned me after marrying Garrett. I would never regret marrying the miner from the Seam. I just didn't want Katniss to feel the heartache of rejection and misery if she married Peeta. Granted, Peeta would love her for I had no doubt that he did. But having Evelyn Mellark for a mother-in-law? Well, that was another matter.
I grimaced to myself when I had admitted to Garrett objecting the match. The conversation took place the night before Peeta saved Katniss life.
Flashback ––
"Garrett, don't encourage her like that," I said, my tone hard. "I don't understand why you keep encouraging her…she will find a boyfriend on her own."
"Well. I don't see anything wrong to pointing her to right direction," he debated. "Peeta is a good boy. He's had a crush on her since he was five. Do you realize how…rare that is?"
"But why Peeta Mellark?" He was a handsome boy with golden blond hair and eyes so blue, you thought you were looking at the sky. He was sweet and gentle just like his father.
"Why not, Peeta Mellark?" he retorted. "Jimmy's youngest son is perfect for her."
"How about Gale?" I added.
"Gale! She thinks of him like an older brother."
"Garrett," I sighed.
"Lily, I just don't understand why you're against Peeta and Katniss getting together. They are so well suited for each other. He's kind and patient someone that Katniss needs in her life. Gale? He's too aggressive and surly. They have the same temperament."
"But he is also Seam. He's known her for a while and he can take care of her."
"What about love?"
"Katniss isn't in love with Peeta," I reminded him.
"She's not in love with Gale either," Garrett bounced back. "She needs a gentle touch and kindness. With Gale…there is so much anger and bitterness in him. She doesn't need that, Lily."
"Then let her find another Seam boy––"
"Why does he have to be Seam?" He looked as if I struck him. "Had Peeta been Seam would you approve then? Is that why you don't like Peeta?" He knew me well enough to know that I couldn't lie to him.
"She has so many strikes against her," I sighed. "I love Katniss, Garrett. But she has…she's not like any other girl––"
"And how could she be," Garrett said his tone bitter. "She had to…she's been our main provider since the accident." He gestured to his fake arm and leg. "I'm useless."
"Garrett, that is not what I meant to––"
"I know what you meant. Then you need to understand why I want her to be happy. She had to grow up faster than most girls her age. Providing for her family with a father who can't hunt anymore. That kind of responsibility took a portion of her life that she cannot get back. Of course, she's not like any other girl in her school. She's special, strong and fierce. She's special, Lily."
I had never meant to hurt him by implying that Katniss was different in a negative way. But because of our circumstance she did grow up faster than girls her age. We had to acknowledge that we were not at fault; that her childhood was shortened by tragic circumstance. Garrett almost lost his life in the mining accident. I gladly accepted losing his limbs than dying any day. I had my husband, Katniss and Prim had their father to live the remaining days of his life with us. But the guilt of placing so many responsibilities on her shoulders ate away at us.
"And if you think that she shouldn't be with Peeta because he's Merchant, then what does that say about us?"
"Garrett!?" I shook my head.
"Are you saying that by being with Peeta would only bring her heartache? That it will only bring her pain and misery? Does that mean you're saying the same thing about you, about us?" The look of horror and pain was apparent on his face. My heart broke seeing it.
"No," I cried out. "That is not what I'm saying. I didn't mean to imply anything like that."
"Than explain to me why you're so against Katniss falling for Peeta."
"I just…I just." Words failed me. Katniss was like me in that aspect. While Garrett was fluid and expressive with words, my mind drew blank as I scrambled to find words to explain myself. "Please don't take my objection of having Peeta as a suitor for Katniss as my saying that I regret marrying you. I just…I don't want her to be hurt or feel rejected."
"Peeta adores Katniss. You should see how he acts when he's around her," Garrett voiced. "It's sweet and…adorable how he admires her."
"I'm just saying that you shouldn't encourage her or push her towards Peeta."
"I'm not pushing her, Lily."
"Let her find love in her own way and time," I sighed. "I just don't understand how you can encourage a match with someone other than Seam. She'll only get ––"
"You're projecting your own fears on Katniss. That isn't fair for her. What if Peeta is what she needs… to have the love we share with each other." Love was a beautiful thing, but it wasn't enough. It didn't put food on the table; provide proper medical attention when you were sick or clothes on your back.
" I love you Garrett, I could never regret my life with you, ever. Please don't' ever doubt that." I just didn't want her to struggle in an emotional level. Marrying a Merchant would provide some stability in her life but it also added new problems. Evelyn as a mother in law would be the foremost obstacle in her life.
"But?"
"If she ends up with Peeta, she will face scorn, whispers behind her back and rejection from Evelyn. You know she hates anyone Seam."
"Evelyn hates most people not just Seam. She's just a miserable person. I'm just surprised that Peeta isn't like her." I could tell that he wanted Peeta for Katniss. Yes, Peeta would be a good match for my temperamental daughter.
"I don't know why were arguing about a romance that doesn't even exist. Katniss doesn't even acknowledge his existence. I feel sorry for Peeta," I said. It was obvious to anyone that Peeta was infatuated with Katniss, but not to Katniss herself. She was completely clueless and oblivious to the looks he sent her. I'm worried about that daughter of mine. I want her to find love and have a family of her own.
"I don't think that Peeta would mind," Garrett chuckled. "I think he has a general idea who he's smitten with." Katniss has never hidden her true nature. If she didn't like you, you knew it right away. So when she adamantly resisted Gale's attempt to woo her, I knew she didn't have the same feeling for him. I just hoped that in time she would grow to love him but that was not the case. As for Peeta Mellark, I knew she could fall for him the same way I fell for his father, James Mellark. How can anyone resist Peeta?
End of Flashback ––
Did I have a change of heart since we owe Peeta our eternal gratitude? Saving her from Ivan was one thing but to allow a relationship to develop between them was whole different matter. It was a moot point since Katniss had no interest to fall in love or get married.
Gale. I couldn't reconcile with boy I grew to love like a son. He was bitter, angry and volatile. His love for Katniss was real and true. It was the only time that he displayed his softer and gentle side of himself. She was good for him in some ways but she was also worse for him as well. Her rejection brought out the worse parts of him, jealousy, rage, possessiveness and irrationality. When he didn't get what he thought was his, he reacted like a child. Katniss never responded to his overtures. The more he pushed the harder she pushed back.
Gale loved Katniss, but you couldn't force someone to love you back if they didn't feel the same way. What made it worse was that he lost her to a Merchant boy.
"If I ever get my hands on him, God help me," Rye swore. The anger in his eyes didn't surprise me. I was just as angry with him as well. But more violence wasn't going to undo what has been done. The country was already unsettled with the rumors of a rebellion. We didn't need to fight amongst ourselves. I left Rye to rant hoping it would alleviate his anger.
"Mom, I'm really worried," Prim voiced. "They've been gone for more than hour."
"I know, honey," I responded back.
"I want to go home." Me too. Staying at the bakery unnerved me.
"Your father wanted us to stay here and wait for them," I added. "Besides it's past curfew." There was no way we could go home after curfew. I wrapped an arm around Prim to soothe her as I tried not to show my fear and concern. We didn't know how long they would be held at the Justice Building. The wait was crushing.
Another hour passed, I closed my eyes and said a prayer. It had been years since I prayed. I long past attended mass. After the birth of my children, my faith in God and prayers deserted me. I found no comfort in prayers as I watched my family struggle through the years. Like love prayers didn't provide for my family the necessities to survive. But now I'm desperate.
'Please bring everyone home safe and sound,' I said to myself. Would I make a bargain with God in exchange for their safety? If it worked to have everyone home I gladly do it. 'I promise to attend mass again if you have them come back to me,' I swore to the heavens.
"Mrs. Everdeen." Delly's voice interrupted my meditation. "It's getting late, I brought you a blanket while you're waiting. Please make yourself comfortable." I grabbed the blanket and placed it around Prim. She fought to stay awake as she leaned beside me resting her head on the crook of my shoulder.
"Get some rest, Prim," I ordered her.
"But––"
"I'll wake you as soon as daddy and Katniss come home," I promised her. Her eyes drooped then seconds later they closed.
"Mrs. Everdeen, do you want me to take her to Peeta's room? She could sleep there while we wait," Rye offered. I looked at the boy…the young man in front of me. He was so much like his father physically. However, there a part of him that reminds me of his mother, Evelyn. There was fire beneath his cool blue eyes while Peeta's was serene. There was fire in his eyes too but it was passion for love not hate. I saw that now the look of a warm and gentle heart that loved my daughter. He was perfect for Katniss that I could admit.
Rye carried her to Peeta's room. I'm relieved at least that they had Haymitch with them as well. 'James and Garrett will take care of our children.' my mind roused. 'They would die before they would let anything happened to them.' That I was certain of. James and Garrett would kill and die for the safety our children.
My mind and body was stressed waiting for everyone to come home. I felt uncomfortable staying at a place that could have been my home had circumstances had been different.
Looking around the bakery made me realized this was the life I could have had with James Mellark. These were the children I would have bore him. How much my life would have been different had I married James and lived above the bakery. I shook my head of these thoughts. It didn't serve me well to think of the 'what could have been' for I could never regret loving Garrett and having Katniss and Prim. This was meant to be.
James and I, our lives were fated to find love with others so our children were born to find each other. I realized that Katniss and Peeta were meant to be. Peeta adored her since he was five even though she never knew he existed. This was fate working. No matter how much I protested or argued against the match, I felt that they were destined. Though the thought relieved me in a way, I couldn't rest until they were all home safe and sound.
Hazelle Hawthorne POV ––
My head ached from… "Posy will you please be quiet," I said with enough calm and patience I could muster. It wasn't her fault that stress compounded my headache. Since the celebration Gale has been angry and impatient snapping at every turn. He barked at Vick when he related a story at his school about how Peeta Mellark was the school's favorite topic. Girls couldn't contain their admiration for him. There wasn't a day since the whipping that Peeta's name was mentioned as a topic of conversation everywhere I went. It aggravated Gale to no end.
"Sorry mommy," Posy pouted. I looked at the clock. It was way past the time when the mine closed. I tried not to worry since my eldest was a full-grown man who could take care of himself. But a mother always worried regardless the age of their children.
"Mom?" Rory interrupted my musing.
"What is it, Rory?" My second eldest child Rory was tall like his brother Gale. As they stood together you could tell they were brothers with dark hair and steel colored eyes. However, that was all they had in common. While Gale was quiet and moody, Rory was outspoken and calm. The difference between in personality was obvious like fire and ice.
"Is it true that the Everdeen are at the Mellarks for dinner?" I nodded my head. I wasn't surprised by the invitation since Lily, Garrett and James were friends from school a long time ago.
"Yes, Rory," I answered back.
"I don't understand. When did they become such good friends?" Rory asked. I didn't have the patience or the time to explain Lily's history with James Mellark. It really wasn't anyone's business. There was a look of disgust on his face. I knew that look. It was same expression Gale had whenever he talked about anyone Merchant.
"Rory, it is no concern of ours that the Everdeens are having dinner with the Mellarks."
"I don't like it," he continued. "They're Merchant."
"I like Peeta," Posy announced out of the blue. My youngest daughter knew and experienced the prejudice and social divide that existed in twelve. Her statement shocked me. 'She knew Peeta?'
"You like Peeta?" Rory repeated his face filled with anger.
She nodded her head. "He's nice to me," she giggled. "I remember the cookies he made for me for my birthday."
"Prim bought those for you," Rory explained. "He made the cookies because it was a birthday present for you."
"He still made them," she pouted.
"Rory stop," I berated him. "Leave your sister alone. If she like Peeta––"
"What about Peeta?" Gale appeared as he walked through the door. I sighed in relief.
"Where have you been?" I asked, my patience thin. For days now he grated my nerves with his anger and impatience. I swore if he were at the slagheap, he would receive a lecture worthy of years I held back. I knew about his frequent visits there. I wasn't totally oblivious to his activities. I heard enough from other Seam neighbors gossiping about my son's frivolities. I ignored them since he was an adult living his life. Who was I to judge and control him? He survived his reaping age. I was grateful for that so for him to visit the slagheap wasn't an issue for me. Until now.
"Mr. Abernathy cornered me," he said. "It seems that it's 'Gale needs a lecture' day," he removed his boots then his overalls and dropped it on the ground. They were dirty with coal and dust. I could never remove all traces of coal dust in our home. It was a never-ending cleaning process. "I'm not some fucking––"
"Gale, watch your language," I interrupted him. Rory and Vick snickered while Posy giggled. It wasn't funny. He was not showing a good example to his siblings by swearing in front of them, especially to Posy who mimicked everything they did or say.
"Gale said a bad word," Posy sing-songed.
"I don't give a shit," Gale barked ignoring his siblings. Rory and Vick were startled from his outburst. Posy looked scared as her lower lip protruded and tears brimmed her eyes. He really scared her. "I'm sick and tired of everyone talking to me like I'm some kid."
"Rory, Vick, Posy please go to your room," I commanded. It seemed that I was about to add myself to the list of people who lectured my son.
"Don't make me tell you twice." They left begrudgingly. Gale sat down on an armchair, planting his arms across his chest. It was times like this that I wish their father was still alive.
"Gale Hawthorne, you will never use that tone and language in front of me ever, do you understand?" I said in a manner not to be disputed. "You will be addressed and spoken to like a child if you act like one. And let me tell you, I don't care how big and tall you are or how old you are, right now you are acting like a spoiled brat."
"You don't understand––" he whined.
"No, I do understand," I interjected. "For weeks now, you have been acting like someone I don't know anymore. You're acting childish, petty and mean to everyone." He opened his mouth. "I'm not done speaking." He closed it again.
"I know that you're disappointed with Katniss. But she had never indicated that she was interested in having a relationship with you." He dropped his head down. "And I know Katniss. If she didn't having any romantic feelings for you, it's no use trying to get her to change her mind." She was stubborn like her father.
"I love her," he said soft and sad. My heart broke for him. I knew that he loved her. "She's the only one I ever wanted." I scoffed in disbelief. "What? It's true." His petulant look returned.
"Tell me Gale," I asked him. "If she was all you wanted, then what about all the other girls you been…taking to the slagheap? What are they to you?" He had the decency to look guilty and ashamed. "Don't think I know what you do on your spare time."
"How did you––"
"I heard enough from our neighbors to feel embarrassed each and every time I hear gossip about you visiting the place," I said.
"Oh." He grimaced.
"You're a grown man, Gale. But you need to consider if Katniss really meant that much to you, you shouldn't be taking girls to the slagheap."
"I just thought she wasn't ready and I had to wait until she was."
"So while you're waiting for Katniss, you taking girls to the slagheap? Gale, that doesn't make any sense. You should have courted her…you should have been patient and waited for her if you loved her that much to want to marry her."
"I have needs mom," he blustered his face turned pink beneath his tan.
"So you think it's fair to take care of your 'needs' while you wait for Katniss?" I shook my head in disbelief. "You're an idiot if you think that Katniss would want you while you fulfill your needs with other girls." How I really wished his father were alive for this conversation. I was not prepared for this.
"You don't love Katniss, Gale if you're taking other girls to the heap," I explained. "If you really loved her you would have waited until she was ready, took her out on dates and romanced her." Gale scoffed. "A girl likes to be treated like she's special to the guy she's going out with," I continued.
"She's not that type of girl, mom," he snickered.
"How would you know?"
"She's not the touchy feely type."
"That may be true, but she's still a girl, Gale," I reminded him. "She may not be the type of girl who like hearts and flowers but I guarantee you that she still would like to be courted, taken out on dates as you try to get to know her better."
"But I already know enough to want to marry her," Gale stated. My poor son, he knew so little about women and their complexities. "She perfect for me. We hunt together, we like the same things." Clueless, he was utterly clueless.
"This conversation is a moot point, Gale," I said. "She has a boyfriend. Peeta Mellark."
"I know, mom. Everyone keeps telling me that," he sneered in disgust. The fact that Katniss' boyfriend was a Merchant proved to anger Gale further. "I just can't believe that she hid that fact from me while all this time she's been telling me that she didn't want a boyfriend and never wanted to marry."
"Gale, Katniss is your friend," I reminded. "Who she dates is none of your business. You have no right to make a claim on her while your traipsing with other girls at the heap. She can date whomever she wants without your approval or knowledge."
"Of all the Merchants she chose Peeta Mellark? I can't see it. They don't make sense."
"It doesn't have to make sense to you because your opinion doesn't matter. What they see in each other is none of your business." I felt like I was talking to a wall. My words just bounced back to me.
"It has to be a phase for him, I mean he––" he rationalized. "He's only messing with her. He can't be serious about her."
"Gale, stop," I asserted.
"He's trouble for Katniss after watching the broadcast––" I gasped.
"What broadcast?" Ordinarily when there was an announcement from the Capitol, we would walk over to the Everdeens since the viewing monitor in our home was destroyed. Rory and Vick were horsing around when they accidently crashed into the screen. So instead of reporting it to the peacekeepers Garrett advised that we watched the announcements in their home. Breaking Capitol property whether it was an accident was an offense a kin to defiance. Children were taken away from their homes for destroying Snow's property.
"While I was at Abernathy's Snow was making an announcement when the MockingJay interrupted him."
"What did the MockingJay have to say now?" My stomach twisted in anguish. The rebellion was coming to fruition and I knew Gale was excited about it. I didn't blame my son's eagerness for the rebellion but I didn't think he thought of the consequences and repercussion if the rebellion failed.
"He showed a video of the families being removed from their homes, families living in the street hungry and homeless. Riots in the districts as well as people fighting back." He stopped for a second. "And…"
"And?"
"He showed Mellark being whipped by Cray. He used Peeta as an example of the injustice happening in the districts."
"What did the MockingJay say about Peeta?" This surprised me. How did he manage to tape Peeta being punished by Cray? He must have been there to witness and record it.
"That he was being punished for protecting his girl from a Peacekeeper." It was obvious why the MockingJay showed that particular incident. He was using Peeta to rally Panem against the Capitol. It was a single act of defiance as a young man defied a peacekeeper for trying to protect the girl he loved. This was the kind of incident that Snow cannot ignore.
"Katniss has to realize that she needs to stay away from Peeta now," Gale hoped. "He'll cause nothing but trouble for her."
"Are you serious?" I scolded him. "If it wasn't for you she would not be in trouble in the first place."
"I wasn't the one––"
"But you did, Gale. It was you who started all this. Garrett told me everything. Everything. How after knowing that Katniss chose Peeta, you went to Cray." It was horrifying to learn that my own son tried to implicate Peeta for Ivan's death.
"It could have been him," Gale shouted back.
"You shouldn't have confronted…no you shouldn't have beat up Ivan in the first place. This is all on you. Your reckless behavior is the caused of all this."
It hurt to address that fact but Gale needed a slap in the face so to speak. "He was shot to death. I may not know Peeta Mellark but I do know one thing about him. He isn't capable of such violence. To kill a man who was defenseless?" To have that kind of mindset required experience in taking a life. I couldn't see that in Peeta, a sixteen-year old boy who experienced violence by the hand of his own mother. Even when she abused him he never fought back considering how much taller and strong he was.
"Mom?" Gale looked stricken. I hope that he finally realized the harm he caused not just to Katniss, but also to Peeta. He may love her but his anger and resentment towards Peeta outweighed his love for Katniss. "I didn't raise my son to be a cruel and become mean person that intentionally caused harm to people."
"I was just so mad and…"
"Jealous. Take accountability for what you've done since that night, Gale."
"I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
"But you did. By going after Peeta you targeted Katniss as well." I was tired of this conversation. I didn't know what it took for him to leave Katniss alone. "Gale, I love you, you're my son. I would hate to think what your father." His face surfaced in my mind. I miss him, I miss him so much.
"What your father would say to you? How would he feel knowing what you've done? It's shameful and disappointing that you've become––" I couldn't express or continue my train of thought. This boy in front of me was not the man his father wanted him to be.
"Your treatment and behavior towards the girl you claim to love is despicable." Tears brimmed his eyes. "If I was Katniss, I would never trust you again. You hurt her, Gale. You don't' hurt people you claim to love."
"I'm sorry, mom," he said. I shook my head.
"You need to apologize to Katniss not me. I can't tell you how much it hurts me seeing you like this. I know you're hurt and angry." I placed an arm around his broad shoulders. My baby was no longer a child but to see him hurt? My heart broke for him.
"I wish that Katniss returned your feelings, but she doesn't. You're a good son and good man, Gale. Please, please try to move on. The pain you feel right now, it will pass. I promise." Gale was pensive as I hoped my words permeated his mind. I wondered who spoke to him about his atrocious behavior towards Katniss and Peeta. His behavior towards a boy younger than him was childish and petty. He meant to hurt Peeta by aligning himself with Head Peacekeeper Cray. He hated peacekeepers yet my son was willing to associate with them because of his jealousy and anger towards Peeta. Like I said his passion to hate Peeta outweighed his love for Katniss.
Tears dripped down his cheeks. He cried in silence not a sound fell from his lips. He was trying to remain strong. Had I gotten through to him? Only time would tell.
Katniss POV –
The façade of the Justice Building loomed before us. I felt nervous and scared. President Snow wanted to talk to us. I was glad that I had dad and Haymitch was with me. However, I knew there was no guarantee that I was safe from harm. Once I saw the image of Peeta on the monitor, I knew he was in trouble. There was no way that Snow could dismiss or ignore what the MockingJay had telecasted all over Panem.
The night air was cool chilling my skin to the bone. I shivered as cold breeze grazed me permeating through my clothes. "You'll be okay, Katniss," dad comforted me as I walked beside him.
I looked back wanting to hold onto Peeta's hands but that wasn't my place. He still didn't know that I had announced to the district that he was my boyfriend. Everyone knew but himself. I mentally slapped myself for not finding the opportunity to tell him. I had my chance but I blew it.
I wondered why his father and brother hadn't bothered to warn him. I had so many questions running through my head that I hadn't realized that we had entered the building. We were led through another corridor entering into a different section.
This new area didn't comfort me. In fact it worried me as I noticed the furnishings. The room was spacious with high ceilings and was designed with long couches covered with luscious colors of gold and brown fabric. I could tell that the wood on each sofa, chair and end table were made of mahogany. There were large paintings that were mounted on the wall from floor to ceiling. I have never seen such grandeur in my life that I was afraid to sit on expensive furniture. The décor unsettled me making me feel out of place. In a different circumstance I would have been impressed but I was too scared to appreciate it.
"Have a seat," Cray ordered. He walked over to the door and stationed himself in front of it like some guard dog. There were two other peacekeepers that flanked him. Dad, Haymitch and I sat on one long sofa opposite Peeta and his father. I was so nervous I felt sick to my stomach. Peeta looked ill as his complexion grew pale his Adam's apple bob up and down his throat.
For a few minutes we sat there in complete silence. I gazed at Peeta willing him to look in my direction. But he was quiet as his eyes stared at the floor ahead of him with his hands clasped on top of his lap. His left leg bounced in nervous tension. I wanted to wrap my arms around him to let him know I was there for him.
"Listen, Katniss, Peeta," Haymitch spoke his voice low and firm. "Be careful what you say from here on out. There are ears everywhere. Pay attention to your surroundings––"
"Haymitch stop scaring them," Jimmy blurted with impatience. "Stop treating them like they're your tributes."
"They should be scared. This…" He gestured to the room. "Is serious."
"We know that," I said fear and anger bubbled inside me.
"Please calm down," Haymitch said as he exhaled a long breath. "I'm…trying to prepare you. Just don't say anything out loud…any conversations that might get you in trouble." He turned to Peeta. "Remember the first time, Peeta? I told you to watch what you say?" Peeta nodded his head when suddenly his eyes grew wide.
"Oh," he returned.
"You understand Peeta?" He nodded his head again.
"I don't understand," I blurted frustrated at Haymitch. "Just say what you mean." Dad leaned over to whisper in my ear.
"The walls have ears, Katniss," he said so low I almost didn't hear him.
"What?" 'The walls have ears?' Because of my frustration and worry, it took me a few seconds to understand what both Haymitch and my dad were trying to tell me. 'Walls don't have…' Then as if lightning struck I realized what Haymitch was trying to say. There were listening devises hidden within the room.
Before I could respond back Capitol music blared into the air, President Snow's face appeared before us. I sighed in relief as I thought we were meeting Snow in person, face to face. He was still in the Capitol.
"Abernathy," Snow greeted him.
"President Snow," Haymitch responded back. He looked calm and collected.
"Mr. Everdeen, Mr. Mellark," Snow spoke theirs names so calmly as if they were friends. "I suppose those are your children, Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen." I was shocked that he knew our names.
"Yes, President Snow," Dad answered him while Jimmy nodded.
"You're very lucky to have strong and resilient offspring. You must be very proud of them." Haymitch winced.
"To what do we owe this honor President Snow?" Haymitch blurted. Snow stared back at him for a few seconds.
"I will speak to Peeta alone," he commanded. Peeta gasped as he looked at his dad. Jimmy stood up in defiance. 'What?' I didn't understand why my father and I had to come if all he wanted to do was talk to Peeta.
"No," Jimmy cried out. "No." Cray was by his side and butted his rifle into his stomach. Everything happened so fast. Haymitch pushed Cray away Jimmy. Peeta went to his father. Dad held me by the shoulder preventing me to go to Peeta. The two other guards pointed their rifles at us.
"I will speak to Peeta alone. Cray escort everyone out of the room," he ordered him.
Cray lifted his rifle. "Everyone move."
Reluctantly I stood up. Dad placed a hand on my shoulder. It comforted me for a second as my stomach clenched at the sight of Peeta looking lost and scared. Jimmy held him in his arms comforting him.
"Peeta." He struggled to find words of comfort.
"Jimmy, he'll be okay," Haymitch told him. The look of panic on Peeta's face broke me. Without any hesitation, I walked over and grabbed him around his lean waist clutching him tight that I could feel his heart beating on his chest. He was nonresponsive to my gesture of comfort.
As we walked out of the room, my heart stopped. My eyes lingered at the sight of Peeta standing alone in the room with Snow's image behind him.
Cray delivered us to another room. However, the room they kept us in wasn't as grand as the other one but smaller with less furniture. I forced my father to sit down before his leg ached for standing too long. Haymitch leaned against a wall arms crossed in front of his chest. Every once in a while he sent a glare at dad. There was anger behind them.
"Haymitch, I don't like this," Jimmy stated his voice cracked with concern. "What does Snow want with Peeta that he has to speak to him alone?"
"I don't know, Jimmy," he said. I knew he too was worried. So many questions flooded my head. One stood out amongst them. 'Why did I wait so long to tell Peeta how I felt about him?' I listed the opportunities when I had the chance to tell him. I should have told him at my home before he went back to his house, when I was at the bakery and an hour ago after dinner.
What if…what if Snow wanted Peeta and took him away from 12? Snow was going to take Peeta away from me. It was obvious that it was Peeta in the video causing Snow to want to meet him. Damn MockingJay for using him since now he caught President Snow's attention. One question also stood out, why am I here with dad?
I didn't know how much time passed. Jimmy stood up and paced the floor from end to end. The look on panic and fear was apparent as he rubbed the back of his neck ever so often. I smiled as I thought of Peeta mimicking his gesture whenever he was nervous. Like father like son.
"Jimmy, stop pacing and calm down," dad said.
"Calm down," he responded with clenched teeth. "Calm down! Peeta is in there alone with Snow asking him God knows what. I fucking can't calm down."
"Jimmy," Haymitch interjected. There wasn't anything anyone could do to appease him.
"No, my kid is in there with Snow. President Snow." He said his name like he couldn't believe it. "Don't you get it," Jimmy roared. "Cray was bad enough. Who knows what's happening to him right now. He's alone with the president of Panem. I'm his father and I can't protect him." There was fury behind the stormy blue eyes. I have never seen such rage and fear radiating from him. Whenever I have encountered Jimmy, he was calm and gentle never raising his voice. In his eyes there was helplessness as well. We all felt helpless and scared.
"Shit, shit," he repeated to himself. "This is not happening." He voiced my concerns and my fears for Peeta. I'm flabbergasted to how much he's become so important in my life in such a short amount of time.
"What am I going to do if I…I can't lose––"
The door opened as Cray walked in. "Where's my son?" Jimmy shouted. Cray walked towards me. Dad immediately stood up and situated himself in front of me as Jimmy ranted. "Where is he? If touch a single hair on his head––"
"Snow wants to speak to Katniss now," he announced as he ignored Jimmy's outburst. "You three will not interfere or there will be consequences." Haymitch crossed the room.
"Let Jimmy see his son, Cray." Cray shook his head.
"President Snow is not finished with him."
"Then I will accompany Katniss," Haymitch said his voice firm. Cray made a move. "I'm a Victor, Cray of have you forgotten. Touch me and you'll answer to Snow for damaging one of his Victors." Haymitch used his position as bargaining chip. "I'm untouchable. Or have you forgotten that fact."
Cray sneered. "One day, Abernathy. You won't be able to hide behind Snow. You and me, we have a conversation long overdue."
"Look forward to it," Haymitch returned. "So I think you don't want the president to be waiting. I'm going with Katniss and you can't stop me." I wondered why he hadn't used that tactic before when Peeta was questioned the first time.
"Haymitch, take care of our kids," dad said. I was scared but happy that I was going to be with Peeta.
As soon as I entered the room, I ran up to Peeta who was still where we left him. His hands clasped together in front of him and his head down. "Peeta, are you okay?" Haymitch asked as he crossed the room. I sat down beside him checking to see if he was injured as I checked his face, neck and any part of him that was exposed.
Peeta looked up, gulped and nodded his head. "I'm okay, Katniss," he assured me.
"Cray, I said that I wanted the girl. Why is Abernathy here? I didn't ask for him." There was underlying impatience and frustration in his tone.
"Sorry, President Snow. He insisted in accompanying the Everdeen girl," he returned. Snow grunted in disapproval. "I couldn't––"
"Doesn't matter," he said in a dismissive manner waving his hand. "Leave us alone, Cray." He exited the room.
He turned his attention to us. "It seems that a lot has been going on in District 12 that I was not privy to," Snow started. "I had hoped that your district would not be giving me any problems but I was wrong."
"I don't understood, sir," Haymitch quipped back.
"Haymitch," Snow snickered. "Please don't insult my intelligence. You know the reason why you're here." Haymitch's face was stoic, his eyes calm and mouth in a thin line. "Had I not made myself clear when I told all my victors to keep their district in check."
"I remember, sir."
"It seems that that is not the case for District 12. You didn't think I'd catch the image of young Mellark in the video. A video created by the traitorous rebel leader, the MockingJay. It was quite moving I had to admit." On the corner of the screen, the image of Peeta with Cray was displayed. I turned my head not wanting to relive the moment of Peeta's torture. Peeta stared into the screen as if he was mesmerized by the image before him.
"I wasn't aware that there was a video," Haymitch said. I wondered if that was true. Did he know that the MockingJay was in District 12 at the time of Peeta's incident?
"I am very disappointed in your lack of…awareness," Snow said in snide manner.
"If I may ask, President Snow. What did you want from Peeta?"
"The truth," Snow returned. Oh, God. What did Peeta say to him? "But it seems that Mr. Mellark has been none too cooperative."
"I only told him what I know Haymitch," Peeta asserted.
"And that is?" Haymitch inquired.
"That Cray's nephew had been harassing young girls in District 12," Peeta began. "That I had an…altercation with him. I stopped him from attacking a young girl in the alley behind the bakery."
"That is true," Haymitch supported his statement. "Peacekeeper Ivan had been harassing girls since his arrival."
"I am aware of Peacekeeper Ivan's proclivity for young girls. It was why I sent him there to be watched and kept in check by his uncle."
"Well, Cray let him loose without any regard to your order, sir. Since his arrival, there had been more than four complaints for his behavior. And he did nothing to stop him."
"I was not aware of that. Cray had just told me that his nephew was brutally murdered by young Peeta."
"He lied. Peeta didn't kill Ivan."
"That is a bold accusation against a Head Peacekeeper," Snow said.
"It's the truth," Haymitch continued. "Since Ivan's death, Cray has been on the warpath looking for anyone to blame. He targeted Peeta, interviewed him without any parent present then with only circumstantial evidence, he whipped Peeta to force a confession from him."
"I was told the young Mellark was punished for fighting with Ivan and had enough proof to prove that Peeta killed his nephew."
"As I said, he lied. Peeta was nowhere near Ivan when he was…murdered," Haymitch repeated.
"He was with me the night Ivan was killed," I supported Haymitch's claim.
"Why didn't you just say that Peeta?" Snow asked him his eyes narrowed as he glared at him. The look he sent Peeta was unnerving as if evil touched him. I grabbed Peeta's hand. He stiffened at my touch. I didn't know if I startled him as he looked uncomfortable. I gripped his hand tight. Hell or high water, I was going to break that wall of his. The wall he constructed every time I touched or spoke to him. I sighed as I realized his attitude and stoic behavior towards me was my fault to begin with.
"Peeta?" I said his name soft and low. 'Please look at me,' I said to the side of his face.
"What did Peeta say in his defense?" Haymitch broke my concentration as he continued to converse with Snow. My focus was Peeta.
"That's just it," Snow started. "He didn't say anything. I'm confused, you see. MockingJay had inferred that Peeta was punished for attacking Ivan who attacked his girlfriend, Katniss Everdeen. Just as Cray informed me." Peeta gasped. A look of confusion etched his face.
"She's not my––" Peeta began.
"No, Peeta was punished by Cray because he accused him of killing his nephew," Haymitch interjected before Peeta could finish his sentence. "He had no proof to support his claims. And in anger he whipped Peeta. Your Head Peacekeeper punished an innocent boy for nothing."
"I want to know why the MockingJay has an interest in young Mellark," Snow inquired. "He specifically used Peeta. Why was he in District 12?"
"What the MockingJay says or do is not my concern," Haymitch returned. "He used Peeta for his own purpose. Peeta is innocent of any wrongdoing. His only crime was to fall for a girl outside of his social circle. You have loose cannon, President Snow. Cray almost killed Peeta out of revenge for a crime he didn't commit."
"I will have a word with Cray over this situation. As for the video, I'm afraid that it has made Peeta a…celebrity in the eyes of Panem," Snow stated. "Everyone in Panem wants to know the identity of the young man in the video."
"No," Peeta cried out as he stood up. "No. You can't…" His face turned red and his eyes wide. "Haymitch, he can't do that." I held onto his hand as it shook against mine. "Haymitch?"
"President Snow," he began. "I think it will be in everyone's interest to conceal the identity of the boy in the video." I agreed.
"I don't think I can hold back the interest of Peeta's new status in the Capitol," he said. "It's only been a couple of hours and all the Capitol is talking about is the brave young man who stood against a peacekeeper to protect the girl he loved. It's quite a love story. I can't blame them for being curious." Peeta looked sick as his complexion paled and his hand trembled.
"You have control of the media, President Snow," Haymitch said. "Don't push Peeta in the limelight, you'll regret it. Nothing good will come out of exposing him." Snow wanted to use Peeta, I could tell by the way he was looking at him. Just like MockingJay used him for his cause. Why can't people leave Peeta alone?
"I underestimated your concern for young Mellark," Snow spoke as leaned back onto his chair. "I see you have a very special connection with Peeta. Who is he to you?"
Haymitch took a deep breath. "He's the son of a friend of mine. I promised to protect him as I would any citizen in District 12." Snow smirked. I doubt if that was true for I have never seen Haymitch extend himself for anyone in 12. He veered away from the locals only associating with a handful of people. My father and Jimmy were a few he entertained in his home.
Snow smiled, a kind of smile that sent an eerie and chilly tingle all over my skin. I needed to take bath after this visit for I felt dirty.
"What did you want from Katniss?" Haymitch asked. I was so worried about Peeta that I didn't even considered why Snow asked for me. All that mattered was that he was safe and not harmed.
"I needed to see who young Peeta was sacrificing his life for," he stated. He looked at us. Could he tell that Peeta and I weren't in love? That what we had was a made up relationship to protect each other and hide the fact that Peeta and I thought we were the last to see Ivan alive? We had so many secrets and kept so many lies.
"Young love…is such a beautiful thing. It has brought men down to their knees, toppled empires and countries all for love. A love so beautiful that is can inspire or ignite a nation to conspire against the Capitol?" I flinched. "I'm may be living in the Capitol, Abernathy. I heard the whispers and rumors of an uprising being led by the MockingJay. I have ears and eyes everywhere."
"What does that have to do with Peeta and Katniss?" he asked. "You think the both of them are going to start a revolution against the Capitol?" There was tinge of amusement in Haymitch's voice. I wasn't amused neither was Peeta by the look he sent towards him. "They are just two kids in love, their relationship is being questioned by the social divide that exists in 12. It's hardly enough to inspire anything but heartache for the both of them. I think they enough to worry about." He brushed a hand to the back of his neck.
"I'm trying to keep peace in my district as you ordered," he said. "I think you have to assess the people you assigned at District 12. Cray is uncontrollable…" His voice faded in the background. I had no interest in their conversation.
I dared to look at Peeta. His eyes were planted on the floor below him. 'Shit, shit,' the words echoed in my head. This was not how I wanted him to find out that we were in a relationship, a fake one but a relationship nonetheless. I could see the cogs in his head working. 'They are just two kids in love.' That one line echoed in my head. It was all I heard and nothing else. Peeta must have heard that too because my heart plummeted as he raised his head and looked into my eyes. His brows were furrowed as if he was in pain or…in anger. He just shook his head back and forth. Only one emotion I read from his face––confusion. I needed to get him away from here away from everyone so I could finally talk to him.
"Can we go now?" I interrupted the conversation between Snow and Haymitch. I was lost in another world where only Peeta and I only existed and no one else mattered. He looked pale. His hand was slack as if he lost all his strength and resolve.
Haymitch sighed and rolled his eyes. 'What? What else does Snow want from us?'
"Ms. Everdeen, I see that you know your priority," Snow said. I knew that he was angry for interrupting them but I didn't care.
"I'm sorry, President Snow," Haymitch interceded. "Katniss doesn't know the protocol when she is in the presence of the President of Panem." He sent me an angry look that I ignored. The only thing I cared about was that my time with Peeta were disrupted by Snow and the MockingJay. I wanted time with him, damnit.
"We haven't done any thing wrong," I stated. Snow looked at us as if we were committed a crime against the Capitol.
"President Snow, Peeta and Katniss are innocent pawns in any game that the MockingJay has thrust them upon. They are not a threat to you or the Capitol," Haymitch expressed.
"Like I said, young love," Snow smirked. The way he said those words made me feel dirty. "You may go." He waved his hand. I turned to leave but his next words stopped me cold. "I'm not convinced of your innocent act. You young man is far more dangerous than you portray. If you value your life, watch our back and those you love. I'll be keeping my eye on you, Mr. Mellark."
"Katniss," dad cried out as I was reunited with him. He looked as though he aged a decade as worry and fear was replaced with joy and relief. "I was so worried."
"I'm fine, dad," I assured him. Peeta was smothered as his father wrapped his arms around him. His leaner frame was engulfed by his father larger one.
"You're okay, you're okay," Jimmy repeated over and over.
"Hey, let's get out of here before Cray or Snow changes their mind," Haymitch suggested. I didn't have to think twice.
As soon as we excited the building I placed myself beside Peeta and grabbed his hand. His head snapped so fast I thought he hurt his neck as he looked down at our intertwined fingers. I smiled at him hoping that he could read my gesture of comfort and support as once again words failed me. There was so much I wanted to say to him but unfortunately we had an audience.
It didn't help that both our fathers were smirking at us. I was comforted that the dark night hid my blush. I was making a statement in front of everyone and they knew it. Even Haymitch smothered the snarky remark I knew he was holding back. Peeta looked confused. My poor Peeta so much has happened to him and I still have yet to tell him of our 'fake' relationship and how much he meant to me.
As we walked back to the bakery, two Peacekeepers flanked us. It was a dark and cold night as the moon hid behind some clouds. I was impatient to return to the bakery but wanted to savor holding Peeta's hand for as long as I could. Mom and Prim must be beside themselves with worry. I would be too if I was in their place.
Delly was the first to see us. "Dad, Peeta, oh my God. Rye wake up their home," she yelled waking mom who was resting on the sofa. She stood up and ran to us grabbing both dad and me in her arms.
"I was so worried," she cried tears tracked down her face.
"Daddy, Katniss," Prim screamed her face wet with tears as she exited Peeta's room. "I thought I'd never see you again." She sobbed. Our family was whole and safe once again.
"Oh, sweetie," dad cooed. "Nothing bad happened to us. We're fine." I turned to see Peeta and his family in their own reunion as Jimmy rubbed Peeta's hair with fatherly affection.
"The first thing we're doing tomorrow is…" He continued to rifle his fingers through Peeta's long locks. "Delly is going to give you a haircut." I frowned in disappointment. 'What no, not yet,' my mind screamed. Then another thought passed in my head. 'Delly? Delly was going to cut his hair?' And to add more aggravation on my already frazzled nerves Delly wrapped her arms around him. I shouldn't be jealous of Peeta's relationship with Delly but I was. She reminded me of where I stood his life. She was after all going to be his sister-in-law in a couple of weeks. And I was…the girl he used to have a crush on.
"Peeta, oh my God, we were so worried," she cried. "You have to stop scaring Rye and me like that." Rye smiled at his brother.
"Yeah, Peeta," Rye added. "Who's going to make our cake for our wedding?"
"Graham?" Peeta teased. He smiled. It was a sight I haven't seen in days. His eyes crinkled and two dimples appeared on his cheeks. Then I noticed an indentation on his chin. Was that there before? He had a cleft chin that helped pronounced his square jaw. Why had I not noticed that before? His hair was tousled and his face sported a five o'clock shadow. I couldn't help but stare at him as he laughed at Rye and Delly with a feeling I have never felt before––longing.
Delly whispered into Rye's ear. He nodded in return as she pulled away. "Go ahead. Now is a perfect time," Rye encouraged her. She walked over to me.
"Katniss, I was wondering if you and your family would accept an invitation for me and Rye's wedding?"
I was stunned. I had not anticipated attending their wedding. We were after all strangers just a couple of weeks ago.
"Oh, um…I don't know, Delly," I stuttered. "I mean, we're not even friends."
"We're not?" She looked hurt. I hadn't meant to hurt her.
"Katniss, don't be rude," mom scolded me. "She just invited us to her wedding. She wouldn't have asked if you weren't friends." Mom turned to Delly. "Of course, we would be honored to attend. All of us will be there." She ignored my look of disbelief and surprise. "Thank you for inviting us."
"Katniss, Lily," dad interrupted us. "You ready to go home?"
"What?" I asked. "It's past curfew." We were not supposed to be out in the streets at this late hour. If discovered, we would be shot with no questions asked.
"The two Peacekeepers agreed to walk us back home," he explained. "I think we have already overstayed our welcome."
"Don't be silly, Garrett. You, Lily and the girls can stay," Jimmy stated. "You're welcome to my home anytime."
"No, we should head back home," dad continued.
I was filled with dread and disappointment as I thought we were stuck at the bakery until morning. I was prepared to corner Peeta no matter how late the hour. "Say your goodbyes to the Mellarks," mom suggested.
I bade Jimmy, Rye and Delly first thanking them for their hospitality. Telling them I enjoyed the meal and the company and hoped to repeat it. At least I thought that's what I said. I was too busy organizing my thoughts before I said good-bye to Peeta.
As for Peeta, I took him aside away from prying eyes and ears. I grabbed his hand and led downstairs. He looked nervous like he was scared to be alone with me.
"I…wanted to thank you for having us for dinner," I said my tongue felt heavy. "I really enjoyed it. Everything was delicious especially the cheese buns. 'Argh, stop it with the cheese buns,' my mind scolded me.
"Oh, it was my dad's idea." He shrugged his shoulders. His right eye twitched uncontrollably as it was glued to our clasped hands between us.
"Are you okay?" I asked. The eye twitching was new.
"I…um…I'm really tired. It's been a really long day," he sighed. I agreed with him. This day felt like it lasted forever.
"Peeta?"
"Yeah," he said. He was stiff and uncomfortable avoiding eye contact.
"I've been wanting to talk to you…well since you went home," I started. Once I started I couldn't stop. "And every time I try something or someone keeps interrupting us." He remained quiet. "So before I go home do you think…we can talk some time. Like later tomorrow…after breakfast." Tomorrow was Saturday. I didn't have to work so it was a perfect opportunity to spend some time with him. I wondered if he was scheduled to work. It wouldn't have mattered since I was determined to talk to him once and for all. "I know that you have a lot of questions."
"I'm so confused," he admitted. "I don't know what's going on…why President Snow thinks you're…my…why he thinks we're together. Everything is so confusing. No one has said anything to me."
"That's why I want to talk to you," I said. "To explain things without getting interrupted."
"You don't have to feel…obligated to explain anything to me." I flinched. 'Obligated.' He felt that I owe him an explanation. Our first encounter was on repeat going over and over in his head. I wished I could do that day over again. "You don't owe me––"
"Hey, it's getting really late, Katniss." Dad appeared at the bottom of the stairs with mom and Prim behind him. "We should get going." Damnit, spoiled again.
"One more minute, dad," I asserted and turned back to Peeta.
"See…we got interrupted again," I said. "This is what I'm talking about."
"It's getting late, Katniss maybe––"Peeta returned with a look of confusion.
"Meet me tomorrow after work?"
"Um…I'm working tomorrow," Peeta mentioned. "For a couple of hours."
"Oh." I was disappointed, thwarted again in my attempt to talk to him. He sensed my displeasure and disappointment.
"But not all day."
"Good then I'll come by tomorrow. When is a good time for me to come by?" I persisted.
"Uh…I don't know if this is good idea," he started. "Katniss, it's not necessary for us to talk, okay?"
"No." I shook my head. I was going make him to talk to me even if I have to…force him. Even if I had to show up and bodily remove him from the bakery and drag him to the meadow to talk. Hm…that's idea.
"No?" Peeta uttered as fear appeared in his eyes. "What do you mean no?"
"I'm coming by tomorrow before lunch so be ready," I asserted. I turned to my family who had watched the whole exchange. Prim looked happy. Mom was amused and my dad he looked…proud. I felt pretty proud myself.
The visit with President Snow scared me. It was obvious that Snow threatened Peeta. His words weren't veiled or spoken with hidden meaning. In Snow's eyes, he was a threat to him and the Capitol. I wasted precious time with Peeta because I was scared of my feelings for him. Now I'm scared that I'll never get a chance to tell him how I felt about him. I couldn't wait anymore.
"See you tomorrow, Peeta," I said as I walked out the door leaving him with a stunned look on his face.
AN: Thank you for reading his chapter. I hoped you enjoyed it. Have a great week.