Chapter 16 – Where There's Smoke…
AN: My apologies for posting this later than I expected. Thanks to my reviewers [sydney56, pistonfans75, Cassie Sharpie, BillieCipher92, Lhaine92, B Dizzy, Kfpan72491, Shellibug, J, pumpkinking5, LACR, Aqua Rules, Nai1987, jmjames, Dramionelover26, and guests]. I always look forward to reading your comments and reactions. They are greatly and most humbly appreciated. Special thanks to those who also alert and favored "Destiny." This chapter is rated R for foul language and have Darius, Prim and Katniss POV's. FYI, I made a slight alteration to Darius' character for the purpose of the story.
Darius POV ––
"While I look for a suitable replacement for Head Peacekeeper Cray, you are the interim Head Peacekeeper until further notice," Snow announced. "And I have recalled several peacekeepers back to the Capitol."
"How many, sir?" I asked. Cray announced that he was being transferred back to the Capitol and was taking some men back with him. He wanted to tell his command before President made the official announcement. However, he didn't say how many.
"Half the unit."
His words rang through my head all morning. 'You are the interim Head Peacekeeper until further notice,' the words echoed in my head over and watching Gale depart from the premises, President Snow made a short formal announcement of Cray's departure and my temporary promotion. Most of the Peacekeepers assigned were none to pleased at his decision. The older peacekeepers protested the loudest.
"I'm the oldest and been here longest in this god forsaken piece of dirt," Peacekeeper Ames bellowed. "I don't understand why he chose you." He pointed to me.
"I don't either," I said as I mustered enough confidence in my demeanor. "But you will obey his decision. I don't have any qualms in putting you in a cell if you step out of place. President Snow was not pleased with Cray and his nephew's activities. You do well to not cause anymore problems here in 12." The temporary position was a boost to my ego. However, knowing that it was temporary I also knew that I had to watch myself. Any decisions or actions I made would have consequences. Sometimes, I hated my job.
I thought volunteering to become a Peacekeeper would have me traveling district to district and see Panem. That was what the recruiter promised me. From the day I volunteered to the day I set foot on the district that I was assigned, I only say two––District 1 and 12, that was the extent of traveling to see Panem. After I had lost the only parent I had from the mining accident, I had little choice but to join them. It was that or raised in a District 12 orphanage. I had no other family than my dad when he died. I was lucky to have given the opportunity to volunteer in the Peacekeeper Corp. Since then recruitment was restricted in the districts as rumors of an uprising ran rampant in Panem. President Snow didn't want 'spies' within the Peacekeeper's ranks, as he wasn't able to weed them out. I didn't blame him.
After my training from District 1 I was returned to 12 which surprised me. Returning to my former home was painful as people did little to make me feel welcome. My position as a peacekeeper availed me safety and authority, but it also alienated me from my friends who I left behind. But after a few years, I had finally earn the trust of a few locales––Mr. Abernathy, Mr. Everdeen, Mr. Undersee and Gale Hawthorne to name a few.
Did I enjoy being a Peacekeeper? It wasn't as if there many jobs or trade that were available to me when I lost my father. I had job, a roof over my head and job security if I wanted to stay as a Peacekeeper for the majority of my life. This was all I knew.
Coming back to 12 was a blessing and curse. The district was small in population in comparison to other districts. It was also one of the poorest. The Seam outnumbered the Merchants and so was their death rate. It was common as we buried one dark hair and gray eyes at least once a month. Many of the Peacekeepers assigned to 12 cursed being here. This was obvious to the three men patrolling with me as they grumbled every nasty remark they could muster of living here. My patrol unit consisted of Peacekeepers Gordon, Reed, Martin and myself. In order for me to tolerate their behavior I tried to tune them out.
They complained about everything from the living condition, food, location and weather. It was blistering hot during summer and skin piercing cold during winter. None of the factors bothered me since this was...home.
"Hey, Peacekeepers Darius," Madge greeted me as she passed us by. Today she wore a pair of slack and loose blouse that accentuated her curvy attributes. I could see why half of the male Peacekeepers lusted after her with her beautiful unblemished fair complexion, blond silky hair and sapphire blue eyes. She was…mesmerizing.
"Hello, Ms. Undersee," I returned and sighed to myself. Madge was a beautiful girl. One of the prettiest in 12 in my opinion, and she was off limits. Not that she would even look at me that way. She was Mayor Heath Undersee's daughter.
"I would love to tap that," Peacekeeper Martin leered at her as he waggled his tongue between his teeth while he cupped his groin. Madge's face was deathly calm as she tuned her head and walked passed us.
"Shut the fuck up," I said with an angry tone once she was past hearing distance. Madge was a decent girl. Not like the ones I encountered at the slagheap. I didn't like any of the men disrespecting her like that.
"Geez, Darius, chill man," he said. "I know Rule number 1." He air quoted 'number 1.' "But let me tell you one night with her would be worth breaking that rule." His eyes lingered at Madge's figure as she disappeared into the shoemaker's shop.
"How about this," I added. "Cray messed with the baker's son and accused him of a crime he didn't commit. And where is Cray now?" Rule number one written by the Peacekeeper guidelines never, never embrangle with the locales. If the rule was disobeyed you were immediately removed from the Peacekeeper service, dishonorable discharged with pension revoked. If the infraction caused serious damage you were either turned in to an Avox or banished to a labor camp. There were other forms or punishment but the harshest sentence was death. Cray's fate was uncertain but it was rumored that because of his years of service his sentence was a labor camp not death.
"That's just a rumor," he debated.
"No man, my cousin in the Capitol said that after he met with President Snow, he was turned in an Avox," Peacekeeper Reed added. "Others said that they surgically removed his hands."
"So go ahead Martin. Tap the Mayor's daughter," I said in disgust. "Or any of the girls here. Once you're caught, I hope that one night or fling you're having was worth losing everything you have now." For a moment Martin looked reflective as his mind realized the consequences.
Patrol was boring which to me was how I liked it. The incident with Peeta Mellark was…nothing I had ever experienced. The injustice and cruelty that Peeta suffered was an image I'll never forget. Even my comrades and fellow peacekeepers were appalled by Cray's behavior. I wanted justice for Ivan even though he was a pig. Most of us hated him. However, he didn't deserve to die just as Peeta didn't deserve to be punished because Cray lost patience in finding his nephew's killer.
For a Merchant, I admired his strength and courage. Looking at him, he was average height, lean unlike his older brothers who were tall and stocky, and quiet as he kept to himself. He was nothing at all like the other Merchants boys who were loud, boisterous and felt entitled. I was…surprised and shocked that he amongst all the boys in District 12 caught the eye and attention of Katniss Everdeen, Gale's best friend. The two of them together was unexpected as the Seam and Merchant relationship were forbidden. I kept my face stern as I watched them pass me earlier in the day as I suspected they were on their way to the park with a blanket and basket on hand. She looked pleased while Peeta was…pensive. I hoped that they are given a chance to thrive in their relationship.
Their relationship confused and surprised me since all I ever heard from Gale was that Katniss was his girl; then to discover that Peeta was involved and in a relationship with her, came to a complete shock to me. It was unimaginable since Seam and Merchants hated each other. Come to think of it, I had never seen her interact with Gale in any way to believe or accept it. It was no wonder he's been drunk, disorderly and out of control. As for Peeta, he was Katniss' boyfriend? Not that I thought that Peeta wasn't at all a nice guy. As a matter of fact, he was a few from the Merchant side who was kind to me once I had returned. It shouldn't have surprised me that they were together and had hidden their relationship from everyone, but it did.
Speaking of Peeta, the smell of bread from his father's bakery lingered in the air. The fragrance was one thing I missed when I was in District 1. It's been hours since the sun rose from the horizon and loomed westward.
As we cleared the north end of the perimeter we were approached by Mr. Abernathy, District 12's only Victor of the 25th Hunger Games. "Darius, can I have a moment," he asked. He looked sober and clean––a look I was not accustomed to since most of the time he was dishevel and needed a bath.
"Sure," I answered. "Guys, give me a few minutes." The men sauntered away and positioned themselves 20 yards from where we were stood.
"Congratulations on your promotion," he started.
"It's only temporary until he finds a permanent replacement," I told him. "I hoped it soon because…this is not…I don't want this." I looked around me as other Merchants stared at Haymitch and I. "This is too much and unexpected."
"The news surprised me myself," Haymitch admitted. "I mean since when does Snow do anything unless there's a reason behind it."
"I guess."
"Don't you find it odd that he removed Cray and Peacekeepers here in 12. He even mobilized half your artillery and armory transports. Why?"
"He didn't say. Just that he's removing them." Haymitch shook his head. I did agree with his observations––our firepower and numbers were cut in half.
"I can't worry about that right now. I'm getting resistance from my own men with my new position," I confessed to him. "They're not taking it too kindly to be taking orders from me."
"You'll be fine, Darius," he said. "Just keep your peacekeepers in check and we'll all get along."
"I don't know…" I hesitated. "I'm…I'm commanding over 1000 men in this District." The ratio of peacekeeper to District 12 locales were 1 to 3. The only reason 12 haven't revolted was because we were heavily armed with artillery and machines that could decimate the district in minutes. "I never realized the magnitude of Cray's position."
"Darius, just keep peace here and nothing else will go wrong," he encouraged.
I rambled. "I don't understand why President Snow put this on me. I have older peacekeepers complaining about being overlooked for command––"
"What did Snow tell you exactly?" he interrupted.
"Just to keep order and that he'll assign a new Head Peacekeeper as soon as he can."
"And that's it?" Haymitch looked skeptical.
"Besides, turning off the fence he also recalled half my unit. That's it." I knew he was digging for information. I dispensed an order that was privy to me.
"So Snow didn't give you any reason why he pulled back half of the Peacekeepers?" Haymitch inquired.
"He didn't say," I repeated to him. My mind recalled his other order. The one order that struck me odd was a request that didn't sit with me well.
"I need you to keep a close watch on Peeta Mellark," his voice echoed in my head. 'Make sure that young man doesn't cause any more trouble. Watch his family."
"What am I looking for?"
"The young man knows more than he admits," he added. "There's a rumor that the MockingJay is hiding there. There's no proof but I heard that he's in 12." The revelation startled me. The rebel leader MockingJay was a District 12. Who? I wondered. Why was he interested in a sixteen-year old boy? A baker no less who seemed harmless.
"I know that you can't tell me anything, Darius," Haymitch uttered. "You have a job and so do I. You're here to keep peace and order. My job is to make sure that my district is safe from harm." I nodded. I understood the underlying message. Ever since Peeta's incident the atmosphere in 12 was tense. There was a charge in the air that never existed amongst the citizens. They griped and groaned at the cruelty he suffered. They were angry.
"Listen, I don't like that Snow removed Cray and turned off the fence," he said. "I know him for every action there's reaction. He's up to something."
"What? What do you think he's planning?" I felt that too.
"I don't know but with Snow it's something…big and deadly." He sighed. "If there is anything that you…hear that's even remotely a rumor of any kind that could affect us. I need to know that you'll give 12…your home a fighting chance to…survive without a lot of people getting hurt. I don't want trouble, Darius. It's the last thing I want."
"Haymitch, what are you insinuating?" I didn't like his tone, his premonition. It reeked of death and suffering.
"I'm not insinuating anything, Darius. But I know Snow. I just need a promise from you that you will give us a chance to protect our families, keep them safe." His facial expression was ominous and dark. "Darius, can you do that?"
I was stunned for a few seconds. What could he possible be implying? "Darius, I'm not asking for you to go against Snow. I'm just asking you…pleading to give us a chance to protect ourselves." Before I could answer Martin called out to me.
"Darius, we need to get going?" he said in an impatient manner. "We still have to stop by the bakery." He reminded me. "I want some of those cheese buns they're selling."
"You guys heading to Mellarks?" Haymitch inquired. There was a look on concern and worry on his haggard face.
"Yeah," I said.
"I'll walk with you," he muttered leaving me no room to refuse him as he strode towards the bakery.
"Hey, Jimmy," I greeted him as we entered into his establishment. As a child, I loved visiting the bakery. The scent of bread, sugar and cinnamon brought back memories of childhood that I could never forget. It reminded me of home and family. The display cases of bread, cookies and cakes didn't rival the bakeries at District 2 but no one or place made the best sourdough bread in all of Panem, not even the Capitol.
"Hello, Darius," the stocky blond haired man returned. "Hey, Haymitch." Mr. Mellark was a kind and decent man. I couldn't say anything remotely nice about his wife as she was completely opposite her husband in personality. Since her departure from the bakery, the shop was thriving. The place was crowded with Seam and Merchant. He looked tired and wary. His future daughter in law Delly stood by the register attending to a Seam customer. "What would you like today?"
It was a running joke between us, as he knew I always purchased his sourdough loaf. "The usual, old man," I quipped back. He nodded and smiled as a bagged two loaves of bread. He glanced at Haymitch as they sent a nod between them in greeting.
Jimmy leaned over the counter and whispered. "Go to the butcher shop and tell Graham to sell you some of rabbit they froze. Katniss and Gale were able to get a couple before the fence was turned off." Everyone knew that Katniss and Gale hunted game beyond the electric fence. Cray wasn't aware of the illegal hunting and trading that happened under his watch. He was a stickler to the rules and regulations. It was the worst kept secret in town but to Cray. I liked his family and his bakery. It was a win-win arrangement between us.
"Jimmy," I returned. "I saw Peeta with Katniss earlier today." Jimmy smiled, a wide and toothy smile. Then as quickly as it appeared his smile withered as he glanced at Haymitch.
"Yeah, um…they are on date," he said as he grimaced.
"There's no rule or law against that right, Darius," Haymitch interceded.
I was puzzled by their behavior. "No, unless they're doing something illegal," I returned. Haymitch chuckled.
"There's no law against snogging your girl." Haymitch guffawed. "Hopefully, Peeta was smart enough to pack––"
"Haymitch!" Jimmy gasped. "Don't you have better things to do?" He smiled at him. Suddenly loud screams and gunfire filled the air. The sounds were coming from outside.
"Shit," Martin yelled as he hovered at the door. "What the hell?" I turned on my microphone located on my neck harness.
"This is Peacekeeper Darius, report," I said into the microphone. "What the hell is going on? Who's firing?"
"Sir," a voice spoke through the mic. It crackled for a second. "wild…feral…passed the fence."
"Repeat message," I ordered.
"Sir, groups of wild dogs have entered through town," the voice continued. "I've never seen so many…" A loud scream was heard in the background. "Take cover and fire at will." Gunfire noises and spine tingling screams filled the microphone.
"Everyone stay inside," I commanded. I noticed Jimmy and Haymitch peered through the window straining their neck. Locals were screaming and running down the streets as two of the Merchants they were picked off by dogs with their large teeth and dragged to the woods. Their screams of agony and pain chilled and paralyzed the customer inside the shop. I couldn't count the number that littered the streets as they encountered the peacekeepers who opened fire on them. One large dog was shot on its back. It howled in pain but remained on its' feet. Then, it assumed down the street when another shot was fired hitting him back. This time it dropped dead. These wild dogs were different larger and bulkier than I've seen before. And their numbers shocked and horrified me. Where did they come from?
Suddenly a high pitch sound blared in the air. It was a siren.
"Haymitch, Peeta is out there," Jimmy said his voice panicked and in a scared tone. The sound of dogs howled in the air sending a chill down my spine. He was about to walk out the door when I pulled him by the arm. "Katniss is with him. We got to do something, Darius. I can't just stay here and wait for them––" Rye appeared at the storefront. "I have to go out there and find my son."
"Dad, what's going on?" he asked. He ran over to his fiancée and held her in his arms. "What's all the screaming ––" More screams of horror and gunfire filled the air as the sounds of running, crashing and fire continued outside the bakery. The sounds were horrible I couldn't imagine what I would find out the walls of the bakery–– probably death and carnage.
"Oh my god, Rye," she whimpered.
"What are you going to do?" I addressed Jimmy as I seethed in anger. "Hit them with a rolling pin? Stay put. You're not equipped to fight a group of wild dogs." I could tell he was fighting himself deciding whether to leave the store or stay with his family. I turned to the microphone.
"How many? I repeat, how many?" I was frustrated as I screamed into the mic. "Can anyone out there answer me, damnit?" Frustration and anger grew as chaos continued around us." The sounds of windows breaking was heard as screams followed right after it.
"We don't know, sir. They just appeared out of nowhere. Hey, get out of there." A commotion was heard then silence. "Get the fuck out of the way."
"Sir, we're under attack." Someone screamed into his microphone.
"Find cover and shot the fucking dogs dead." Another voice followed right behind him.
"Help me. Arghhhh…" Voices filled my head speakers. "Help!"
"Whom am I speaking to?" I asked. "Damnit, talk to me."
"Sorry, sir. Peacekeeper Connors," he announced himself. "Everyone move back. Now." And in the middle of the chaos, another storm brewed inside the bakery.
"Haymitch, Dad what's going on?" Rye asked.
"We're under attack," Haymitch informed him. "From what I can tell groups of wild dogs are running rampant in town attacking people." He ran a hand through his wiry thin hair.
"Oh my god," a male Merchant client screamed. "My wife and daughter, I told them to come here when they was done getting shoes for my daughter." He approached the front door.
"Where do you think you're going?" I advised. I needed a second to calm myself and collect my thoughts.
"I have to find them. I'm not going to stay here while ––"
"There is nothing you can do for them right now. You'll only get in the way and get hurt. You need to stay put." The Merchant was belligerent as he tried to get passed me. It was the wrong move as I struck his stomach to immobilize him. He fell onto his knees clutching his midsection. "Anyone else have any bright ideas going out there unarmed?"
"Do something, Darius," Rye hollered. "My brother is out there. Give me a fucking rifle so I can look for him myself."
"Rye don't," Delly pleaded.
"I'm not going to stand here while my brother is out there. He could be hurt or…dead."
"Rye," Haymitch spoke. "Peeta can take care of himself. He's with Katniss so I know that they'll take are of each other. Nothing is going to happen to them."
"Yeah, like nothing was going to happen to Peeta when he went to the Justice Building," Jimmy spat. "Peeta didn't get the beating with the an inch of his life in Cray's hands. Nothing happened to him last night when Snow was talking to him, he's safe from Snow and the Capitol. Yeah, you took real good care of him, Haymitch. You and ––"
"Dad!" Rye interrupted.
"Dad," Delly spoke out as well. "Don't be mad at Haymitch."
I knew Jimmy was scared and angry. But to strike out in anger at Haymitch, it was uncalled for. I didn't recognize the kind and gentle baker I knew growing up. This was an angry man, a desperate angry father who was worried about his son.
"Shut up Jimmy," I bellowed back. Without a moment to spare I armed myself with my rifle. "Everyone is to stay inside. Do not go out. If I find any of you out there I'll shot you myself and feed you to the dogs." I turned to one of my men. "Gordon, you stay here and protect them. Use force if necessary if anyone leaves the premises. Make sure no one leaves." I glared Jimmy and his son, Rye. "Especially those two don't let them the shop."
"Martin, Reed let's go." I cocked my firearm and took a deep breath.
"Darius, please find Peeta and Katniss," Jimmy pleaded. "Please find my boy." I nodded my head.
"I'll do the best I can, Jimmy," I said. "I can't make any promises."
My hand held onto the cold doorknob. I looked behind to find everyone in a state of fear and terror. "Everyone stay put and don't open the door."
Opening it wide I stepped out onto the opening. There was chaos as Peacekeepers shot and killed wild dogs that littered the streets. There was a strange scent in the air I didn't recognize. It was pungent and strong as I almost choked from inhaling it. I placed the back of my hand over my nose for affect. I took a step into the stoop and aimed my rifle.
Prim POV ––
I sighed. It's a beautiful day and I'm inside the house wondering how Katniss' date with Peeta was doing. I prayed and hope that my sister managed not to alienate or push Peeta further through her own inexperience with boys. I sighed again.
"Prim," Mom spoke. "You know, Prim. You don't have to stay home. Dad will probably be around lunch. So if you want to visit your friends––"
"No, I don't want to stray too far from home today," I explained. 'Just in case Katniss comes home. Just in case she messes up with Peet,' my mind whispered to me. I really should give my own sister some credit but…because it's Peeta. The guy that she rejected twice, the same guy who she has to pretend is her boyfriend. The same guy I knew she was slowly falling for and didn't know it. I expected she'd mess up somehow.
I recalled last night's conversation. She was a nervous wreck and nothing I said comforted her.
Flashback –– the night before
"Prim, are you awake," her voice soft and low. It was past midnight. The dinner with the Mellark was fun until the video was broadcast and Peeta, Katniss, Haymitch and Dad were escorted to the Justice Building. For few hours while they were gone, I was scared to death that I would never see them again. Thoughts of Peeta's whipping flooded my mind. I inwardly prayed that they would come home in one piece, especially Peeta. Poor guy, since his ordeal he never seemed to get any break as if fate was determined to put a bullseye on his back. Poor Katniss. Now that she wanted Peeta she can't seem to find her chance to tell him how she felt about him. One step for her turned to ten steps back where Peeta is concerned.
"Yeah, you can't sleep?" I turned around in our bed. It was dark and cold. I felt her nod her head as she sighed. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." She adjusted herself wrapping the blanket around her.
"What happened at the Justice Building?" When we arrived home, Katniss went straight to our room leaving us no chance of asking her what happened. She looked scared, stunned and anxious when she came from the Justice Building. I was surprised she cognizant enough to ask Peeta out on a date the next day. I wondered if she realized what she had done.
"It's best that I don't tell you, Prim––"
"Katniss, you really have to stop treating me like I'm still five-years old," I grumbled. I loved Katniss and her protective nature. It was times like this I really didn't appreciate being kept in the dark of things that scared her. Things she thought to protect me from.
"I'm not treating you like"––
I sat up on the bed taking a bit of the blanket with me. "You are." I winced. "I know that you're trying to protect me, but how am I suppose to grow up and experience things if you won't let me. I just can't learn things from school, you know."
"I'm trying to protect you from the bad things, Prim." She sat up as well leaning back on the headboard. She raised her knees close to her chest as she wrapped her arms around them. I knew it. Something was wrong. Katniss only made that gesture when she was really scared and worried about something––something bad that might happen or has happened.
"Growing up doesn't work that way. You can't protect me from every bad thing that might happen. I can't just experience the good and not the bad. That's like saying that there is only good in the world when I know that's not true. How can I protect or make decisions for myself when you won't let me experience them?"
"Prim," she started. "I just…there is so much…what happened inside the Justice Building…I don't know where to start." She wasn't good with words. It was obvious that she was struggling to explain herself to me. "I'm scared for Peeta and for you…and for everyone."
"What? What happened?" I felt my brow lift toward my hairline. I was scared and shocked. "Are you in trouble?" She shook her head.
"No, not me. Snow threatened Peeta," she admitted. "Because of the video, he thinks Peeta is involved with the MockingJay and the rebels."
"Involved? How?" It didn't make any sense to me. How was his whipping had anything to do with the MockingJay?
"Snow said that because of the video, people in Panem wanted to know who the boy was in the video." She wrung her hands on top of her lap. "All of a sudden, Peeta is…and I are the talk of Panem."
"I don't understand," I said.
"There are people in Panem…in the Capitol that are interested in us. Our 'love story.' The fact that he was being whipped because of me." That wasn't true but… "Snow is afraid of the popularity we gained this evening. He doesn't like the attention were getting."
"That was fast." One video with a 30 second glimpse of Peeta's whipping incident made them popular?
"I know. It's so stupid. I mean, he wasn't on the video long and yet people are already fixated on him…on us," she stated. "Snow accused Peeta of gaining sympathy for the cruelty and injustice that happened to him. He didn't like the attention from it. People in the Capitol want Peeta and Snow wasn't pleased about it."
"You mean he feels threatened by him," I surmised. Power. It all stemmed from whoever had power.
"I guess, yes. Haymitch was there and the tried to convince him that Peeta had nothing to gain," she uttered. "I'm so pissed with the MockingJay for putting Peeta…and I in this position. All I know is that Snow basically threatened Peeta right in his face and to make matter worse…" She stopped as she hid her face behind her raised legs.
"What? To make matter worse––what?" I said. She needed to finish her sentence.
"Haymitch just blurted that…that he and I…Peeta and I are in a relationship," she muttered her breath heavy and raspy. "That Peeta was whipped because were…are in love." I sucked my lips inward. It was ironic that Peeta had to find out through Haymitch that Katniss was his girlfriend and that they were in love when my sister hadn't or didn't even acknowledge her feelings for him.
"Well, at least he finally know that you're in a relationship," I teased. She gasped in horror and fear.
"Prim, it's not funny," she whined. "You should have seen his face. I couldn't read his face...I couldn't tell if he was mad or surprised, nothing. I was horrified when Haymitch was like, 'there just two kids in love.' Shit, I wanted to die. I didn't want Peeta to find out like that."
"Leave it to Haymitch to mess up your plans," I said.
"I couldn't' tell if he was hurt, confused or angry or all of the above. It was embarrassing I mean, can you imagine how he must have felt finding out you're in a relationship from Haymitch and in front of the President of Panem. The president who thinks you're involved in rebellion against him."
"So what did Peeta say to you?" This was what I wanted to know. So Peeta knows now.
"I just…the only thing I wanted was to get Peeta out of there after Snow threatened him," she expressed. "When we were walking back, he looked stunned. Like he was in dream." Then she smiled, a shy smile that lit her eyes. "And…"
"And? What?"
"He let me hold his hand all the way back to the bakery." She blushed. "Actually, I didn't give him much choice. I was afraid to let him go." I could see her crimson flushed face despite the room plunged in darkness. "He was so confused about everything like he was dreaming but…he didn't let go. He looked so adorably lost and confused."
I laughed. It was about time she realize how special and sweet he was. "You really like him," I said. She nodded her head in embarrassment. "It's about god damn time."
"Prim!" she gasped in shock.
"What? I've been telling you how wonderful he is for the longest time," I snickered. "He's sweet, gorgeous and kind." I gave her a pointed look. "I swear Katniss. What took you so long? I mean, what's not to love about him that you resisted him when he's been crushing after you all this time?" She shook her head. "Geez, how many times do I or anyone have to repeat ourselves that he likes you, a lot. And had a crush on you since he was five."
"I just couldn't believe it. I mean, who has a crush on someone since he was five and still feel that way after a decade? It's impossible," she sighed in annoyance and frustration.
"Peeta Mellark, obviously. What's so difficult in accepting or understanding that it's true?"
"Prim, you…I never wanted a boyfriend. I mean, I didn't even look at Gale that way," she sighed in disgust. "I didn't expect a Merchant to be…attracted to me."
"Yeah, but this is Peeta. Peeta Mellark" I was going to keep repeating his name until I branded it in her head. "The boy that both Seam and Merchants girls drool all over. He's got a line of girls dying to…"
"To what?" she pondered as I stopped myself from finishing my thought.
"To be his girlfriend. How many times do I have to repeat myself of that fact to you?" I cringed. "I mean, look at Agatha Berridge––"
"Don't even talk about that...that cow. I swear that if she…" She left the threat open to my imagination. "If she knows what's good for her she better stay away from 'my' boyfriend." She grew angry.
"Geez, possessive much?" I chortled. I was thrilled and pleased at her possessiveness towards Peeta. It meant that she wanted him just like I knew she would once she admitted it to herself.
Suddenly, her anger turned to melancholy. "I don't know, Prim. I think I waited too long. He's…he's so fidgety and so uneasy with me now. Before, he wanted to talk to me, be around me. Now, it's like he can't believe I'm there talking to him or wanting to keep his distance." Her eyes crinkled and her lips trembled. "I think…I think he's given up on me. He's given up on me now when I…want him."
"He hasn't given up on you," I tried to convince her. "He's confused. For crying out loud, Katniss, he's been staring at you since he was a little boy." She snorted in denial. "Katniss, everyone even mom and dad knew he had a crush on you for the longest time. That kind of…" Do I reveal that he has loved her since he was five? No, that would only freak her out. "Kind of crush just doesn't stop. You need to give him time and…show that you care about him"
"I do care about him…so much."
"He cares about you too," I said encouraging her. She needed it. My sister was a strong and caring person. She thought too little of herself at times. Peeta was good for her. He was what she needed.
"I just don't understand how. I know I can be a little difficult sometimes. I just want a chance with him."
"You will. It's up to you now," I reminded her. "If he's fidgety and uncertain then it's up to you to show him that you care."
"I don't know what I'm doing or what to say. I get all choked up whenever I tried talking to him."
"Keep trying. Don't give up on him."
"Prim, you know how horrible I am with words," she sniffled. At least she acknowledged it. "I don't…I can't…" She struggled to breath.
"Katniss, hey. It's just Peeta. You know, the easiest guy in the world to talk to," I joked hoping to ease her mind.
"I don't why I'm like this," she commented. "I don't know what it is that he makes me feel this way. He's driving me crazy. I don't like it." There was frustration and anxiety behind her words.
I held the laughter inside knowing that making fun at her would cause more damage than good. She was hopeless. I hope I don't struggle with my heart and mind when I find 'my Peeta.'
"Katniss, with Peeta just be honest with him. That's all you can do," I advised. She nodded her head. "Just one more thing though when you talk to him."
"What?"
"Just keep this in mind when you finally tell him how you feel and become real boyfriend and girlfriend, okay?" This as serious advice she needed to know.
"Okay, what?" She looked hopeful and pleased that I'd predict that Peeta would finally know and accept her feelings for him.
"When you finally get him to actually be his real boyfriend, just do me one favor?" She smiled.
"What?"
"Make sure you guys use condoms and don't let me catch you and Peeta together like the time I caught Gale and Sadie––" I accidently caught them in Dad's tool shed with Sadie's leg wrapped around Gale's waist revealing his bare ass. The image was burned in my mind for weeks. I cringed each time I saw Gale and Sadie after the incident.
The pillow came from nowhere. "Prim! That's––you're too young to be talking and seeing shit like that," she wheezed as she pelted me with her pillow.
I continued. "Though I won't mind seeing Peeta's fine ass––I mean he really looks good in a singlet." I laughed loud as she assaulted me again.
"Stop, Prim," she shrieked. I returned blow for blow as we commenced with a pillow fight.
"And since he's going to be your first," I said between gulps of air and laughter. "You have to tell me how big he is because the rumors about him––"
Katniss stopped and gasped. "Prim. Shut up."
"I want a nephew first since––"
My stomach hurt from laughing as I watched my sister's anxiety turned to joy, giggles and hope.
"Hey, it's late. Go to sleep?" Dad's voice boomed into the dark, quiet night.
"Sorry, Dad," we uttered embarrassed but happy at the same time. It was a quiet for a few seconds as we turned into our bed to sleep. I sighed glad that I relieved Katniss' inner turmoil for a few minutes.
"You better hope Dad or Mom didn't hear that, Prim because I swear––" she whispered.
"Good night girls," Dad returned. "And Katniss…you and Peeta better stay away from the slagheap…and my tool shed."
Katniss removed her pillow beneath her head and smothered herself as she groaned in embarrassment.
End of Flashback ––
She woke up early and took her time getting ready. Today, she wore a pair of dark green slacks and beige blouse. I thought it was unusual attire for a date.
"I don't think Peeta cares about what I wear," she stated. It was true when I thought about the times I caught him staring at her in school. There was a look of awe and adoration even when she wore her hunting gear.
During breakfast she couldn't eat or stay still. "Katniss stop fidgeting. Everything will turn out just relax," I said to her. All morning she glanced at the clock repeatedly. I had never seen her so anxious before as this was worse than her behavior before dinner with the Mellarks.
"What time is it?" she asked again.
"Five minutes from the last time you asked me the time?" I answered. She flinched as she was embarrassed by her unusual behavior––a girl crushing over a boy she couldn't wait to see.
"Sorry," she lamented. I felt bad for her. I wanted the time to pass quickly so she could leave and go on her date with Peeta. The wait was killing her.
Finally as the time neared for her to leave, she appeared nervous and anxious. "Do you have any idea what you're going to do on your…with your date with Peeta?"
"Not, really," she admitted. "I was thinking of going to the hob and get something to eat here then…"
"Then?"
"Maybe take a walk. I really didn't think far ahead about what to do next." She shrugged her shoulders. "I'd thought I'd ask him where he wanted to go after lunch. Maybe someplace where he feels comfortable when I finally have my talk with him," she expressed. That was actually a good idea.
I hugged her tight as she prepared to leave. "Just be yourself, Katniss. Be honest and patient," I repeated once again.
"Thanks, Prim," she sighed. I watched her leave the house as I kept my eye on her until she disappeared from my sight. Then once she was gone, I crossed my fingers and said a little prayer for luck. She needed it.
Hours passed, I sighed in relief. This was a good omen that she didn't return home right away.
"Hey, Prim. Hello Mrs. Everdeen," Rory's voice interrupted my thoughts. Mom and I were outside in the back of the house hanging clothes on a clothesline. It was Saturday which usually meant errands and housework. I haven't talked or seen much of him since the night of the celebration. It wasn't that I was avoiding him but because I wasn't ready to see if him. I thought long and hard of what happened since that night.
I knew that he was the cause of everything that transpired––from Gale beating up Ivan to his brother's reaction to Peeta and Katniss' fake relationship. Had Rory not mentioned to Gale that Ivan attacked Katniss, Peeta wouldn't have been suspected in killing Cray's nephew. He wouldn't have been whipped and accused of murder.
But at the same time, had not all this happened would Katniss be still avoiding and denying her feelings for Peeta? Would Mr. Mellark changed his life and removed his wife from the bakery? Rory caused a lot of the changes that happened after that night.
He was the instigator that changed Peeta's life forever and causing so much pain and suffering that not only affected Peeta but everyone around him.
"Hello, Rory," Mom greeted him.
"Rory," I said his name as I gave him a side-glance. He was handsome like his older brother though his features were softer, boyish. This past year he grew tall almost as tall as Gale. However, that is where the comparison ended. Rory was gentle, sweet and patient unlike, Gale who was sulky, brooding and sullen. He was quick to anger and acted impulsively without thinking of the consequences. Katniss didn't need that kind of fire that complimented her personality. They would burn together.
"Mom says thank you for the herbal potion," he said. Hazelle turned up at the house early to get some hangover cure for Gale. We weren't at all surprised for the request. I recalled the disgusted and disappointed look Katniss had on her face when she found out who and what the potion was for.
"Tell her you're welcome and hope that Gale is feeling better." Rory nodded his head as he flinched feeling embarrassed for his brother's behavior as of late. Mom turned to me as she picked up the laundry basket. "Prim, why don't you and Rory get some fresh air. You've been stuck inside the house too long." Without giving me a chance to respond, she walked inside leaving alone with Rory.
Suddenly for some reason being alone with him made me nervous. I didn't know why since I've known him for most of my life. Our parents were good friends and we celebrated with each other families on several occasions. Maybe it was the way he was looking at me that made me nervous. He looked peevish, scared and anxious.
We started walking. Where? Not anywhere in particular as our feet had a mind of it's own. The next thing we knew we were at the edge of the Seam.
"You've been avoiding me," he accused me. Rory had his hands in his pockets. He looked odd with his tall height, lanky limbs and his head down. He looked as if he was prepared for a scolding.
"I've…been busy." I turned my head looking at the path that led to the town.
"I know why you're mad at me."
I turned to him. My brows furrowed. "Oh?"
"I know…I know that you're pissed off at Gale," he started. "I'm sorry that he…has been giving Katniss a hard time." I snorted. Oh, I couldn't believe he was so clueless of his actions as I shook my head and rolled my eyes.
"You mean Peeta as well," I added as I fisted my hands and placed them on my hips
"Well, he was really upset that…"
"That what?"
"You know, that Katniss chose Mellark over him." He cringed as if the idea was horrible and disgusting leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
"Peeta."
"What?" He looked up startled at my tone.
"His name is Peeta." There was tinge of annoyance in my voice. "What is it that you have against someone you don't know?"
"She picked him over Gale," he said matter of fact as if it explained his dislike. I glared at him with my arms crossed over my chest.
"That's the dumbest reason––"
"He's Merchant," he sneered. With that comment, he looked and acted like Gale. I was disappointed in him.
"Well, I guess you must hate me too," I said loud and stern. He gasped in shock. "Because you know, I'm blond and blue eyed like Peeta. And since you hate Merchants then we're not friends either." I turned around and walked back home.
"Prim," he shouted as he ran beside me. "That's not…you're different. You're not really Merchant."
"You're an idiot like you're brother," I seethed in anger. "My mother is Merchant, Rory or have you forgotten that? My dad is Seam so that makes me what? All Seam?"
"I…I…" he rambled as he fought to find words. He grabbed my elbow. I flinched as if burned.
"You get away from me––" Suddenly, a siren filled the air. Momentarily distracted from our argument, the sound filled me with dread. "What is that?"
"That's the town's emergency siren," Rory explained. My stomach plummeted. The last time I heard that sound the mine collapsed causing numerous deaths. I was lucky my dad lost his right arm and leg, but survived. I gasped in horror.
"The mine is closed on Saturdays," I said to myself.
"Prim!" my dad's voiced startled me. My eyes grew wide as I watched him run towards us yelling at the same time. I had never seen him run so fast with his fake leg. "Go home now. Both of you. Turn around and go home."
"What? Why? What's going on?" Rory asked.
"The town is under attack with wild dogs," he explained. I placed a hand over my mouth.
"But Katniss––"
"Damnit, Prim. Just do as I tell you. Let's go." Rory went straight home. Once I entered our house Mom was had already prepared and stocked potions, herbs and towels in the kitchen.
"What's happening, Garrett?"
"The town is being attacked by wild dogs." I followed into the kitchen feeling scared and helpless.
"Katniss is ther––"
"I know, Lily." He moved the kitchen table and chairs from the center of the room.
"Dad, what are you doing?" I was puzzled by his behavior as he stood in the middle of the room. He tapped the floorboards once, twice as one panel lifted from the ground revealing an empty space. He knelt on the floor and reached into the hole. "Mom, what is he––" He pulled out a bow and a quiver filled with several arrows.
"Garrett? You can't be seriously thinking of going to town?" The look on Mom's face scared me.
"You just said Katniss is in town. What do you want me to do? Wait here?" he said as frustration and anger etched his face. He stood up from the ground.
"If you go into town with that––" She gestured to bow. "You'll get arrested." It was illegal to hunt, let alone own any form of weapon––knives, firearms. Any cutting implement was used for trade––knives, cleavers, scissors, gardening equipment. A bow was certainly forbidden. Dad harnessed the quiver on his back then pulled at the string on the bow testing its' strength. Then, he knelt down on the ground again and pulled out a knife sheathed in hard dark brown leather.
"They are under attack, Lily. I can't just stay here and wait for news about Katniss," he said in a frustrated manner. "We have friends there." Like Peeta and his family––Mr. Mellark, Rye and Delly. They were my friends too. Dad strapped the knife onto his right leg, his fake leg. I have never seen him like this––determined with steel in his veins to help out a town who looked down on the Seam.
"Garrett, please be careful," Mom muttered knowing there was no stopping Dad from going into town. I was scared for Katniss and for Dad. She hugged him tight and kissed him. I joined them in their embrace feeling lonely and left out as I wrapped my arms around them.
"I'm going to be okay," he tried to assure us. "Do you have everything ready?" He looked at the supplies mom had prepared.
Just as he was at the door, it flung open. Gale appeared. He disheveled and looked worried. Hazelle, Rory, Vick and Posy were right behind him huddled together.
"Mr. Everdeen, what's going on? The mine is closed on Saturdays," he began. Posy hung her arms around Hazelle's neck like a vise. "I thought––"
"Hazelle, please come inside," Mom greeted them. The door shut behind them.
"It's not the mine, Gale," Dad said. "The town is being attacked by wild dogs." The Hawthornes gasped in horror and fear. "I was just there a few minutes ago." Gale noticed Dad's attire and gear. "Stay here and keep my family safe. They might migrate to the Seam." He adjusted the quiver on his back. He reminded me of Katniss his dark hair shone while his gray eyes were steeled with fire and determination.
"I want to go with you and help," he pleaded. Dad looked at him with great skepticism. His faith in Gale was shattered when he betrayed his daughter's trust and friendship.
"You don't have your gear––"
"He can use his grandfather's old bow and arrows. They are hidden underneath the front steps," Hazelle informed him. Gale hid his father's bow and arrow in the forest. He kept them there incase the Peacekeepers searched the house which they did on the night of the celebration. Without a word, Gale ran out the house.
"Everyone stay inside. I don't care what you hear or see," Dad instructed us. "You are not to go anywhere." He approached Rory. "You are the man in this household until I…your brother and I come back. I expect you to protect our family, Rory." Rory nodded his head.
Gale returned with his grandfather's bow and arrows. There was dirt and grime on his face, hair, hands and knees. "You ready?" Dad asked him. Gale bowed his head.
"Yes, sir." He leaned down and hugged his mom. "I'll be okay, mom. Don't worry." Posy started to cry. It was obvious that she didn't know what was going on but knew that there was something wrong. "You be a big girl and watch mom and your brothers," he said as he hugged her quick. "You listen to them and don't go out of the house." Her lips trembled.
"I love you, Gale," she whispered.
"You too, my rosy Posy," he returned as he kissed her forehead. I smiled at Gale's gentleness towards his sister. It was rare to see him interact with her like that.
They walked out the door and the room fell silent for a few seconds, as none of us knew what to say. Just soon after I took a deep breath to calm myself, a loud agonizing sound of a dog howled into the air.
Katniss POV ––
My hand was steady as I felt the shaft of the bow between my fingertips. My focus was aimed at the dogs as I sensed Peeta's presence beside me. The only sounds I heard were growls from the wild dogs and Peeta's hard raspy breath as he exhaled through his mouth.
"Peeta?"
"Katniss," he returned calm and firm. I noticed that he had the knife in his hand as he stood ready for an attack. I was so proud and scared for him.
"Walk back slowly to the tree behind us," I instructed him. As we took three steps back another dog appeared. This one was larger, heavier with a jaw large enough to snap our necks in one bite.
"Fuck," Peeta cursed. He disappeared from my line of sight. I panicked for a second as my eyes wandered between the dogs and Peeta trying to find him.
"Peeta, what are you doing?" I said between my clenched teeth as I watched him walk towards the blanket and picked up a container of food in the basket. He opened the container and waved it at the canines. It was filled with ham, as I still could smell the aroma emitting from the container. "Peeta!" The dogs took two steps toward him. "Shit, Peeta."
He walked towards them as he continued to wave the container. All three dogs targeted Peeta eyeing him with an angry and hungry look in their eyes. I realized he was distracting them from me. I knocked my arrow back waiting and aiming the arrow at the closest dog. "Here doggies. Look what I have here." Juice dribbled down the container splashing all over his hand. "Do you have a shot, Katniss?" he shouted to me without a backwards glance in my direction.
"Yes." I stood still and focused my aim. "I'll get one maybe two but not the third."
"Shoot straight Katniss," he returned with confidence of my ability. "I know you can get all three of them." I took a deep breath.
"Peeta, I can't––"
"On three, okay?" He said as he took several steps away from me.
"Peeta, oh my God. What are you doing?" I said in harsh tone. My jaw ached from gnashing my teeth together. The sun beat on top of my head. Sweat trickled down my forehead and dripped to my neck. I couldn't feel my feet or my legs as though I was paralyzed. Leaves and debris swirled around me as the wind picked up. Something brushed my face. "Focus, focus, focus." This was Peeta's life in my hands.
"One." He took another step, then another putting distance between us.
"Peeta!" 'Oh my God, oh my God,' I repeated in my head. 'He can't ––'
"Two." He lured them away as bait so I could shoot them giving me enough distance as he continued to douse himself with juice from the container. Peeta was now 10 yards to my right walking ever so slowly away from me. I felt empty, scared, and angry at him for being stupid, thoughtless, brave and wonderful at the same time. If…no…when we survived this I would kill himself for putting himself in danger.
"Peeta!" I screamed.
"Three." He threw the container towards them. It landed a few feet in front of their large hairy paws. Two dogs went after the container as the largest ran towards Peeta. I aimed and fired hitting it between the eyes. It howled a sickening sound as its' body crashed on the ground right before it was about to pounce on him. The sound of agony startled the other dogs as they saw Peeta a few feet away from its' dead companion. Abandoning the container, they ran towards him snarling and bearing their teeth.
"Oh, shit," Peeta screamed as he ran towards the woods behind him. He stumbled then lifted himself off the ground. I drew another arrow. The second dog fell as the arrow pierced its' neck. The third ran past its' prone form in pursuit for Peeta. I reached back and knocked another arrow and fired. The arrow missed as the dog launched himself over Peeta who had turned around just in time for it to land on top of him.
"Peeta," I screamed so loud the birds in the meadow scattered from the trees. The world became small as I focused on the last dog. I drew another bow and fired. Everything happened so fast.
"Arghhh…." Peeta screamed as he fell backwards with the dog landing right on top of him covering his body. The arrow pierced the side of its' head right above the right eye. I drew another arrow then another as the dog landed on top of Peeta. I couldn't see or hear him.
The world stood still. I couldn't hear the rush of wind grazing the tall grass or the crickets cricked around us as I only felt my heart pounding in my chest so loud it reverberated in my ears. My feet carried me to him as if I floated in the air.
"Peeta, Peeta," I hollered as my heart leapt to my throat constricting the airway. I struggled to breathe through my nose forcing me to exhale gulps of air from my open mouth. "Peeta, Peeta!" I couldn't bear to lose him now.
As I reached Peeta, I couldn't see his body as the dog's form lay over him. "Peeta!?" I landed next to him as I tried to push the dog off his still form. It was too heavy. Placing both hands on its' midsection I pushed, hard. Lying on its' side the dog landed on Peeta right leg. "Shit," I gasped hoping I didn't crush his leg from the weight. I walked to the other side and grabbed the dog's hind legs and pulled it away from him.
When I returned to him, I noticed blood seeping from his upper left shoulder. "Oh my God, Peeta! Peeta!" His eyes were closed as if he was asleep. I leaned down and rested my head on his breastbone. His heart beat against my ears. I sighed in relief. "Peeta." I shook his shoulder. My stomach lurched at the sight of blood on his light blue shirt. Carefully, I unbuttoned his shirt peeling it back. The dog managed to claw his shoulder from lower neck to chest. They weren't deep.
"Oh thank God," I sighed laughing to myself as the adrenaline in my body settled and the weight of our situation lifted from my mind and body. "God damnit, Peeta. This was not how I wanted our first date to happen." I chuckled but stopped as a series of howls echoed in the air. "Oh, shit. Peeta, wake up. Come on, we can't stay here." Feral dogs roamed in packs in twos-threes. I hated to encounter another set before reaching the fence. "Peeta, please wake up."
He moaned then winced as he opened his eyes. Blue met gray mesmerized and transfixed to one another. My body relaxed but my mind was alert. Staring into his blue eyes I was so entranced that I didn't'. "Thank God, Peeta. I was so scared."
"What happened?" He tried to sit up but fell back as he winced from pain. "Shit."
"Just stay still for a moment," I reprimanded him as I planted a hand on his stomach feeling his muscle jump underneath my palm. His skin was firm and warm. The touch sent a thrill up my arm and down to the center of my chest. He was oblivious of my reaction as he closed eyes and took a deep breath.
"The dog got you good," I mentioned.
"Dog? There were dogs?" He sounded confused.
"Don't move." I stood up and ran over to a familiar bush. Looking for the largest branches, I plucked several leaves from the bush and returned to Peeta. He sat upright removing his shirt. Once seated, he bunched the cloth and began wiping the gashes flinching each time.
"What's that?" He eyed the purplish plant in my hand with suspicious eyes.
"I don't remember the name but I know that mom uses it for cuts and wounds," I explained. I looked at the four angry lines on his shoulders. It looked painful. Blood continued to ooze from the wounds. "This will clean and prevent infections." He gasped making his stomach muscle bounce as I laid the leaves on the cuts.
"It…it…stings," he observed wincing once the wounds were covered.
"It should help stop the bleeding," I said as I tried to contain the bile that rose from my throat. "As soon as it stops bleeding we need to get out of here." He nodded his head in agreement. Not waiting for more than we had to, I wrapped his shoulder with his bloody shirt.
"Do you hurt anywhere else?" I looked at his head, neck and legs to see if he sustained other injuries. His hair was in disarray with dirt and leaves sticking on his blond locks. He reminded me of a wood elf I read in one of Prim's books.
"You mean besides the headache that's forming, the sharp pain on my left shoulder and the ache on my back because there's a large rock I was lying on? What else could possible hurt?" he said in a sarcastic tone. I smiled. Peeta was sweet and soft spoken––sarcasm coming from him was new to me. I inspected his back to find a large red bruise flinching as I noticed his scars. The scars he received from Cray.
"Can you move? We need to leave––" Another howl pierced the air disturbing the quiet that surrounded the meadow.
"Oh, now I remember," he said as he tried to stand up so fast his head spun for a second. He landed back on his butt. "Argh, somebody please stop the world from spinning. It's making me want to throw up." He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. He mumbled to himself so soft and low I heard a few words "Figures…typical…I'm dead…wasted…hates me anyway."
"Hey, I know you're hurt and dizzy but we really need to get out of here," I said in low tone.
"Sorry, I haven't even asked if you're okay. You're not hurt are you?" he muttered as the reality set in. He looked around then gasped as he finally noticed the dead dog at his feet. "Shit, Katniss." Suddenly, he grabbed my hands. "Are you hurt, they didn't get you did they? I remember there were three of them. Are they all dead?"
"Slow down," I smiled at his concern for me. "I'm okay and they're all dead. Come on, we really need to leave soon. Dogs hunt in packs and they never wander far from each other."
I helped him off the ground. Once he was upright I grabbed him and wrapped my arms around his neck. He stiffened then relaxed seconds later molding his strong lean arms around my waist. I was thrilled and excited with his body close to mine. I wanted this moment to last forever as I never thought it would feel this good to be held by him.
However, our moment only lasted for a few seconds as I noticed that the sun had kissed the horizon encasing the meadow in darkness. Peeta released me so suddenly that I ached soon after missing his arms and his touch.
"Fuck," he winced in pain as he took a step forward.
"What's wrong?" I cried out in concern and fear.
"I think I busted my ankle," he admitted as he favored his other leg. I knelt down and lifted his pant leg. "Ouch," he gasped in pain. His right ankle was red and swollen.
"It doesn't look broken since you stood on it a few minutes ago," I accessed. "I think you sprained it."
"Oh for fuck's sake," he muttered under his breath. "Why does the world hate me?"
"Peeta? It doesn't hate––" I stood up as his demeanor changed to anger.
"Why does shit keep happening to me?" He ranted. "I mean, who did I piss off?" He raised his arms above his head but flinched as he realized that he aggravated the wounds on his left shoulder. "Fucking hell!"
"Peeta, calm down."
"Somebody just fucking end me right now. I can't take this shit anymore," he screamed. I flinched hoping that there weren't any wild dogs around us. I mean I understood his frustration and anger. Shit did keep happening to him.
"Peeta?" I said his name calm and collect as I tried not to join in his frustration. He bent over and placed his hands on his knees. I placed a hand on his right shoulder.
"What?" he snapped back as he wiped tears that formed in his eyes. He calmed after a few seconds.
"Let's go home before it gets dark," I suggested. He nodded his head and stood upright.
"Okay," he mumbled calm and low. After I picked up the blanket and basket, I adjusted my bow and I started to pack the picnic basket.
"Just the leave the stuff here, Katniss," he said. "There's no point in dragging the basket and blanket when I can't help you carry it back." He had a point but I hated leaving things to waste. I crinkled my nose. Living in the Seam taught me to appreciate things.
"Don't you want to take them back? It's seems wasteful leaving them behind."
"They're just things Katniss. Nothing important that can't be replaced."
I nodded my head. "You're right," I admitted. He was right. What were things like a picnic basket and blanket compared to our lives?
However, I kept the blanket as I drooped it around us. He hobbled next to me as my arm was secured around his waist. I smiled inside enjoying the feel of his arm around my shoulders and the firm muscle of his waist. I could get used to this.
"I'm sorry," he said cutting the silence between us as we trekked back home.
"What for?" I asked turning my head. He looked straight ahead as I stared at his profile. I was mesmerized looking at his long eyelashes, plumb lips, chiseled jaw and aquiline nose. I even adored the group of freckles that spotted the tip of his nose when he stood too long in the sun. My fingers itched to swipe the hair that covered his eyes.
"We should have been home an hour ago if I hadn't twisted my ankle." The walk back was laborious and slow. Going home was taking longer than usual as he struggled with his swollen ankle and couldn't walk on his own two feet without my assistance. He was embarrassed. Me, I didn't mind at all.
"Don't apologize for getting hurt, Peeta," I said. "After all, you did save us." He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "You did, I don't know if I would have been able to shoot all three dogs if you hadn't distracted them. Which by the way was the stupidest, dumbest and bravest thing I ever seen anyone do in my life." 'Apart from surviving the whipping as well, you're simply wonderful,' I said to myself.
"Yeah, and look what it got me," he snickered. "I'm bleeding and I sprained my ankle." He sighed.
"Peeta, what you did was…so brave and…it was amazing." He shrugged off my compliment. My throat felt tight as I fought for more words.
"At least…you didn't get hurt." I could tell he wasn't impressed with himself. His mother really did a number on his self-confidence and self esteem. "By the way, you were pretty awesome even though I didn't actually see you kill the dogs. I wished I've seen you in action." I blushed at his compliment.
A few minutes later we stopped as we heard the sounds of branches breaking. It was getting dark as the sun disappeared at the horizon. There was barely any daylight left for us to navigate in the dark. "Katniss?"
"Shhhh…quiet," I said as I strained my ears and eyes looking around us. I released my hold on his waist and drew an arrow onto my bow. The sounds got louder and louder. From the corner of my eye I saw a flash of white ten yards away from us. White. White meant Peacekeepers. "Fuck," I whispered as I looked to the left and to the right. There were Peacekeepers in the forest. We were surrounded.
"Katniss?" Without a word I replaced my arrow back to my quiver and wrapped my around Peeta's waist.
"What?" he asked worry etched on his handsome face. We were both tired, thirsty and hungry.
I led him away from them hoping that they didn't discover our presence. As soon as I reached a familiar area, I hid my bow underneath a fallen log. "What did you see?" he finally asked. I exhaled a breath I didn't realized I was holding.
"Peacekeepers," I said. It was enough of an explanation as Peeta's eyes grew wide from shock. I looked over his shoulder. Peeta uninjured made noise like an elephant traipsing in the woods––our chances of being caught was high. I couldn't risk us being caught so I made a decision.
"Come on, we got to hide before it gets dark," I said. There was no way we could reach the fence before they discovered us. I didn't know how many were out in the forest or why they were out there in the first place. Were they looking for us? "We're not going to make it back in time before the sun sets."
"We're staying out here? Outside the fence?" he inquired.
"We don't have a choice, Peeta. We don't want to be caught out here."
"Okay."
I was surprised that he didn't argue with me. I thought he would at least question my choice for staying overnight in the forest. "Where are we––" He stopped as we approached a slope with deep incline. On the edge of the slope was a large tree with a large trunk. I brushed aside a heavy bush that covered the base of the tree. Behind the bush was an opening that led into the trunk large enough to hide us both for the night.
"Get inside Peeta," I instructed him.
Without questioning me, he limped over and disappeared into our shelter. Once I had him settled, I sat down beside him to inspect his ankle. It was still red and swollen. He winced once after I removed his shoe. "What are we going to do, Katniss?" he asked as he leaned back and closed his eyes.
"Well, you're going to rest while I…go out and hunt for our dinner." He opened his eyes.
"No," he shouted startling me. "You can't leave. There's still peacekeepers out there."
"Peeta, I know my why around––"
"No, we stick together Katniss." He sat up reaching for his shoe.
"We're stuck here for the night. I need to find food and water for us," I said with a tinge of annoyance and impatience. We were both tired.
"You leave I leave with you. We have to stick together." He sounded like Gale for a moment and it pissed me off. It wasn't rational but his attitude annoyed me.
"I can take are of myself, Peeta. I've been doing it for years without you," I snapped at him. He squinted his eyes to hide the hurt look on his face. "Peeta, I'm sorry ––"
He waved his hand in a dismissive manner. I hurt him without meaning to. He closed his eyes and leaned back. "Go. I'm…" He took a deep breath. "…I'm just going to close my eyes and rest while you're…hunting." I felt him shut down closing himself off.
I sighed. My intention was to take care of him. I wanted to impress him with my hunting and cooking skills. I was looking forward to…proving that I was worthy of being a real girlfriend to him. But then words and my courage failed me and I ended up hurting him. Again.
"Okay, then. I won't be long, I promise," I said as I gathered my bow and quiver. I took one last look before I left him. "I'll be back."
Half an hour later, I found one of Gale's snares while I managed to elude several Peacekeepers. They were loud as their footsteps gave their location away. I also gathered more leaves and plants for Peeta's injuries. While away from Peeta, I formulated words I'd say to him––words of apology, comfort and gratitude for being patient and kind to me while I acted like a bitch to him when he was only trying to protect me. He didn't deserve my frustration, anger and impatience. My time away from him gave me the courage to finally tell him how I felt about him. It was about time.
"Peeta," I called out to him as I entered our shelter. The room was empty. Peeta was not where I left him.
AN: Thank you for patience and for reading this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Have a great rest of the week.