Caesar Flickerman finally announces in an excited voice, "Okay folks. Now the moment we've all been waiting for since the game ended. It's the Pre-Quell Victor's wishing granting ceremony. Since it's the first time in our 3 times in the past that we have 2 Victors, thus let me assure you 10 wishes of each Victor shall be granted, and I for one state that they more than deserve it after the best entertainment they gave us this year. What do you say folks?"
A wide chant and roar of agreement spread through the crowd as Peeta and Katniss stood up to take their stand from where they will be facing to the President who would now preside over the Victor's wish-granting ceremony.
President Snow finally arrives down the balcony of the Capitol Justice Building towering over the crowd and the high stage on which the Victors sat with Caesar. With a grandfatherly smile that could put anyone in a false sense of ease before the sly serpent, he waved his hands and said merrily, "As with the customs ladies first. After one wish from Ms. Everdeen we will simultaneously ask one from Mr. Mellark. Once your 6 mandatory claims are done fulfilling, you may find that you need no more of your wishes granted for the time being. In that case you may terminate the ceremony in which case they shall be granted at a later date of your choice until all your privileged wishes are granted. Begin."
Caesar Flicker took over the reigns of the ceremony again, "Okay folks so our first categorization is financial. So what is it going to be Katniss?"
Referring to Peeta's list and giving a very sweet and fake smile (memories of Petta's kisses truly helped in these cases), not much unlike the President's, Katniss said, "The Victors' winning price this year be increased to twice its worth."
Caesar nodded impressed, "Pay attention folks for she chose as in plural."
Snow only gave a hearty chuckle and said, "Granted." Katniss beamed in response, albeit a faked one.
Caesar said, "Now it's the turn of master-strategist." And the crowd roared in unison.
Chuckling amusedly at the nick-name, Peeta said, "Twice the food for a year's winnings with the first month our District getting the full package while the other 11 months one half of our winning goes to a District starting from 1."
Caesar Flickerman laughed out loud, "Ha! And anyone else want to deny him anything other than the title of a master-strategist. A well laid plan to pay homage to all Tributes he walked in the Arena with and of course to make his place in the hearts of all Panem population."
Snow put on a show as if thinking the wish for awhile, then shrugged and replied smiling merrily, "Why? If he does have a merry aim in mind then I'm all for it. Its afterall his wish and I see no harm in fulfilling it. So Granted it is my boy."
The crowd cheered for such a great wish while Peeta bowed and said, "I'm honored that you find my wish such endearing."
Then the roll continued in the similar fashion.
"A memento from the Game. Katniss?" (Caesar)
"Permit for carrying weaponry and inflicted use should the need be necessary" (Katniss)
"Granted" (Snow)
"Peeta?" (Caesar)
"Arrangement of all weapons from the Games created or will be created in our resident" (Peeta)
"Granted it is" (Snow)
"From the Capitol now. Katniss?" (Caesar)
"Shower System and all such in the latest Capitol fashion in our residence" (Katniss)
"I might never know what it is with shower and the people of the fairer sex , but granted it is" (Snow)
"Peeta?" (Caesar)
"A Training Room in the latest arrangement, like the ones we trained in to be in our Residence, along with a laboratory" (Peeta)
"Seems like you are pretty ready for giving us a few more Victors from your District in the future but after what you did, I can't say I'll be surprised if it is indeed the truth. So Granted it is my boy but it will take a week after you return home as we can settle a mansion overnight but a laboratory and Training Room needs tender care and concentration and hard work from our best technologists and technicians" (Snow)
"Well after such exciting wishes rolling off already let's see what does our diamonds from 12 have up their sleeves for their final 3 Mandatory wishes. The next in line is immunization" (Caesar)
This apparently was a wish for which Katniss would be kissing Peeta a lot as soon as she gets the chance. "Immunity from reaping for my next 5 generations including this one" (Katniss)
"A wish never thought to be exercised before. But I can see where from you are coming and as such I see no harm in fulfilling this wish in exchange of your valuable self for us… so granted it is" (Snow)
"That ladies and gentleman is the proof that Peeta Mellark is rubbing off on the girl already" (Caesar)
*crowds roar in laughter*
"I'll give you the advantage of the doubt and take it as a compliment" (Peeta)
*another roar of laughter*
"Any idea why she chose only hers 5 generations' immunity? *wink*wink*" (Caesar)
"That's because that's me who is going to be sirening them you daft" (Peeta)
*crowds roar in amusement*
Despite knowing it was a great Peeta going for comical relief, she also knew it was the truth and couldn't help but blush prettily when he declared his intentions in front of the entire country in such an unorthodox way. "Get on with it already" (Katniss)
"Yes Mam" *fake-cowering much to the crowd's laughter* (Peeta and Caesar)
"Exclusive non-content rights over medicines" (Peeta)
"Granted to life-time" (Snow)
"Next in line is Authorative, so what is it gonna be Katniss" (Caesar)
"Exclusive lifetime rights for both of our Stylists" (Katniss)
"None would give them up if one had a chance really. It's truly my regret that I couldn't find such extraordinary people earlier. But since you and Mr. Mellark are their launchers, you deserve the wish to be granted, if your stylists agree to the arrangement that is" (Snow)
"Peeta now what is it going to be?" (Snow)
"A bit odd for a wish. But exclusive rights over keeping any animal along with which I take the initiative by taking the responsibility should they attack someone else unjustifiably and unprovoked" (Peeta)
"Quite a unique choice but so are the others both of you are wishing. Truly, even the standard single wish of regular Victors or triple wishes of Quarter-Quell Victors haven't ever been this absurd. Since you wish to take the responsibility of both of them, I seeno harm in granting the permit unrestrictedly. And to convey my approval for your taking of such incentives let me add the first animals in your ranch – 8 newborn mutt-pups and no not the genetically cloned ones you had a showdown with" (Snow)
"I thank you profusely for the generous offer" (Peeta)
"Have no mention of it my boy" (Snow)
"So the next, last and of course, the most expensive wish of the list of Mandatory wishes folks. Our costliest wish was of 24th Hunger Games when late Victor Stephens asked for a Victor's Vill in every District – though he failed to use any but the one of his District with the Travelling permit off when there were no games. But with the way it is going on with these year's victors I can't wait to hear what it might be. Are you ready folks" *huge roar of yes* "Guess I'll take that in affirmative. So it's the random and the no conditions applied list which also has the no restriction on budget that other wishes have. So starting form you Katniss, what is it going to be?" (Caesar)
"A hovercraft to my own service, similar to the one that brought me here, which would help me, my family and my team travel throughout the country" (Katniss)
"And truly my girl the boy is rubbing off on you. A great intellect is what you need to make you a safe ironclad wish which can't be challenged later. Afterall that's what a poor Stephens lacked. Granted it is and it shall be grander than the hovercraft you arrived in here with." (Snow)
"I can't rally fathom what is your wish going to be next Peeta that may surpass the expenditure of sweetheart here" (Caesar)
"That's where you are wrong Caesar" (Peeta)
"I beg your pardon?" (Caesar)
"The greatest wish doesn't depends upon the expenditure put forth as I've already got what my greatest wish had been all this while" (Peeta) Kissing Katniss then had the entire crowd go emotional as Caesar smiled shaking his head.
"True it is my boy. You seem to be already having your greatest wish fulfilled – one that can't be bought with money. So let us fulfill your second greatest one then" (Caesar)
"It's this belief of getting something extraordinary that puts Victors to loopholes in this wish. So I wish something the President said he could do in the fall of a night" (Peeta)
"Surely… you aren't insinuating… " (Snow)
*smile* "A mansion in the Victor's Vill is what is my final wish" (Peeta)
"Okay so here is our securest random wish made in the history of the Games. All we have to do is wait and see if it is fulfilled" (Caesar)
*smiling mischievously* "How about you let me show you one up by having it prepared before you set foot in 12?" (Snow)
"You are all too welcome to surprise me then sir" (Peeta)
"Granted," said Snow as the crowd finally roared to cheers. Both the Victors declined from making their 4 wishes each – eager to save t for later and more decisive usage.
Both were then lead to a higher platform from where the crowning ceremony will commence.
~Katniss POV~
Much to my relief, the wish-granting ceremony came to an end for it was very tough for me to fake my emotions when normally I school them actually. The anthem's playing yet again and we rise as President Snow himself comes down, and as he takes the stage he is followed by a little girl carrying a cushion that holds the crown. There's just one crown though, and you can hear the crowd's confusion — whose head will he place it on? — until President Snow gives it a twist and it separates into two halves. He places the first around Peeta's brow with a smile. He's still smiling when he settles the second on my head, but his eyes, just inches from mine, are as unforgiving as a snake's.
That's when I know that even though both of us would have eaten the berries, I am to blame for having the idea. I'm the instigator.
I'm the one to be punished. Though Peeta wouldn't be spared either because none can judge what his motives are. Snow must really be worried of him for even I'd pity the President should he decide to drag himself to Peeta's bad-side. He is too emotion-less and unforgiving when he deals with situations like these – what he once referred to her in the cave as 'curing the plague.'
Much bowing and cheering follows. My arm is about to fall off from waving when Caesar Flickerman finally bids the audience a good night, reminding them to tune in tomorrow for the final interviews. As if they have a choice.
Peeta and I are whisked to the President's mansion for the Victory Banquet, where we have very little time to eat as Capitol officials and particularly generous sponsors elbow one another out of the way as they try to get their picture with us.
Face after beaming face flashes by, becoming increasingly intoxicated as the evening wears on. Occasionally, I catch aglimpse of Haymitch, which is reassuring, or President Snow, which is terrifying, but I keep laughing and thanking people and smiling as my picture is taken. The one thing I never do is let go of Peeta's hand. Its afterall is what keeping me going still now.
The sun is just peeking over the horizon when we straggle back to the twelfth floor of the Training Center. I think now I'll finally get a word alone with Peeta, but Haymitch sends him off with Portia to get something fitted for the interview and personally escorts me to my door.
"Why can't I talk to him?" I ask or rather practically whine.
"Plenty of time for talk when we get home," says Haymitch."Go to bed, you're on air at two."
Despite Haymitch's running interference, I'm determined to see Peeta privately. After I toss and turn for a few hours, I slip into the hall. My first thought is to check the roof, but it's empty.
Even the city streets far below are deserted after the celebration last night. I go back to bed for a while and then decideto go directly to his room, but when I try to turn the knob, I find my own bedroom door has been locked from the outside.
I suspect Haymitch initially, but then there's a more insidious fear that the Capitol may by monitoring and confining me. I've been unable to escape since the Hunger Games began, but this feels different, much more personal. This feels like I've been imprisoned for a crime and I'm awaiting sentencing. And this feels like its worth taking revenge.
I quickly get back in bed and pretend to sleep until Effie Trinket comes to alert me to the start of another "big, big, big day!"
I have about five minutes to eat a bowl of hot grain and stew before the prep team descends. All I have to say is, "The crowd loved you!" and it's unnecessary to speak for the next couple of hours. When Cinna comes in, he shoos them out and dresses me in a white, gauzy dress and pink shoes. Then he personally adjusts my makeup until I seem to radiate a soft, rosy glow. We make idle chitchat, but I decline from asking himanything of real importance.
The interview takes place right down the hall in the sitting room. A space has been cleared and the love-seat has been moved in and surrounded by vases of red and pink roses.
There are only a handful of cameras to record the event. No live audience at least.
Caesar Flickerman gives me a warm hug when I come in.
"Congratulations, Katniss. How are you faring?"
"Fine. Nervous about the interview," I say.
"Don't be. We're going to have a fabulous time," he says, giving my cheek a reassuring pat.
"I'm not good at talking about myself," I say.
"Nothing you say will be wrong. Especially when you got Mr. Silver Tongue infatuated with you and ready at your service " he says and I giggle in response.
And inwardly I think, Oh, Caesar, if only you knew how true you are.
Then Peeta's there looking handsome in red and white. Pulling me off to the side he first kissed me passionately to which I responded hungrily. "I hardly get to see you. Haymitch seems bent on keeping us apart," he said once the kiss ended and he had regained his lost breath.
"Yes, he's gotten very responsible lately," I comment about our mentor off-handedly not really caring about his signature unpredictable personality.
"Well, there's just this and we go home. Then he can't watch us all the time," says Peeta.
I feel a sort of shiver run through me and there's no time to analyze why, because they're ready for us. We sit somewhat formally on the love seat, but Caesar says, "Oh, go ahead and curl up next to him if you want. It looked very sweet anyway out there yesterday." And that's all the permission I need to tuck my feet up and Peeta pulls me in close to him, positioning me in a way that allowed me to get comfort by listening to the soothing sound of his steady heartbeat.
Someone counts backward and just like that, we're being broadcast live to the entire country. Caesar Flickerman is wonderful, teasing, joking, getting choked up when the occasion presents itself. Peeta is marvelous in his own confident, funny and sometimes practical and other times literal spokes-person style. Caesar and Peeta already have the rapport they established that night of the first interview – that easy banter which gained us one of our major count of sponsors, so I just smile a lot and try to speak as little as possible.
I mean, I have to talk some, but as soon as I can I redirect the conversation back to the able tongue of Peeta.
Eventually though, Caesar begins to pose questions that insists on fuller answers. "So we saw that Katniss here is good with survivor skills and a bow apparently, but being from merchant class what had instigated the drive in you Peeta that had you perform awfully while in the arena?"
"That's an easy answer Caesar. It was the drive to save the most precious and unclaimed jewel of my life that had me driving so hard," answered Peeta honestly and I couldn't help but reward him with a a chaste kiss.
"And you did your job wonderfully as well," I said sincerely.
"Well, Peeta, we know, from our days inthe cave, that it was love at first sight for you from what, age five?" Caesar says.
"From the moment I laid my eyes on her," says Peeta.
"But, Katniss, what a ride for you. I think the real excitement for the audience was watching you fall for him. When did you realize you were in love with him?" asks Caesar.
"Oh, that's a hard one . . ." I try to think sincerely, and then go with what I found idea. "Yes, I guess that was it. The announcement of the Double-Victors stipulation is where I began to allow myself to love him actually despite all his earlier efforts of keeping me safe even when he entered the Arena with the sole purpose to ensure that I'm the one to walk out alive. I mean, until that point, I just tried not to think about what my feelings might be, honestly, because it was so confusing and it only made things worse and scary if I actually cared about him. But then, in the tree, everything changed," I say.
"Why do you think that was?" urges Caesar.
"Maybe . . . because for the first time . . . there was a chance I could keep him," I say.
Behind a cameraman, I see Haymitch give a sort of huff with relief and I know I've said the right thing – though why that was important is beyond me. Caesar pulls out a handkerchief and has to take a moment because he's so moved. I can feel Peeta press his forehead into my temple and he asks with a sign of gentle tease, "So now that you've got me, what are you going to dowith me?"
I turn in to him and peck his lips, saying with a smile, "Put you somewhere you can't get hurt." Though I know that'll never be the case.
And when he kisses me, people in the room actually sigh.
Caesar backs off questioning me after that for awhile untilthe berries come up.
"Katniss, I know you've had a shock, but I've got to ask. The moment when you pulled out those berries. What was going on in your mind . . . hm?" he says.
I take a long pause before I answer, trying to collect my thoughts. This is the crucial moment where I either challenge the Capitol or went so crazy at the idea of losing Peeta that I can't be held responsible for my actions. It seems to call for abig, dramatic speech, but all I get out is one almost inaudible sentence. "I don't know, I just . . . couldn't bear the thought of . . . being without him."
"Peeta? Anything to add?" asks Caesar.
"No. I think that goes for both of us. She is alive and so am I, thanks to her, so that now I may get to do what I chickened out at doing until our names were reaped," he says.
Caesar signs off and it's over. Everyone's laughing and crying and hugging, but I'm still somewhat sure until I reach Haymitch with Peeta in tow, and ask both the master-strategists in a single question.
"Okay?" I whisper.
"Perfect," both the mental-masters answer simultaneously. Peeta albeit with a kiss to seal it of course.
~Katniss POV~