Destiny - Heart of a Baker, Soul of a Hunter

by SalaciousNothings

Peeta Mellark, the baker's son saved Katniss Everdeen's life at the age of eleven when he threw the burnt bread one rainy day. She never thanked him let alone acknowledged his existence. She hated owing him but knew there would come a day when she would repay him. Little did she realize that her life was bound to his forever. It was inevitable. AU HG, OOC Everlark

23. Chapter 23 - Aftermath 3, Friends and

Chapter 23 – Aftermath 3, Friends and Enemies

AN: The responses to the last chapter was amazing. I hoped that I wasn't losing interest to this story as I continued writing it. Many thanks to those who wrote a review, alerted and favored 'Destiny.' Each of your comments or reviews are greatly appreciated that at times I re-read them whenever I felt discouraged or lacked motivation to continue writing. The next few chapters are going to get pretty intense for all the characters. Will there be a reaping or a rebellion? Or both? Anyhooo, my eternal thanks to pistonsfan75, brasirish, MaidenAlice, Shellibug, brandie2007, BDizzy, Buttercupbadass, Cassie Sharpie, betazoid4, pumpkinking5, LACR, Aqua Rules, IcyPinkLemonade, jmjames, J, 32sheshe, DramionEverlarklover26, Nai1987, Mspriss523 and guests. I always look forward to reading all your comments. This chapter contains Prim and Haymitch'sPOV and is rated R. Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins and I am in no way profiting anything by writing this story. I hopefully when time permits will publish my book as well. I'll stop my ranting now….

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Prim POV ––

"Prim, it's impolite to be eavesdropping in conversations that don't concern you," Mom voiced her opinion as I strained to listen to the people in the other room. I sighed. No matter how old I'd get I knew that my parents and my sister would treat me like a child. It was inevitable being the youngest. I also knew it was born out of love and the need to protect me.

"I'm 12, mom," I started. She finally got to settle Tyler in his crib and was fast asleep so our conversation was in whispers. "I'm not a baby anymore."

"Prim, I know that––"

"I really hate when you, Dad and Katniss treat me like a child," I whined.

"We don't do intentionally, it's only because we love you and want to protect you." 'Typical, rehearsed explanations,' my mind viciously concluded.

"You know, Mom. I think I'm a pretty responsible and levelheaded person––" I considered myself to be more mature than my classmates.

"You are," she complimented me.

"If you treat me like a child, I'll always be one in your eyes no matter how old I get. How am I supposed to experience things and learn from my mistakes if you don't let me?"

"Prim," she sighed. "You're only 14. You still have a bit a childhood I want you to experience."

"Is this because of Katniss?" I asked. I knew that her relationship with her wasn't…strong, solid. The foundation was shattered when dad almost died. Katniss resented her for abandoning us emotionally at the time we needed her the most.

"I'll never forgive myself for neglecting the both of you when…you were both young. It was selfish of me to have neglected you like that." She looked out the bedroom window. It was odd being inside Tyler's formerly Rye's, bedroom. The room was lit by moonlight casting through the window. There was sorrow and regret written in her face. "I forced your sister to grow up too fast. It made her hard, independent and bitter." 'And unforgiving, jaded,' I added in my head.

I wasn't about to disagree with her because in truth she was right. What she also failed to mention and acknowledged that it also made Katniss afraid to love someone the way Mom loved Dad. Their love was strong, enduring and passionate. It was evident in the way they treated and looked at each other. I prayed that I would be lucky enough to have that with my husband. For Katniss, it did the opposite. Love like that scared her.

"I want you to have a childhood I denied your sister," she confessed.

"I understand that but it doesn't mean that I'm like Katniss," I said. "You can't hover over me and be overprotective. You're doing the complete opposite with me. You can't make up for time you lost with Katniss and smoother me to compensate for that time lost with her. It isn't fair."

"I'm sorry, Prim," she muttered. "I didn't realize I was doing that."

"It's okay, I know why you're doing it," I said. "I had to grow up fast too, you know."

Then, I heard Dad's voice in the next room. His voice was muffled but I heard him clearly.

"Now hold on a goddamn minute," Dad said. "You leave them alone. Be mad at me all you want but don't blame Katniss for the things that happened to Peeta. They're innocent in all of this."

Curious, I ran out the room. "Prim!" Mom called me.

"Katniss!" I heard Peeta's voice first before I could access what was going on. Katniss was nowhere in sight.

"Let her go Peeta," Mr. Mellark told him.

"What is wrong with you? We just started…you've known that I loved her since I was five years old. How can you say that to me?"

"You have to stay away from her," he added. I gasped in shock. 'What happened? Where's Katniss?'

"Don't take you anger out on my daughter, Jimmy," Dad addressed Mr. Mellark. "They both don't deserve it."

"I'm trying to protect my son and that means she stays away from him."

"No, I will not stay away from Katniss. I didn't let mom's hatred for the Seam stop my feelings for Katniss, what makes you think you can dictate and order me to do the same? You shouldn't have said that," Peeta interrupted them. "Katniss isn't the reason why all this is happening to me. You shouldn't have…" Peeta looked angry with his Dad. "What you did was cruel and unjust." He turned to walk away when his dad grabbed his arm.

"Peeta get back here," his father demanded wrapping his large hand around Peeta's upper arm.

"I'll never forgive you for hurting her like that." He shook him off and ran after Katniss. You're no better than mom." Both Rye and Delly looked pale. He had an arm wrapped around her waist.

"Rye, why don't you go after your brother," Mr. Mellark ordered him. Rye shook his head.

"I think he needs time alone for himself. Besides he needs to find Katniss and be with her right now."

"She's the last thing he needs," Mr. Mellark spat back.

"I love you, Dad. But what you did and said to Peeta was wrong," Rye argued. "I'm taking Delly home and then I'll look for him. When if or I find Peeta you're going to apologize to him." He grabbed Delly's hand and walked out.

"Garrett, what's going on?" Mom asked Dad.

"Jimmy, just told Peeta to break up with our daughter," he answered back.

"He's my son who's gotten nothing but hurt since he got together with Katniss," Mr. Mellark retorted.

"James, you don't really believe that," Mom gasped on shock. I was horrified as well. Did he really believe that all of Peeta's misfortunes happened was because of Katniss?

"Look at everything he's been through and who caused it," he stated.

"So you're saying that Peeta shouldn't have saved my daughter from Ivan?" Mom said calm but firm. "That he should have walked away and let that animal rape her?"

"He's not saying that, Lily," Mr. Abernathy defended him.

"Sounds like it to me," Dad said.

"I didn't say that so don't put words in my mouth," Mr. Mellark seethed in angry. I didn't know what was going on but suddenly Dad and Mr. Mellark were at each other's throats like they were enemies. 'When did that happen?'

"She's hurt him long before that night and all of you know it." I flinched as I remembered how she treated him the first time behind the bakery and the night of Snow's party for his grandson.

"Don't you dare put this all on Katniss," Dad stated.

"James, you're not being fair," Mom added.

"Everyone please calm down," Haymitch interjected.

"I will not calm down, Haymitch," Dad returned. "Jimmy has pretty much accused Katniss of being the cause to all of Peeta's troubles. And he practically told him to break up with her right in front of her face."

"How can you do that to them, James?" Mom said, disappointment and sadness laced in her tone. "I mean, I may have objected at first but––"

"You objected? What? My son wasn't good enough for your precious daughter?" Mr. Mellark sneered. "Because I can tell you that she doesn't deserve him. She's been nothing but trouble––"

"Talk about my daughter in that tone again and I'll––"

"And what hit me again? How typical of you to react in violence––"

"Both of you shut the fuck up," Mr. Abernathy yelled above their voices. Amidst the fighting and yelling, Tyler woke up crying.

"See what the both of you have done?" Mom berated Dad and Mr. Mellark. "Keep your damn voices down." She went back to attend to Tyler.

"Listen, both of you. I think you both are missing the bigger picture here."

"And what would that be, Haymitch?" Mr. Mellark scoffed.

"Your son and daughter are in grave danger. Yes, Peeta has suffered a lot in the past few weeks and no, it's not Katniss fault, Jimmy. And I know you know it as well. All this that is happening now is…President Snow's fault." Mr. Mellark snickered and shook his head.

"Listen, we can't undo what has happened. We have to focus on keeping Peeta and Katniss safe from harm." He turned to Mr. Mellark. "I know you're scared and angry but taking it out on Katniss and blaming her, that isn't fair or right."

"I just…I can't…" Mr. Mellark uttered his voice shook with anger and frustration.

"This is what Snow does. He pits us against each other. Just like in the games. We cannot be fighting each other if we want to survive. We are all we have. Don't let Snow take away what little joy and happiness we have. Don't let Snow do that two your kids. Those two kids need each other."

"I'm sorry, but I can't help feel like Peeta is going to break soon," Mr. Mellark admitted. "He' suffered so much. I failed him…before and seeing him…go through such hurt…I can't…I can't watch…"

"I know but you don't think telling him to break up with the only girl he's ever loved isn't going to…shatter him faster. Maybe irrevocably? What were you thinking, Jimmy?"

Mr. Mellark looked ashamed and guilty. "If this doesn't finally break him, I don't what else will?"

"He's right, James," Mom said as she appeared with Tyler in her arms. "Peeta needs all of us to help him. He needs to know that he can depend on us. Haymitch is right, with Snow targeting Peeta we need to stick together and not fight amongst ourselves."

"I'm sorry, Jimmy," Dad said. "I really am, I didn't know that…" He looked at me for a second. "I don't think Jay realized the consequences of his actions the first time. And I'm telling you right now, he isn't responsible for the last broadcast."

"How can you––" Mr. Mellark started to argue with him.

"Just let me finish," Dad argued back. "Jay…is under a lot of pressure. District 13 is making a lot of demands and decisions without telling us. He was probably forced to do that video."

"Then, he should have at least given us a warning or heads up," Haymitch suggested. "We're in this together or we're not."

"Tell that to 13," Dad muttered under his breath. Wow, I knew and heard whispers that some of the districts were joining the rebellion but not District 12. And Dad, Mr. Abernathy and Mr. Mellark were involved. I wondered if Mom knew Dad was? Of course, she did. They didn't keep secrets from each other.

For a few moments all thoughts of Peeta was put aside. "Mom, Dad, I'm really worried about Katniss."

"It's getting late. We should head home," Dad recommended. "I hope that Peeta finds her."

"I'm sorry that I told Peeta to break up with Katniss," Jimmy apologized. "I know how much he means to her but…"

"I understand, Jimmy. I do, but you amongst all people know that you can't tell people who to love or be with," Dad said as he smiled at Mom.

"I'm heading out and look for your wayward son, Jimmy," Mr. Abernathy. "Hopefully, this evening didn't cause to damage between Peeta and Katniss."

"They'll be okay," Dad stated. "I'm sure that Peeta's with Katniss and things will work out."

Knowing my sister, I didn't have his optimism. So I wasn't surprised that when we arrived home she was in our room staring our bedroom window. "Katniss?" Dad inquired as he stuck his head into the room.

"I'm tired, Dad," she answered back without looking at him. Dad nodded his head and closed the door.

"Katniss, are you okay?" She remained quiet for a few seconds wondering if she heard me. Her demeanor didn't bode well. I knew that look of desolation and loss.

"Did you talk to Peeta?" She nodded her head. The silence was killing me. I knew she was bad in explaining or discussing things but her non-verbal responses spoke volumes and clear to me. I was afraid to ask but… "Oh, Katniss. What happened?"

"I fucked up," she returned. I smirked as I was hardly surprised as I shook my head.

"Then in the morning go back to Peeta and fix it." Easier said than done even though I knew Peeta adored and loved her so much.

"I don't know how?" She raised a hand to her chest as she was holding her heart in her hand.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not right now." She turned and sat at the edge of the bed.

"Just tell me, how bad was it?"

"Bad, really bad." Her lip trembled. I noticed here eyes were puffy and red from crying. "I just want to sleep right now and not think about…"

"Okay, but you know. If you need to talk about it, anytime, just say so," I suggested. All night she twisted and turned in bed. Every move she made woke me. Her conversation with Peeta must have been bad since I woke up a few times in the middle of the night and early morning from her restlessness. She didn't eat breakfast or walked to school in a fast pace.

When we reached town, she kept her eyes straight ahead when we passed the bakery. I was so worried about her state of mind that I didn't notice that the bakery still had the 'closed' sign on their front door. Nor did I noticed that there were many Peacekeepers present patrolling the town.

During break Katniss looked for Peeta, I asked around and no one knew where he was. By lunchtime, there were rumors about him that didn't make any sense. One rumor was that he ran away from home and the Peacekeepers were ordered to find him. There was another rumor running rampant––that Snow was seen in District 12 walking in the cemetery. How insanely creepy was that? Snow in 12 haunting our graveyard.

"Right, like he would dare come here," I said. "I would believe that Peeta ran away from home before I believe that."

"That's stupid," Madge defended Peeta. "He would never run away. He has Tyler to take of and he has Katniss." I watched as Katniss bit her lower lip.

"What's going on?" Madge asked a moment later. "Do you have any idea why Peeta is not in school? And why is Rye sending an evil eye this way?" I turned around to find Delly sitting next to Rye. She looked pale and sickly. Her fiance had a dirty look on his face. "Katniss?"

"Something happened after the dance?" We both waited for her to gather her thoughts.

"What, Katniss? It can't be that bad." She then proceeded to tell us everything that transpired last night and what was said between her and Peeta.

"Oh, Katniss," Madge said in a soft tone. I reached out and grabbed her hand.

"I just…when Peeta's dad sad that it was all my fault. The stuff happening to him, I…he was right," she sobbed trying to stop herself from crying in front of everyone. Our classmates were looking at our direction, Merchant and Seam.

"He's wrong, Katniss," I tried to convinced her. "He's was just angry and scared for Peeta."

"Yeah, listen. He just lost his oldest son and he thought he lost Peeta too. And, it didn't help with the video last night and just remember they just buried Graham a few day ago," Madge added. "It's not true and you're an idiot if you believed his father."

"He was protecting his son," Katniss reiterated. "If I was Mr. Mellark I would have done same thing to protect Peeta."

"Yeah, I understand that. But it still makes you an idiot." Katniss scowled at her.

"What? You are. You are best thing that has happened to Peeta and you––"

"Panicked and got scared," I continued for Madge. My sister was an idiot but I wasn't about to make her feel worse than she already did. Madge wouldn't have been sensitive to her feelings as she was blunt and truthful. It was those qualities that Katniss admired in her friend. But that kind of honesty and truthfulness was not needed at the moment. To keep repeating that she was an idiot only made her stubborn to prove Madge wrong.

Just as I was about to scold Madge, our principal Mr. Maurtagh made an announcement. "Attention, please. Will all faculty assemble the students in the playground and form four single lines. There is an announcement to be made at the Justice Building courtyard. All students must be present and accounted for by grade––youngest to oldest last for the procession."

"What the hell is going on?" Madge said. Everyone looked confused and scared. For the next twenty minutes we were grouped by class and led to the courtyard. Once there the area looked bleak. You wouldn't have known that there was a party held the night before as all decorations were removed. A few minutes later all the parents were attendance. They even summoned the men that were working at the mines. All the citizens of District 12 were there. I didn't like the sinking feeling I felt like something bad was about to happen or has already happened.

I looked around and found Katniss standing next to Madge. Mom and Dad were also present. On the opposite end of the corridor was Mr. Mellark but no sign of Peeta. This was not a good sign. I looked back at Katniss a hand covering her mouth. She was staring at Mr. Mellark as she too noticed that Peeta wasn't with him.

Suddenly, the Justice Building large doors opened a group of Capitol Peacekeepers marched out of the building. I recognized them; they were President Snow Special Guards as they wore shiny white armor, helmet and rifles. I wondered how they kept their uniforms and equipment so pristine white. I didn't have a moment to spare to realize why they were here in District 12.

Two mobile video cameras appeared at both ends of the building's platform. Everyone gasped in shock as President Snow himself made an appearance with Mayor Undersee beside him and our only victor Mr. Abernathy.

"It's President Snow." Voices whispered around me.

"What is he doing here?" Everyone was agog and paralyzed. I don't recall ever seeing Snow in any district. This was definitely a surprise. No wonder there was a large number of Peacekeepers around us.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow me the honor of welcoming President Cornelius Snow to our humble district," Mayor Undersee spoke with ease. Madge was aghast as she stood next to Katniss. It was obvious that his visit was a surprise to her as well.

"We are pleased that President Snow has taken time to pay us a visit," he continued. "...during his most busiest time of the year. Thank you President Snow. I, like the rest of District 12 appreciate all you have done for us."

"Please Mr. Undersee, it is I who honored for being here with you today," Snow complimented. "I commend the citizens of District 12 for your strength and your spirit after suffering a horrific loss and the destruction of your business and homes. Just mere days after the attacks you have soldiered on with bravery and courage. Your district had suffered such a tragedy. It fills my heart with such sadness that I feel your loss as well."

"Yeah, right kiss my ass," a classmate whispered. "He's here to cover his ass because we know how those dogs got here."

"Be quiet," someone whispered to him. "Do you want to get your assed kicked or worse whipped for talking like that?"

"I know that you are disheartened, heartbroken. There isn't anything that anyone can do to replace a loved one. And I feel that I also owe your district an apology for the heinous act that Head Peacekeeper Cray committed to one of your own. Please…" He gestured to the door behind him.

I gasped in horror and shock as I watched Peeta limped down the stairs with two Peacekeepers holding him by his arms for support. I turned to Katniss. Madge had an arm around her waist and a hand on her upper body. She was trying to stop Katniss from running to him.

"I am ashamed to admit that I should have apologized earlier for this young man's treatment. He was unjustly accused and punished for a crime he didn't commit." Peeta stood next to him his eyes and head cast down and his hands clasped together in front of him. He was dressed in a dark blue pair of slacks and white shirt with shiny black shoes.

Though I knew he belonged to Katniss and he to her, I couldn't help but admire him––his hair was tousled and in a need for a haircut as the tips curled. There was a thin layer of blond hair on his face. He looked sexy. How Katniss resisted him for so long I couldn't imagine how and why. It's no wonder both Merchant and Seam loved, lusted and adored him. He didn't look physically strong like his brother who were tall and bulky, but there strength about him that no addition of muscle on his lean body could hide.

It was also obvious that Peeta hadn't sleep since I could see dark circles under his eyes. Even from a distance he looked tired and worn out. He kept rubbing his left wrist. Back in the crowd, Rye held Mr. Mellark with his hand on his arm. "Dad, don't be stupid," I heard Rye talk to him. "Look, he's okay. He doesn't look hurt."

"Rye, he's…he's got Peeta," Mr. Mellark said through clenched teeth.

"I am sorry Peeta. Please accept my humblest apology to you and your family. I know that you have also lost a loved one during the attack. I am not an insensitive and callous man to your family's plight. For your suffering I am offering you and your family a visit to the Capitol as my guest."

Peeta looked up from the ground and turned his head to look at his family. "Please, Mr. Mellark. Join Peeta up here and stand next to your brave son."

Without any hesitation, Mr. Mellark and his brother ran up the steps and joined Peeta. Once they reached the steps Mr. Mellark hugged his son tight in his arms. Peeta wasn't responsive as he didn't return his hug. His arms were slack against his sides. When his dad released him he placed a hand on face and looked into his eyes. Peeta's eyes were downcast.

"Peeta, what's wrong," I heard him ask, but Peeta didn't respond back.

"Jimmy, step back and give him some space," Mr. Abernathy told him.

"What did they do to him?" Mr. Mellark asked panic laced in his voice.

"He's fine Jimmy, just step back," Mr. Abernathy continued as he leaned over and whispered in his ear.

"Oh my God, Peeta," Mr. Mellark responded.

"Why is he limping?" I heard Katniss asked Madge. Her face was torn between anger and concern. "He doesn't look right." She gasped. "They hurt him."

I finally caught sight of mom and dad. They were huddle together with the Mrs. Hawthorne. Dad's face was filled with rage his eyes hard and cold. I've never seen that facial expression on his face before. It scared me.

"He is unharmed, Mr. Mellark. I assure you that no harm has come to him." President Snow stepped and turned towards the crowd. "Thank you District 12 for your resilience. In return for today all work and school will be suspended."

"Thank you President Snow for your generosity and kindness. The citizens of District 12 and I thank you," Mayor Undersee concluded. As quickly as it started the visit came to an abrupt end as President Snow headed back inside the building with Haymitch, Peeta and his family were escorted to follow him.

"Peeta, Peeta," Katniss pushed and stumbled her way to the steps of the building. Just as she reached the bottom of the steps a group of Peacekeepers blocked her path. I ran to her side. "I need to see Peeta," she pleaded with one of the guards.

The peacekeeper shook his head in reply. "Katniss, honey," Mom called out to her. "You can see him later."

Katniss turned around her face filled with rage, fear as desperation tinged her voice. "I have to see him…talk to him, please."

"Not now," Dad told her. "You can't right now." Katniss knew it was futile to object so turned and ran. I didn't know where she was headed but I followed her just the same. I was surprised as she reached the town and barreled into the bakery.

I ran inside after her. "Katniss," I called when I heard a door slam from upstairs.

"What is going on? What happened at the announcement?" Mrs. Cartwright appeared as she shut the door from Tyler's room. Any child under the age of 4 were exempted from attending any announcement that forced everyone to be present at the Justice Building. Since Mrs. Cartwright attended to Tyler, she was exempted as well. "Where is James and Rye? Why aren't you in school?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Cartwright but I need to talk to Katniss," I explained as I entered Peeta's room.

"Katniss? What is she doing in Peeta's room?" Impatient I closed the door behind me. Katniss was faced down on Peeta's bed hugging a pillow. "Katniss, we shouldn't be here."

"I don't care." Her words muffled by the pillow. "I fucked up. I messed so bad and now…he's got Peeta."

"Katniss, he's going to be okay?"

"You don't know that. President Snow threatened Peeta and his family. And now he's here to take him away."

"For a visit," I reminded her.

"And what if something happens to him while he's visiting in the Capitol?" she spat. "He…I'm never going to see him again. I'm never be able to tell him that I'm sorry, that I didn't mean to say what I said last night. That I didn't want him to leave me alone."

"You will. He's coming back, Katniss," I tried to assure her. "And once he gets back you'll be able to tell him all that."

She sobbed and sat up wiping tears away from her eyes. "I was so happy with him…these past few days. I never thought I could be happy like that." I waited for her to continue. "He drives me crazy sometimes and scares me, but I didn't care because he's so sweet and good."

"Yes, he is."

"But in the back of my mind, there's this voice that keeps telling me that no one is that good and…kind, loving and gentle. And that I'm not good enough to be with someone like him. So when his own father tells him to break up with me, I thought hell if Peeta's dad thinks I'm nothing but trouble to him, then I don't deserve him."

"Oh Katniss, that's not true. You deserve someone…you deserve Peeta. Mr. Mellark loves Peeta. He was only protecting him because that's what parents do. They protect their children. I bet you he was just really mad because of the video and he took it out on you."

"But he's right––"

"No he isn't, Katniss. He isn't." I hugged her. Her body shook as she continued to sob. "Listen, you love who you love. Love isn't about what your mind tells you but what you heart does. Because if people didn't listen to their heart, Mom and Dad wouldn't be together and you and I would never been born."

"You're getting sappy with me," Katniss teased me through her tears and anguish. "Love isn't a fairy tale."

"No it isn't. Love isn't about hearts and flowers. Sometimes love is hardship and pain," I said. "Love is worth risking for especially if that person is right for you. And Peeta is that one person who is right for you."

"I want to believe that."

"I know you feel it and have a hard time believing it," I spat back with no heat in my voice. "The risk of pain because you love someone is worth it. And need I remind you had mom and dad not fought to be together because they loved each other, you would have never known Peeta."

I let her mull that over for a few seconds. "I understand that being…that these feelings you have for Peeta scare you and you're first reaction is to run. He scares you…what he makes you feel scares you." She laid her head against my shoulder. I couldn't understand why love scared her so much.

"Katniss, do you have any idea how lucky you? To find someone who would defy family, social prejudice and Snow himself to be with you?"

"But shit keeps happening to him?" She wiped her eyes only to have a fresh new batch of tears follow. She was a mess.

"Yes, a lot has happened to him but instead of running away from him, why not run towards him. He needs people by his side to comfort and support him. He needs you."

We were engrossed in our conversation that we didn't hear the door open. "Prim's right," Mr. Mellark's voice startled us. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to intrude or interrupt."

"Mr. Mellark, where's Peeta? Is he here?" Katniss ran out of the room. She looked around. "Where is he?"

"President Snow…he took Peeta."

"What?" Katniss screamed.

"Katniss, don't panic," he said as he raised his hands.

"You just said President Snow took Peeta."

"Yes, I did. I just meant that he took Peeta for a visit to the Capitol. For you know, Cray whipping him. He thought he could appease the districts after seeing the video." I was confused.

"What do you mean?" I inquired.

"The video ended with Peacekeeper Melton pointing his rifle at Peeta. Most of Panem and the Capitol wanted to know if he was dead since it ended at that point. So Snow is going to show Panem that he is okay and alive."

"So he's going to parade Peeta like a pet dog or show animal," Katniss spat in disgust. "That isn't right."

"Katniss," Dad and Mom appeared in the room. "Prim, what are two doing here?" Dad asked. "You don't go barging into people's home without an invitation.

"I…I…" Katniss stuttered. "I'm sorry but…I know I'm intruding and you probably don't want me to work here anymore but…" She stopped to contain herself as she bit her lip from crying out. Her body shook that I was afraid she was going to pass out from physical and mental exhaustion

"I'm sorry, James," Lily spoke. "…but when she ran back to town, we knew that she was headed here."

"It's okay, Lily," Mr. Mellark spoke. "She didn't any wrong. As a matter a fact, I'm glad you're here." I watched his Adam's apple move up and down his throat. "I owe you an apology, both you and Peeta. I shouldn't…shouldn't have said what I said to you last night. I hurt both you and Peeta."

"No, you were right––" Katniss interjected. Mr. Mellark shook his head and interrupted her.

"No, I was angry and frustrated," he admitted. "I…took my anger out on you. Oh God, Peeta. He's never going to forgive for saying that to you."

"You were just protecting him, I understand that."

"I was but…"

"What?"

"I never got to tell him that I was sorry. I hope that I didn't cause any problems between you two." Katniss bit her lip. "I thought that when he didn't come home––I've been so worried all morning. Darius called me last night and said that he took Peeta into custody for…breaking curfew."

"You mean he didn't come home?" Katniss asked in great trepidation.

"At first I thought he didn't come home last night because I thought he was with you. Then I got the call. They had him all night ––" Katniss gasped, horror and shock etched on her face.

"He was there all alone?"

"No, Darius said that Haymitch was with him." He grimaced then his sorrow turned to anger. "I should have been with him, not Haymitch. I'm his father. They even wouldn't let me go to him."

"At least he wasn't alone, Jimmy," Dad tried to comfort him. "You know Haymitch will protect Peeta like he was his own."

"I was relived but when I saw him with Snow, I knew something was wrong. All this time I thought he was safe." He turned to Katniss. "I was hoping that he was with you, but I guess he––"

"We had…a fi…an argument. He found me and we argued. He broke up with me because…"

"You thought what I said was true so you guys fought?" Katniss nodded her head.

"I thought I was doing the right thing. So he got mad. He was so mad and frustrated that he said…" She sobbed and cried for a few seconds. I placed an arm around her waist. "He said he was done. That I gave up." Her body shook. "And he was right, I did give up."

"Peeta gave up too, Katniss," I reminded her. They both gave up on each other.

"But I made him…I told him that we were a mistake." 'Oh, well she left out that little information. It's no wonder Peeta was done.' How would I have reacted if the person I've been in love with since I was five told me that what we had and were to each other was a mistake? That had to have hurt Peeta, a lot. "And now Snow has him."

"He's going to be okay, Katniss," Mr. Mellark comforted her.

"I can't believe that until I see him. Talk to him." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Mr. Mellark pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to her.

"This belongs to Peeta," he said with a sad smile.

"I don't understand if Peeta is going to the Capitol why aren't you going with him?" She wiped the tears from her face.

"Peeta…he…didn't want me to come," he said his eyes sad and forlorn.

"What? So he didn't want you to go with him to the Capitol? Why not?"

"He said that I need to stay for the bakery and Rye had to stay to help him and get ready for his wedding. But I know the real reason why. I didn't realize he broke with you. I just thought he was mad because of what I said. Now I realized he was angry with me for breaking you up. I didn't know you two broke up."

"So he's going to the Capitol alone?" Katniss was breathing hard and fast as if she was having an attack.

"No, Haymitch is with him. He asked for him to go instead of me." Ouch, that had to hurt.

"How long will they be gone?" Mr. Mellark shook his head.

"I don't know," he said. "I just wished I had time to talk to him. They even wouldn't let me say good bye or talk to him before they boarded a hover craft."

"So Peeta's gone?" He nodded his head.

The next couple of days Katniss was sad and inconsolable. She went to school and worked at the bakery. Everyday she'd ask Mr. Mellark if he heard from Peeta. His answer was always the same, 'no.' She didn't eat or sleep well and if she did sleep she'd awaken from a nightmare.

"Katniss, you're okay," I said as I moved her hair from her face. "You were just having a bad dream." She nodded her head. ""You want to talk about it?" She was quiet for a few seconds as she gathered thoughts.

"I…I dreamt that Peeta was walking in a field of flowers," she started. "I ran towards him, the faster I ran towards, the farther he walked. I couldn't catch up to him." She lay back into bed and clutched her pillow to her chest. "When I finally do reach him, he…his eyes are gone. And they're black, scary. But that's not what scared me."

"Oh Katniss," I said.

"I look down and there's an arrow in the middle of his chest."

She had the dreams two nights in a row. It was hard for her to sleep that I had snuck sleep syrup in her juice. I felt bad doing it without telling her but she needed it. The lack of rest affected her at school and at the bakery. She lost focus at the bakery that she burned her finger while touching a baking pan off the worktable. Rye had just removed a batch of bread from the oven. She wasn't badly burned but she did get a scar. During the days they didn't hear from Peeta, she and Mr. Mellark talked giving each other words of comfort and support. They both knew they screwed up.

Delly was quiet and kind to her understanding Katniss' remorse. Rye was not too forgiving as he stayed away not talking to her unless he needed her help. It was on the third day when she and I were on our way home that Delly approached her when we said our good-byes. Rye didn't acknowledge us as he walked upstairs.

"You have to understand," Delly spoke in defense for her fiance. "Rye knew for a long time that Peeta had a crush on you, so when you two got together he was so happy for his brother. And then you two broke up, it must have torn Peeta up––"

"I'm hurt too, you know. I know I was one that broke us up but that didn't mean I wanted to. I didn't want to."

"Then why did you do it?" Delly asked her. "I'm not going to judge you or be mad at you even though I should be, but I know you're a nice person. Someone who wouldn't hurt Peeta unless you had a good reason."

"You were there when Jimmy…his Dad told him to break up with me," she reminder her.

"Yeah, I was there and I heard, but that doesn't explain why you did," she returned with a look of confusion. "I know you like Peeta. You do like Peeta, right?"

Katniss nodded her head. "I do."

"They why––?"

"Because…because he scares me––"

"What? Peeta would never hurt you like that," Delly gasped in indignation. "He's…he's not like his mother."

"I…I'm not…" Katniss stopped and closed her eyes. "I'm not explaining this right…I'm not scared of Peeta hurting me like he would physically abuse me." She looked at me to help her out. I wasn't about to let her get away with me helping her find the words she needed to say.

"Oh, I get it," Delly said so calm and fast I almost missed it.

"What?"

"When you said that Peeta scares you, I get it," she returned. "I mean, when Rye asked me out I almost passed out. I've been…crushing on him since I was 12. Our first date was so perfect I expected some shoe to drop. He was sweet and kind. He was a perfect gentleman."

"That's so sweet," I gushed. I love a love story.

"Then after a couple of weeks later. He's all like talking about the future and how he wanted to get married and have kids. My head spun because it was so fast. I knew I liked him a lot, you know and we hadn't, you know had sex yet. So when he started talking about getting married and children. I freaked. I heard about the rumors of him with a couple of girls he took in the slagheap. So I was little surprised that he didn't take me there about a month of us dating. I mean you should have sent the look on his face when I got really mad about it. I was so confused because on one hand I didn't want to be like the rest of the girls he dated and visited the heap but on the other hand, why didn't he?"

I was confused myself. Even Katniss was at a loss of her point to her story. "So I got really pissed and looked at me like I lost my mind. We were making out a lot, you know lots of groping and grinding and no sex that––"

"Is there a point, Delly because I don't want my little sister to be hearing about your sexual exploits," Katniss said with an impatient tone.

"My point is that, I started to break up with him because he really confused me, and I started to doubt his feelings for me," Delly explained. "But really he scared me too. The way he looks at me sometimes, like he can devour me." She sighed with a happy and blissful look on her face. I want that face. "You have to realize that when a Mellarks loves you they love intensely with passion and devotion for the rest of your life. And that is pretty scary if you can't measure up to that. They deserve to be loved equally. I didn't know if I had in me."

"And your getting married?" Katniss concluded. "You're not scared anymore? When did you know?"

"Oh, I'm still scared," Delly admitted. "Getting married, devoting your life to someone is not an easy thing to do giving your life to someone and entrusting them with your heart. I love Rye and even though I'm still scared what scares me more is being without him. I can't image a life without him. That's scary."

Katniss sighed. "And what Dad, Mr. Mellark said if he had told me told me to stop seeing Rye I wouldn't had listen to him. He can't tell me what to do or feel for him. Why should you?"

At school Katniss fielded questions from both Seam and Merchant classmates asking if she heard from Peeta. By the fourth day she lost her patience.

"Just stop asking me about Peeta and leave me the hell alone," she spat at one of his classmates.

"Geez, I just to know if you heard from him. I mean, he's in the Capitol," the blond male classmate asked. "He must be having great time. I wouldn't blame him if he wanted to stay. I mean with all those Capitol girls to choose from. Why come home?"

"Shut up, I'm not going to tell you how he's doing and besides, it's none of your damn business," Katniss returned. At the bakery she was petulant and unfriendly with the customers that Mr. Mellark kept her in the back while Delly worked at the front.

"When you work back here, you need to wear this," he said. She burst into tears when he handed her Peeta's apron.

"Hey now, don't cry. I don't think Peeta would mind you wearing it," he teased her. "Just remember to give it back or take it home. If you miss him that much I'll let you take one of his work shirts." He winked at her.

On the sixth day, Mr. Mellark invited us to dinner. It was a solemn and sad affair as Katniss kept looking at Peeta's empty seat. "So you have heard from Peeta or Haymitch?" Mom asked. Dinner was delicious and as expected Katniss barely had two bites of her meal. I swore just looking at her she lost ten pounds.

"Haymitch called about an hour ago." This alerted and awakened Katniss from her misery.

"Did he say when Peeta…when they are coming back?" There was glint of hope in her eyes. "Were you able to talk to Peeta? How is he doing?"

"Haymitch wasn't sure. Maybe in a day or two. As for Peeta, I wasn't able to talk to him," he answered. "Haymitch said that he was busy."

"Doing what?" The news desponded Katniss.

"When the Capitolites found out Peeta was at the Capitol, Caesar Flickerman wanted an interview with him before he leaves. He's so popular there that he's been paraded around from party to party meeting all sort of people."

"Like who?" Katniss grimaced. I knew that she was recalling Peeta's classmates remark that he had opportunities to meet 'girls from the Capitol.' Now that they were no longer together, it was one of her biggest fears.

"Wealthy citizens, Victors and celebrities alike," Mr. Mellark answered. "Haymitch tells me that all he wants to do is come home but President Snow won't let him until he agrees to do an interview with Flickerman." Katniss sighed in relief.

"I don't think Peeta would agree to do that," Rye spoke out for his brother.

"He has to if he wants to come home," Mr. Mellark sighed.

"But he is coming home?" Katniss asked.

"Yes, of course, he's coming home," Mr. Mellark answered. "I just don't know when."

"Well, he better be back for my wedding or I'll kick his ass," Rye snickered. "I'll never hear the end of it from Delly."

At the end of dinner, Peeta's dad served dessert. We were sitting in their living room the Capitol monitor turned on. "Oh dear God, what now?" Dad sighed.

"Good evening Panem," Mr. Flickerman appeared on the screen. "Tonight, we have a special broadcast just for you folks. I can't tell you how pleased and excited I am for our guest who made a special trip from District 12."

"You got to be kidding me," Rye spat.

"He is all the Capitol is talking about. Our special guest has become a national sensation. And it all started with this video." I flinched as he replayed the video when Cray was whipping Peeta. "This young man's name is Peeta Mellark of District 12. Peeta was wrongly accused of crime he didn't commit. How do I know this? My sources told me that with undeniable proof he was innocent with the charge against him. Then a few weeks later this happened."

Then the images switched to the incident at the Justice building steps when Peacekeeper Melton almost shot him. "Peeta after suffering from injuries during a horrific dog attack that plagued his district, he then again was accosted by our very own Peacekeepers."

"God damnit," Jimmy exhaled through clenched teeth.

"We don't know what instigated the event. Unfortunately the video was incomplete and the ending kept us in suspense. Is this brave young man alive or dead? But first let me give you a little story of his humble beginnings and the lie that started the injustice that he endured."

The show carried on for ten minutes telling Peeta's life story. He was the third son of baker, blah, blah, blah up to the point when Ivan appeared at District 12. "And then to have his eldest brother brutally killed during the attack leaving his son Tyler parentless. However, his brother entrusted his younger brother Peeta to be the sole guardian to his only son. Isn't that amazing? So much tragedy and trauma for one so young. But please I will not hold you in suspense any longer. I am please to announce that our special guest tonight is none other than….drum roll please. Mr. Peeta Mellark."

Katniss gasped in shock as Peeta appeared. He walked straight to Caesar Flickerman. "He…looks horrible? What are they doing to him?"

Peeta wore a metallic dark blue jacket and matching pants. His hair was slicked back. He looked tired. All the makeup and foundation on his face couldn't hide how tired and worn he looked. His eyes were dull and sad.

"They cut your hair," she noticed his short shorn haircut. "All your curls are gone." She spoke to the screen as if she was addressing Peeta. "Why did they cut your hair?"

"He looks like shit, Dad," Rye observed. "I thought…they were supposed to be treating him well. Why does he look like…that?"

"Oh my God, Peeta. What is happening to you?" Katniss spoke to no one in particular.

"Peeta, welcome, welcome," Caesar greeted him with a handshake. "Please have a seat. It's so good to finally meet you, young man."

"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Flickerman," Peeta responded back. He was polite and subdued. He didn't look at all like the Peeta I knew even though he had a smile his face.

"Please Peeta, we are all friends here. Please call me Caesar. Such a polite young man and handsome too." Peeta flinched at his compliment. "It's not every day that we meet a hero."

"I'm not a hero, Caesar."

"Many here would disagree with you. I think that video speaks for itself, don't you think?"

Peeta shook his head and took a deep breath. "I wished you didn't see that."

"Why Peeta? That video made you…famous for your bravery, your courage. I mean you were unjustly accused and punished for a crime you didn't commit," Caesar said in an astonished and confused tone. "And you lived to tell the tale."

"There is nothing heroic about it. I was accused of a crime, punished and I survived it and that is all."

"So modest that's quite humble of you to just say that. I mean, that is why people are intrigued and fascinated with you, why the Capitol and all of Panem wants to know…who is Peeta Mellark."

"I'm no one special." He shrugged his shoulders.

"I disagree. And I can tell you the women of Panem would disagree with you," he teased him.

"I'm just a guy from District 12 who wakes up in the morning, goes to school and then works at his father's bakery," he replied his tone was flat and lifeless. Flickerman looked puzzled and disturbed by his answer and demeanor.

"Are you enjoying your stay in the Capitol as President Snow's guest?"

"It's been…" Peeta bit his lower lip. "It's been wonderful here. I met a lot of nice people who have been very kind to me. It's really different here." He smiled for the first time.

"Different? How? I'm intrigued."

"Everything is so…colorful."

"Colorful? What do you mean?" Caesar smiled.

Peeta pointed to his bright purple hair and smiled in amusement. "I've never seen that tint of purple or the range of colors on everyone's head." Caesar laughed. "Everything here is bright and…animated," he continued. "I wondered how I would look with your hair." Caesar laughed again.

"Peeta, do you not realize you're in the Capitol where all you have to do is ask and you shall receive. Your want, need and desire can be realized."

Peeta laughed in return. "I said I wondered, Caesar not that I wanted to have purple hair. I like my hair the way it is. My dad would kill me if came home with my hair in another color than blond." And Katniss, she would hate to see his hair changed in any way.

"You're right. I assume that most girls and your fans want you as you are. Which reminds me." He leaned over to Peeta in a conspiratorial way. "Is there a girl back home? All of the girls and…uhm even older much more mature women wants to know if you have a sweetheart." Katniss grimaced as I looked at her profile. "A handsome lad like you has to have a girl back home."

Peeta fidgeted in his seat. I could tell that Katniss was holding her breath. "My life…private is not up for discussion if I'm single or not."

"Why?" Caesar asked in confusion. "I wasn't being subtle and coy. I know you have a girlfriend back home. Why, when people I mean the female population of Panem found out they were so very disappointed. Of course, you have a girlfriend. Why keep it a secret?"

"Because my private life is just that. It's private. Listen, a month ago you didn't even know I existed. I have a life back in 12, it wasn't glamorous and exciting but it was mine. I'm only here because of a 12 second video putting my in the limelight. I'm not a hero, a celebrity."

"I see," Caesar pondered.

"I'm grateful and humbled by President Snow's generosity. My trip…visit here was a once in a lifetime experience but I knew it would come to an end. Whether or not I have a girl back home is of no interest to anyone. When I go back, I'll just be Peeta Mellark of District 12."

"Oh, I doubt that very much, Peeta. You my boy are one in a million. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if President Snow made you an honorary citizen," Caesar prattled on. "You are adored here."

"Be as it may, I am flattered with the attention but I have a home, a family and life back in District 12."

"You are not at all tempted or will consider residing in the Capitol where you are loved and adored?"

"No, it is an temptation I'll admit that, but like I said District 12 is my home."

"Well, my boy. It seems that there is nothing to convince you to…make the Capitol your home, is there?"

"No," Peeta smiled. "I'm just homesick, you know. I miss sleeping in my own bed waking up early morning to help my dad prepare bread at our bakery. I miss the bakery, the smells of bread, cinnamon, sugar and flour. I even miss listening to my brother's horrible jokes. I miss my friends in school but most of all I just miss my family and the people I love at the district that I love. I want to go home. It may not be much to some people, but they're everything to me."

"Aw, Peeta, I can see why you want to go home," Flickerman sympathized. "But you could make a home here with people who adore you as well. You can make new friends and have opportunities for a life here."

"That is true. There are a lot of opportunities here in the Capitol. But..." He stopped and bit his lip. "I…home is where my heart is…it's with the people I grew up with, loved and even argued with. With this place I could start a new life, but…why should I start with a new beginning when I already have a life back home. I want to go home to District 12 not because of its' location but because of the people I left behind. That is why I miss home."

"Well then I guess you're going home," Flickerman said with resignation and finality. "Or could it be you have your girl waiting for you?" He teased one last time. "You know, she can come here too."

"Now I know your fishing for information again. Trying to trick me into telling you if I have a girl back home waiting for me. I won't kiss and tell. It would be ungentlemanly of me." Peeta winked. Caesar laughed.

"You're a keeper, Peeta I hope your girl knows that."

"It was an honor to meet you Caesar and I want to thank the people who made my visit here memorable. I will never forget my time here for as long as I live. Thank you."

"Thank you Peeta. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you," Caesar said as he shook his hand. The monitor shut down. The room was silent. Dad spoke first breaking the silence.

"I wouldn't at be all surprised had Peeta wanted to live there. Flickerman is right I mean, look at the opportunities he would have had," he stated.

"Well, you obviously don't know my brother," Rye said with a bit of heat in his tone. "Peeta would never trade all that flash and glamour for his family. Things never meant anything to Peeta, people did. You just heard him he wants to come home."

I agreed with Rye. Peeta valued friendship, family and home above anything whether it was riches or fame.

"I just want to know when he and Haymitch are coming home," Mr. Mellark said. 'You're not the only one,' my mind said as I interpreted the look on Katniss' face.

That night, Katniss woke me from my sleep as she thrashed and twisted in bed. "Katniss, wake up. You're having a bad dream again," I said as I shook her shoulder.

She opened her eyes and sat straight up. Moonlight filtered into the room. I could barely see her face as she breathed hard and fast through her mouth. The sound of her breath was loud and harsh like she was gasping to breath.

"I'm sorry Prim," she apologized. "Maybe I should sleep in the living room."

"Don't be silly," I chided her. "You're not going anywhere." I paused and let her settled back into bed. "You want to tell me what you're bad dream was about." She shook her head. "You might feel better if you get it off your chest."

"I want…Peeta to come home," she sobbed. "I want…need to fix what I broke between us."

"Do you?"

"Yes, I know that I really fucked up," she admitted. "I'm scared for him. I don't like that he's in the Capitol. I want…want him to come home."

"He will, Katniss," I comforted her. "He's not going to miss Rye and Delly's wedding for anything in the world."

"What if Snow doesn't give him a choice?"

"What do you mean?

"What if something bad happens to him like an accident. Snow threatened him." I didn't know that.

"Why would he threaten Peeta?" I asked. "And please don't tell me it's complicated or you can't tell me because it's for my own good. I'm not a baby, Katniss." She looked at me for a few seconds as she never seen me before. Like I grew up overnight. So after a few seconds she told me everything how Snow threatened Peeta.

"Peeta would do whatever it takes to keep his family safe even if it meant for him to…be his guest."

"You mean emotional blackmail? Keep him there like a prisoner."

"Yes," Katniss returned. "And after I broke up with him, why would he want to come home?" I was dumbstruck with everything that she told me. No words crossed between us for the rest of evening.

The next day a hovercraft arrived during our lunch period. Its' presence alerted and startled the township that everyone stopped working and ran towards the craft.

"It's a hovercraft from the Capitol," Madge announced as it zipped across the sky and hovered at a short distance.

"Katniss," I yelled as she ran out of the schoolyard once she saw the ship land behind the Justice Building. "What are you doing?"

"It's Peeta," she cried out as she ran.

"What do you mean 'It's Peeta,'" I yelled back. The arrival of the craft could have meant a lot of things, but it didn't necessarily mean he was home. I shook my head. Madge and I ran after her hoping it was true for her sake.

---

Haymitch POV ––

My feet hurt and I needed a drink. When Peeta ran off after Katniss I wondered if it was a good idea to seek them out. I didn't know how I got involved with the teen drama when I purposefully avoided having children. I mentally smacked myself for volunteering to go after Peeta. Damn boy. For all I know they needed time to themselves to figure things out. I was prepared to either see them making out or fighting. I hoped the later because if I caught those two groping each other I'd have to bleach my eyes out from the image.

I went straight home and waited. I called Jimmy half an hour later to discover that Rye came home without him. I sighed. Then I wondered if he was hiding in one of my guest room. He wasn't.

Walking outside I berated myself for not taking a coat with me. It was freezing as the cold wind seeped through my clothes. Peeta not coming home and not hiding in my house was a bad sign. I felt it in my gut that something was wrong. For a close to an hour I walked wandered place to place. I started at the butcher shop. The Edgewoods were able to salvage what was left of their shop as they had to start anew. The windows were replaced and it appeared as though nothing had damaged it as it was only a couple of weeks since the attacks. Life went on leaving scars of lives lost indelibly marked in our hearts and minds. I still couldn't believe that Graham was gone.

A flash of blond hair caught my attention a few feet away. It had to be Peeta. For a few seconds I lost him but then I realized he was heading towards the cemetery. I stopped. I wanted to give him some privacy but gasped in horror as I saw none other than President Snow and his goons flanking him. 'What the hell is he doing here and how did he get here so fast,' my mind questioned.

This was not good for Peeta and for me. "Peeta?" Snow announced himself. I couldn't see him. "Don't be afraid I'm not here to hurt you."

"Why not?" he said as his voice shook. "This is a perfect opportunity for you to do whatever you want. I can disappear and no one would be wiser."

"Ah, what would the MockingJay say if you disappear now never to be found, hmm?" he responded. "Killing you would make you a martyr or hero. I have other plans for you."

"Take a number," Peeta snorted. "It seems everyone wants a piece of me whether I like or not. You threaten me with the lives of my family and the MockingJay uses me to his own purpose. You and he are no better."

"You're a very brave young man to speak to me in that tone."

"I have nothing to lose now. You already took my brother and you won't stop until everyone I love is dead. I rather kill myself then let you do that."

"Oh, Peeta. That's not how the game is played," Snow said. "All you have to do is do as I asked and you're family will be fine."

"Then you lied because my brother Graham is dead," he accused him.

"That…his death I'm afraid was an unfortunate accident," he explained. "You see I thought your family owned the bakery. I did not realize that your brother worked at...another location, an abattoir. His death was most unfortunate, a miscalculation."

"Then you admit that you sent those mutt dogs to attack us?"

"I never make a threat that I don't follow through. We need to trust each other."

"I don't trust you to keep your word," he spat. I feared for Peeta's safety. Talking to Snow in that matter guaranteed his demise sooner than later. Whatever promises he made to him, Peeta was right not to trust him.

"Peeta, in order for this relationship to work we must be truthful to each to other," Snow stated with the ease of a politician who could twist the truth to his advantage. "I think it's best that you…accompany me back to the Justice Building so we can have a long talk."

"President Snow," I announced myself. I raised both my hands into the air as his Peacekeepers turned around and aimed their rifles at me. "You're not taking Peeta anywhere without his father or me to accompany him."

"Mr. Abernathy," he greeted me back. "I don't believe that this is any concern of yours since you aren't his father or a family member."

"I may not be related but I am entrusted by his father to watch over him," I informed Snow. "And to protect any citizen of District 12 as he is from my district."

"As I see it," Snow interjected. "No one knows I'm here. And Peeta has clearly broken curfew. I could do as I please with him and no one would ever know. And if you value your position as the Victor of District 12, you would agree to my demands."

"Be as it may that Peeta broke curfew your presence here was unannounced which I assumed was planned. However, if you look above me." I pointed to silver drone that hovered over us at a short distance. "I believe that is not one of yours." Snow looked up and shook his head.

"Well, played, Abernathy," Snow patronized me. He turned to his Peacekeeper and nodded his head. Without a single word he gave him an order. The Peacekeeper aimed at the silver drone and fired. The device was hit displaying a firework-like explosion in the air.

"Shooting at it won't stop whoever made it or broadcast what was recorded."

"Perhaps," Snow returned in a snide manner. "If you want to accompany Peeta to the Justice Building be my guest. Your presence won't stop me from getting what I need from him. I will get my answers sooner than later."

Once inside the white interrogation, Peeta's left hand was cuffed to the table. "Must you interrogate him now. He just buried his brother. Have you no compassion," I asked Snow. I was stalling and Snow knew it.

"We do it now here at District 12 or I take him with me to the Capitol," he said. Peeta gasped in horror as he shook his head.

"Why not later this morning. Let him go home to his family," I asked. "He can answer your questions when he rested."

"No, I want to have the interview now and get it over with," Peeta demanded.

"Peeta!" I needed to get him out of here now if possible. I knew how Snow worked.

"I cannot let him go home in case Peeta disappears from me," Snow accused. "I'm not an idiot, Abernathy. You take him now what guarantee do I have he won't vanish."

"I wouldn't do that," Peeta interjected. For a few seconds I had forgotten he was present. "If I leave 12 you'll punish me by killing my family."

"You're a smart young man, Peeta. You are smart to realize who holds all the cards."

How dare he think he owns Peeta? Both he and Jay assumed to much from him. "Listen, I promise to get him back here early morning if you like. Look at him, does he look like he's in any condition to have a 'conversation' with you?" If I guessed what his conversation entailed I needed to prepare Peeta or at least ask if he knew anything. He didn't or rather couldn't. Jay had not been around lurking for him to know.

"I will not risk the chance," Snow stated. "He is not allowed to go home tonight. He may stay here in this room until morning."

"What? That's unacceptable. If you won't let him go home then let me take him to mine. And let me inform his father that he is okay. He will be worried sick all night if I don't get a hold of him and let him know he's okay."

"No, he stays and if strongly object then you are allowed to stay with him." I had no choice but to agree.

"At least let me call his father to let him know he's okay and with me."

"I will have Peacekeeper Darius to inform him that Peeta is in his custody." Damnit. I needed to send word to Jay that Snow was here. It would have been a perfect opportunity to hold him hostage. Making Snow a prisoner and poof no rebellion, no war against the Capitol.

Peeta and I stayed in the room all night. I knew they had surveillance on us. Peeta laid his head on the table while his wrist was still cuffed. It was inhumane and cruel but there was nothing I could do about it. I was lucky to have been able to stay with him. Both of us couldn't sleep as they kept air conditioning on leaving the room freezing cold. It was left freezing on purpose.

By morning, Snow was decent enough to provide us food, a shower and a change of clothes. We had to keep up our appearance. However, on our way to get cleaned up one of the Capitol Peacekeeper tripped Peeta with his rifle causing him to stumble and land of the floor.

"Peeta, are you okay?" I asked him as I helped him to his feet. He stood up and winced. "What's wrong?"

"I twisted my ankle," he confirmed. I turned to the Capitol Peacekeeper who was escorting us.

"Don't fucking do that again or touch him, ever," I threatened him. His response was to shock Peeta again.

"Keep moving," he said. "I don't have all day to babysit."

"Hey, you keep that shit up and treat Peeta that way I'll tell Snow of your abuse," I warned him.

"He's my prisoner and I can do as I please," he sneered. I walked up to the Capitol Peacekeeper. "I don't take orders from you, Abernathy."

"Listen to me you asshole, he…" I pointed to Peeta. "…is important to President Snow. I know you're not from here, but if Snow finds him mistreated and harmed in any way I guarantee you that you'll be right next to Cray." The Peacekeeper stiffened. "You think I'm bluffing, try me."

I never knew what happened to Cray but rumor was that he was turned into an Avox or stripped of all his privileges and banished to work in one of the districts. That alone was punishment worse than death for any Peacekeeper. I assisted Peeta into the washroom. An hour later we were dressed and had breakfast which he barely touched.

Peeta kept rubbing his left wrist as he was cuffed to the table all night long. It didn't make any sense to restrain him since they locked us in a room with no opportunity to escape. His sleep consisted of laying his head on the table with his body hunched over as he sat on a cold, hard steel chair. Then to have the Peacekeeper trip him and twist his ankle was another injury to add to those he already had.

"Good morning gentlemen," Snow greeted us. Peeta could barely sit up as exhausted as he was from the lack of sleep and discomfort. "I hope that your night was restful."

I scoffed at his insult. "Now that you are rested, we will begin the interview. Please escort Mr. Abernathy out of the room."

"Just wait a goddamn minute. I did not agree to leaving Peeta while you interrogate him."

"I didn't ask for your permission," Snow returned with a smirk on his face. "Please step outside."

I looked at Peeta once last time hoping that he will be all right. "It's okay, Haymitch," Peeta said with a tone of resignation in his voice. "I'll be okay." As I was escorted out of the room, a woman in a white uniform entered carrying a rectangular plate with a syringe. Just before the door shut behind me I gazed back to look at Peeta. He noticed the woman entering the room. There was a look of horror and fear on his face. Snow smiled. I wanted to go back in there and beat his face to a pulp.

The bright colorless room they secured me in was small and cold. I felt claustrophobic. That had never happened to me before as my mind raced with images of Peeta with Snow, the needle and his interrogation. My nerves were raw from lack of sleep, anxiety and concern for Peeta's welfare.

An hour later, I was escorted into the main office of the Justice Building. The same room where Peeta first spoke to Snow via video feed. I paced the room walking up and down the length of the floor. Finally after losing count of how many times I paced the room, the doors opened. Peeta was flanked with two guards.

"Peeta," I called out to him as he walked or rather limped into the room. "Are you okay?"

"I…I'm fine, Haym…Haymitch," he uttered so low and soft I barely heard him. He kept a hand on his left upper arm. It was probably the area where they shot the truth serum. "I'm just really tired and…tired. I want to sleep."

"You can rest after my announcement," Snow appeared behind. "He performed admirably. I'm quite impressed with his resilience and fortitude."

"You didn't have to drug him," I said in an angry tone. "Peeta would have told you the truth. He knows nothing."

"And pray what truth do I need to know?" Snow challenged me.

"He told me that you wanted him to find the identity of the Mockingjay. He was to report to you once he discovered who he is. Peeta knows nothing because it's the truth. He knows nothing." I was grateful that we didn't involve Peeta with our plans even Rye wasn't aware that his father was involved with the rebellion.

"Abernathy, you and I know how loyal Peeta is to his family," Snow started.

"To a fault," I agreed with him. "And he is strong, brave and good. Qualities you know nothing about."

"You also know the strength of Peeta's character and his convictions. He would do anything to protect them, but I also know the true character of men when they are beaten and shown where his place is in the world. All men will break given the right…motivation and incentive. Peeta is young, impressionable, inexperienced and given in time I will break him." I shivered as a cold tingly feeling ran up my spine.

I snickered. "I can't believe that you're scared of a sixteen year old boy who's done nothing wrong."

"Who's done nothing wrong but tried to incite his district? No one is innocent, Haymitch. I don't fear him. In fact, I admire young Mellark." Darius appeared by the doorway.

"President Snow everyone is assembled as ordered, sir," he stated.

"Excellent, Darius," he complimented the young Peacekeeper. "You have done a commendable job. You will rewarded for your service."

"Thank you, Mr. President."

Half an hour later Peeta and I were escorted back into the Justice Building after Snow made his announcement and formally invited Peeta to be his guest at the Capitol. It was a strategic move on his part since Peeta was now a celebrated and well sought out person in Panem. He couldn't kill Peeta now that he was a public figure. It was why the MockingJay was also using him for his purpose and agenda as well.

I wasn't surprised that Snow had assembled the citizens in District 12. What did surprise me was Snow inviting Peeta to the Capitol. Peeta had rejected the idea of his family accompanying him to the Capitol for a 'visit.' I wasn't certain was Snow's plans were, but it didn't bode well that Peeta insisted that I accompany him in place of his father.

"Are you sure you want me to go with you instead of your Dad," I asked him again.

"Yes, he…he has to stay and take care of the bakery and Tyler. I can't risk…I can't risk anything happening to him," he explained.

"What about you?"

"It's not like I have choice in the matter," he said in a resigned tone. "President Snow made sure I couldn't refuse him."

Peeta was not granted any time to say good bye to his father and his brother as we were rushed into the hovercraft. It was just he and I headed to the Capitol with Snow as our host. I didn't know what he had planned for Peeta. We were about to find out.

Our visit had been uneventful as Peeta slept through the first two days. Poor kid needed it. He was exhausted as lack of sleep and proper nutrition attributed to his poor wealth. As he slept a physician looked over his sprained ankle. With sleep and bed rest, his ankle would heal faster. Snow was so angry at first he thought that it was an attempt to thwart his plans for him. It literally took three physicians to convince him that Peeta's ailments were real and he wasn't faking it. On day three when he finally woke up Snow practically forced him out of bed to attend party after party that he scheduled.

After one evening of being wined and dined by the Capitol's elite society, I literally carried Peeta home. As I placed him on the bed, he whispered something in his drunken state. I leaned down to listen to him. He only said one word, 'Katniss' over and over.

I found it odd that he never mentioned or requested to talk to her when we were at the Capitol but then again he didn't get in contact with his father or Rye either. I guessed that he needed to concentrate and stay focused while we were here. Still I wondered since not once did he mention what happened between Katniss and him after Jimmy practically told Peeta to break up with her. Not that I needed to know. It wasn't any of my business what was going on with his love life to begin with.

The schedule Snow planned for him had Peeta paraded all over the city meeting people and attending parties and events. It was overwhelming. By day five he was exhausted mentally and physically. It showed on his face and demeanor.

At least there was one good thing that happened during the visit. Peeta developed friendships with the stylists and designers Snow assigned to him. They adored him on sight as they coiffed and pampered him like the newest wonder that set foot in the Capitol. Everywhere he went Peeta was bombarded with fans and admirers. The attention unhinged him that it came a point that I had assigned a personal guard to ensure his safety after one overzealous female threw herself at him during one of the parties we attended. She literally proposed to him on the spot in front of guests and the host.

As days passed, Peeta begged Snow to let him go home, he was homesick. I didn't blame as he felt like a fish in a very big pond surrounded by other fish wanting a piece of him.

"You will go home once you do an interview with Caesar Flickerman," Snow demanded of him. "Your questions will be vetted and scripted to my approval." Peeta at first balked and refused to be interviewed.

"It's bad enough that I was taped the first time. I just don't know what Snow wants from me," he said in a despondent manner. "I want to go home, Haymitch."

"Then suck it up and do the interview." He had no choice in the matter. "Just do it already and we can go home."

"I don't feel comfortable doing this," he admitted. Caesar Flickerman's show was taped live and in front of audience. "I can't do it in front of these people…the lights and noise. It's too much. i'm so tired."

So I negotiated a compromise between Snow and Peeta. President Snow got his interview just as long as Peeta was interviewed one on one with Flickerman and no audience. Peeta agreed while Snow reluctantly acquiesced as he received pressure from his advisors and Flickerman himself. It took a bit of conversation to finally release Peeta from his clutches and I knew why.

"You know, you can't keep Peeta here forever," I told Snow as he watched Peeta's interview via tape recording for his approval. I ordered Peeta to go back to the penthouse suite to rest from his ordeal with Flickerman right after the interview.

"He needs to stay where he is and not be accessible to other influence," he retorted back.

Snow couldn't say right off that he was holding Peeta hostage. I knew it and so did Peeta. Imagine Snow's surprise as Peeta practically begged to go home during the interview.

I watched Snow's face turn from indifference to fury as Peeta's voice resonated from the screen.

"That is true. There are a lot of opportunities here in the Capitol. But..." He stopped because I knew he had to find his words. "I…home is where my heart is…it's with the people I grew up with, loved and argued with. With this place I could start anew, but…why should I start with a new beginning when I already have a solid foundation. I want to go home to District 12 not because of its' location but because of the people I left behind. That is why I miss home."

Snow eyed me with anger. "You're playing a game that will cost you––."

"Well, you can't threaten me by killing the people I love," I interjected. "You've already done that. There is no else for you to go after. No, you're just upset because I pulled the rug from under you. You don't think I know what you've been doing? You realized with Peeta's popularity you can't reap him now. Panem loves him, worships him. Reaping him now would upset too many Capitolites. They want Peeta alive, so your only choice is to keep him close to you to watch and manipulate." Where the MockingJay can't get to him as well. "If you don't let Peeta go home, everyone will know that you're keeping him the Capitol not as your guest but as a your prisoner."

I made a strategic and risky move but it worked.

When I returned to the penthouse, I called out to Peeta to tell him that Snow was letting him go home. I was so elated with the news that I went straight to our hotel room. "Peeta?" I knocked on his door. He didn't answer. Excited with my news I barged in hoping he would forgive me for waking him if was asleep. He would be ecstatic to go home.

His room was empty. I looked everywhere for him. Panic turned to fury as an hour passed and Peeta had not returned home. After another hour my emotions yo-yoed between anger and fear. Jimmy would never forgive me if I didn't bring him home in one piece or worse––dead. I would never forgive myself.

The door opened to reveal Peeta walking or stumbling with one of his stylist holding him up by his waist. "What the hell happened? He was supposed to go straight back to hotel," I yelled. I was so furious and relieved.

"Oh, didn't Snow tell you, we took him to Caesar's party. President Snow said you would follow after he spoke to you. We waited for you," his pink haired stylist informed me. I was not good with names but then again, I never bothered to learn their names since they were so many he employed.

"Well, you should have called me when I didn't show up," I said with impatience and frustration. I sniffed at Peeta as he reeked of alcohol. "He's wasted?"

"I don't know what happened, I only saw him take one drink," he replied back. "I'm sorry, Mr. Abernathy. We didn't mean for this to happen." I knew they adored Peeta and would have watched over him but a lot can happen in Caesar's parties. I hated to think that something bad happened to him but if he was drugged there was nothing I could do but hoped he wasn't harmed.

"Whatever, just put him in his room already. We're leaving tomorrow as soon as we can," I announced. They were shocked and disappointed with my news.

The next morning, I heard a wretched sound coming from Peeta's room. It was obvious that he was vomiting whatever the consumed and drank the night before. "Peeta, what happened?" I asked as he walked out of his bathroom. He looked pale and gaunt as he sat on the edge of his bed.

"Hey, Haymitch," Peeta answered with a raspy voice. I handed him a glass of water. He shook his head. "It's for you to help you recover from the drink they gave you." He eyed it suspiciously but took a sip and gargled. "You want tell me what happened? I thought I told you to go straight to the hotel?"

"I did but one of Caesar's assistant cornered me and said that I was going to meet you at his place for a drink." Oh, so that's how they shanghaied him to going. "I waited but you didn't show up. Then someone gave me a glass of water. I thought it tasted sort of sweet but I was so thirsty I drank it all and then next thing I knew I'm lying in my bed with my shirt and boxer shorts on." His stylist must have removed his clothing when they put him to bed.

"What time did you drink the water?" I was fearful for his answer.

"I think it was about 11:00 already," he replied. I sighed in relief. His stylist and designer had him home within the next ten minutes. Nothing could have happened between the time he consumed the water and when he was taken home.

"I don't know what happened."

"You were drugged, Peeta. That's what happened." His head shot straight up with a look of panic on his face.

"Don't worry, your companions got you home just as soon as they saw the condition you were in." He sighed in relief.

He winced when I patted his head. "Sorry. I have good news though. If you're up to it we can go home today," I announced. His eyes lit up and his mouth opened.

"Today?" I nodded my head.

"Right now if you want." Peeta stood up so fast that he stumbled on his two feet. "Hey, slow down. We just need to pack your things––"

"Leave them, I want to go home now," he demanded. When Peeta arrived he only had the clothes on his back. Snow didn't give him the opportunity to pack anything. Not that it mattered since they dressed him up like some doll on display the first moment he arrived. The clothes didn't matter to him. "It's not like I can wear them in District 12." He had a point.

I made arrangement to get the next flight back to 12. It was schedule to leave within the next half hour. We would arrive home by lunch hour. During the two hour flight home, Peeta was quiet. He didn't utter a word as we boarded the hovercraft and situated ourselves onto our seat. He just sat there the whole time his eyes glued to sky and clouds as the miles passed beneath us. "You know for someone who begged to go back home, you sure don't look it now. What's with the long face?" I teased him. Peeta scratched his upper right chest.

"Just tired Haymitch, I want just go to bed and sleep for a week," he sighed. 'Me too.' The visit to the Capitol exhausted us both mentally and physically. We reached District 12 in record time. As the hovercraft taxied behind the Justice Building I didn't realize that Peeta had fallen asleep. I hated to wake but we were finally home. Thank God.

"Peeta," I leaned over and whispered to him hoping to not startle him. "We're home." He opened his eyes slowly, blinked once then twice. "We're home," I repeated.

He sat up like a rag doll his shoulders hunched and body bent over his knees. "Hey you okay?" He nodded.

"I shouldn't have fallen asleep I feel worse than ever," he confessed. He looked it too. The dark circles under his eyes were prominent making him look like a raccoon his skin pale. His father is going to kill once he saw him. "Can you give me a few minutes? I feel dizzy."

"Take your time. Just tell me when you're ready and I'll walk you home."

"I don't need a babysitter, Haymitch," he said with no heat in his tone. He was too tired to be angry.

"I just want to make sure you don't pass out before getting home." I waited outside the craft. Darius met me on the airfield with two guards besides him.

"Welcome back Haymitch. Where's Peeta?" he greeted me. I narrowed my eyes at him. Something was wrong I felt once we touched ground.

"He needs a minute. It's been a very long few days. What's wrong?" I asked.

"Um…there's a big crowd waiting for…you two. There wasn't anything I could do to stop it." Oh…his appearance made sense now. We had a security detail to escort Peeta home. Word must have gotten out of his arrival, but how?

"In other words, they're here to see Peeta." Darius nodded his head. Peeta appeared by the doorway unaware what waited for him.

"Come on, let's get going," Darius ordered us. Once we reached the courtyard, Peeta gasped in shock as his classmates and townspeople gathered around us.

"What's going on, Haymitch?" he asked his voice tinged with panic and anxiety.

"I don't know," I said in return as I wrapped an arm around his shoulder. People pushed and shoved to get near him. Darius and his guard immediately stood in front us with rifles in hand.

"Move back," he ordered the crowd of onlookers.

"Peeta, Peeta," two voices rang out of nowhere. "Peeta." Jimmy and Rye ran out to him hugging him close encasing their arms around him. Their large bulky bodies dwarfed Peeta's lean frame. The youngest Mellark leaned against his father's broad shoulders.

"You took your fucking time," Rye greeted him as he ruffled his little brother's hair. "If you had missed my wedding I'd have kicked your ass." The threat was accompanied with a big smile on his face.

"Everyone give them space," Darius stated.

"I'm so happy you're home," Jimmy said with tears in his eyes.

"Everyone, move back," Darius continued.

"Peeta," a female voice startled him as he jumped in surprise. "Peeta." In the middle of the crowd was Katniss pushing and shoving people in order to get to him. Peeta smiled at first then his face faltered. "Peeta!"

Everyone around us, Darius, Rye and Jimmy stood still and quiet as if the world stopped spinning on its axis. No one moved or uttered a sound as Katniss edged her way to Peeta. When she was a few feet away she launched herself towards him wrapping her arms around his neck. "You're home. You came home."

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AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope it didn't disappoint. Please excuse any grammatical mistakes found in this chapter. I hope to post the next one by next Wednesday or Thursday. Have a great rest of the week.