Katniss still hasn't spoken to Peeta about the state of their relationship. Yet as they race toward the thirty days they still need to face the Fall Festival and one Elieen Mellark.
I do not own the Hunger Games
Tuesday morning, Katniss woke up feeling out of sorts. The cool fall breeze touched her shoulders. Katniss huddled into the blankets for warmth. She hadn't been able to find sleep. This morning she woke up with one of her rare migraines due to her monthly.
It was strange, they were as intimate as any two people could be without having sex. Yet the unresolved nature of their relationship still hung in the air. After the Festival, they would have less than a week left before their time was up.
Katniss rubbed her temple as the ache that began as pressure in her forehead intensified and spread to her temples. She needed to get her mother's special tea for migraines. Katniss had to get up and get moving.
Friday was the beginning of the festival and she did not need anything else on her plate. Her mind went to the list of things she needed to purchase for Friday. Last night the reality of the Festival settled on her shoulders.
In the past, the festival was held on a Sunday. This year, the festival was going to be from Friday to Sunday. Everyone in the district was excited. It was the first time since Snow's passing that the mines would be closed for such a long time. The miners were getting a raise for the first time in years.
This extra cash flow meant the quality of life would improve and they would have extra coins to spend at the Festival. The Mellarks were hoping to make enough money to pay for the taxes due at the end of the year. Katniss wouldn't have known the struggles the Merchants had if she hadn't been living with Peeta.
As she stared out of the window it was raining heavily. Normally on a day like this Katniss stayed in bed and slept in. The bakery would be slow because of the weather. The patrons would wait until the rain lessened to go outside.
Katniss looked at the small alarm clock. The clock would ring in thirty minutes. Katniss sighed as she recalled Prim's conversation, she hadn't had the important talk yet with Peeta. As she lay there, she realized time was running out.
She'd been lulled into a sense of complacency.
She had been concentrating on getting better after the attack and then planning for the festival began. So many things had preoccupied her mind that time had slipped by without her realizing it. Even as she lay on the bed looking at Peeta, a list of the things they needed to get from the Hob and town was paramount on her mind. Partially because she didn't want to think about having that important conversation with Peeta about the future.
Katniss closed her eyes. She was a chicken by procrastinating. This marriage was only supposed to be a way to pay back a debt. Yet things had gotten out of hand.
There was a reason she didn't bring up the subject of what happened after thirty days. Katniss had an inkling of how great Peeta was. She knew Peeta was a good person. But now that she had lived with him, slept in his arms, and broke bread with him, Katniss understood just how incredible the man was. And there was a part of Katniss that wanted to stay with him.
Katniss closed her eyes as the thought of rejection pierced through her like one of her arrows. It hurt to think that in a few days, Peeta could ask for his independence. Katniss turned and slipped her hands under her head just to watch Peeta sleep.
Frankly, she never thought she'd be relaxed sleeping next to Peeta. She never thought she'd find snuggling next to him comforting. Their life began tumultuously with doubts and then Gale's action, but it had settled down into a sweet cadence. She loved her life with him. Loved how thoughtful Peeta was with everyone. He knew everyone's name and always asked about their families. The books and the treats were the tip of the iceberg.
Peeta had so many good qualities.
He was also very attractive.
Katniss bit her lip as she stared at his profile. She was fascinated by the near-translucent long lashes that cast a shadow on his cheeks. The way his nose wasn't too big for his face. The shape of his enticing lips. More and more Katniss wanted to kiss Peeta once more. Sparks made her shiver.
With every passing day, Katniss caught herself staring at Peeta.
She wanted to reach out to him and speak to him but she was a coward because she didn't want to be rejected. Sighing, Katniss decided to get up. Katniss tried to make the trek into the bathroom without waking up Peeta. The moment her feet touched the floor, Peeta woke up.
"Morning," his sleepy voice made her pulse race.
"Morning," Katniss winced as she spoke.
"Why are you up this early?" Peeta asked sleepily. "You tossed and turned last night."
Katniss felt herself blushing as she walked across the room. "Go back to sleep, Peeta."
She expected him to be asleep when she returned dressed. He was awake staring up at the ceiling.
"Katniss it's pouring outside, you're not going to hunt, are you?"
"I need to go see my mother?"
"Are you okay?" Peeta said from the bed.
Katniss didn't know how to talk to Peeta about this. "Just restless," she said, which was true. She couldn't relax.
Katniss grimaced at the vicious throbbing in her head.
"Katniss?" Peeta sat up.
"Peeta, it's okay…" she said through clenched teeth. She needed to see her mother for tea, which would help with her migraine and the cramps made her want to whimper like a baby needing attention.
"What's wrong?" Peeta got up from the bed looking alarmed.
"Nothing…"
"You look pale," Peeta stopped speaking. "You're not okay."
"No, it's a migraine, I don't get them often…"
"What can I do?"
"Nothing really. I'm going to go see my mother, she has tea…that helps when I get like this."
"I can go get it…"
"Peeta, you have to open the bakery. Lionel will most likely be late."
"Are you sure?" Peeta asked.
"Once I drink the tea, the headache pain lessens. Besides, there is a list of things that we need. River promised me he'd help me this afternoon. I also have to stop by the Hob to get twine and ribbon, and then I have to get the white linen for the booth table."
"You should stay home," Peeta said standing in front of her. "You look pale!"
"I'm fine," Katniss assured him. "I just can't let this slow me down."
Peeta opened his mouth but then shut it, but Katniss could tell he wanted to argue against her leaving or working today.
"Fine but will you at least take it easy?"
"If the tea doesn't work then fine, I'll take it easy." Katniss agreed.
Katniss made her way to the Seam. Sometimes a brisk walk helped alleviate her migraine symptoms. Today, the stuffy atmosphere and heavy rain didn't help. Also, the tension of possibly seeing Gale once more made her ache worse. Katniss hadn't seen Gale since that day in the Meadow. She avoided going to the places Gale frequented.
From what Prim had told her, he was upset that she had reported his actions. Whatever lie Gale told his mother caused a rift between their families. Katniss not only had to worry about Gale but his friends as well. The Mellarks had fallen ranks around her and her sister. Katniss was surprised River or Carlton weren't lurking in the background somewhere.
There were lights in her mother's window when Katniss knocked.
"Katniss?" Her mother quickly opened the door.
"I need the tea for my…," Katniss said. "Waving at her abdomen and my head hurts."
"Oh," her mother said, helping her inside.
Katniss thinly smiled at her mother.
"How bad is it?" Immediately she set the kettle to boil.
"9," Katniss said, grimacing against the dim light.
"It hasn't been this bad in a long while." Her mother moved around the room briskly gathering the herbs and cups she needed.
"Yeah, Peeta didn't want me to leave to come here," Katniss complained.
Her mother chuckled. "Your father was the same way anytime I wasn't feeling well."
"We have so much work to do, especially with the festival starting Friday," Katniss sighed, leaning against the medical cupboard.
"Would you like for me to ask Primrose to come by after school?"
"It would be helpful if she could be there. We have to set up the booth on Thursday and we'll need as many hands as possible for the next few days."
"We'll all help out, Katniss," her mother said. "Hmmm," her mother said, pouring the tea in a cup.
Katniss picked it up and blew into the cup before taking a tentative sip. She wrinkled her nose. "This is strong."
"I put a drop of sleep syrup. You should sit for a spell until it's worked through your system."
Katniss sat down, she didn't have time for a nap. She yawned and rubbed her eyes, feeling tired.
"Has Eileen stopped by?"
Katniss cringed inwardly as she thought of Mrs. Mellark. Thankfully she hadn't stepped into the bakery. "I haven't seen her since the wedding."
The last time she had seen Peeta's mother she'd had filled her head with horrid things about Peeta. Since then, Peeta has proved himself to be caring and tender.
Sure, they hadn't done anything, but to be fair, they were intimate in a way that had been unexpected.
"I've seen her with Carlton and his wife, acting like she's the Mayor."
"Lionel warned me, she'll be at the festival on Friday," Katniss said, blowing on her tea.
"Just remember not to let her tie you up in knots," her mother said.
"I'm glad she hasn't poked her nose in the bakery. I think Lionel has had a hand in that."
"Lionel is a good man, though I never understood what he saw in Eileen."
Katniss didn't say anything, instead she sipped her tea.
"Eileen is known for her sharp and nasty tongue."
"Oh, I know," Katniss murmured.
"But I'll tell you one thing though, Eileen's got a vicious sting and anyone who crosses her will feel it."
Katniss nodded as she recalled her mother-in-law's harsh words and her cruel words.
"You know who's also like that?"
"No," Katniss sipped some more of her tea. The cooling relief of the tea was already starting to take effect.
"Hazelle Hawthorne," her mother said. "She could be merciless and spiteful. I've seen a few people on the receiving end of one of her tirades."
Katniss nodded yawning.
"Katniss, why don't you go upstairs and take a nap," her mother suggested.
Katniss was very susceptible to the sleep syrup, and presently she was tired and in need of rest, but she resisted "I've got so many things to do, and I'm meeting River at eleven."
"Go on and sleep for an hour. I'll wake you."
"Thank you, I really need it," Katniss said, yawning, "Let Peeta know…he'll get worried."
"Don't worry I'll take care of it all, go on."
Katniss went up the stairs and climbed into her old bed. It was strange lying here once more in the smaller bed. She grabbed one of the pillows and put it behind her, Katniss needed to feel something there. As she fell asleep it dawned on her, she had gotten used to spooning with Peeta.
Later that morning, after she'd gone hunting she'd met up with River. She was muddy and drenched. River insisted that she take her time and bathe. Katniss had protested, wanting to take a quick shower. The Mellarks had ganged up on her, not letting her do anything until she had rested. When she dragged herself to the bathroom she found they had made her a bubble bath.
The warm bath water relaxed her aching body. When she came downstairs, she was ready to face an afternoon of shopping.
That afternoon she found herself with River. The rain had lightened, but the roads were muddy. There was plenty to do at the bakery, but River needed to get out. Everyone was amused by River, lurking in the background with all of the packages.
It was a good day to shop because the stores were nearly empty. She was tired, but there was still one more stop to make. They needed twine and ribbon and they could find that in the Hob. Katniss wanted to see if she could find material she could cut to make the ribbon to tie the package treats up with.
River was struggling with the latest round of packages they had purchased in town.
"Do you want to go to the Hob with me?"
"I'm going to drop these off at the bakery. I'll meet you at Greasy Say's counter to help you carry the rest home."
"Okay," Katniss nodded.
Katniss headed to the Hob. She was able to trade some of her squirrels and rabbits for fabric and she just needed twine next. The mine's whistle blew. It was the end of the day shift and soon the evening shift was beginning. Katniss was searching for twine that wasn't too rough to the touch. Like the one used to hang up laundry.
She was near Greasy Sae's counter when the smell of food wafted under her nose. Katniss decided to find River.
It was when she turned the corner that she saw River was surrounded by Gale's crew Orville, Axton, and Slate. Orville was a huge beast and twice River's size. Axton was short but had huge hands, and Slate was medium height, but slim.
River was backed up against the wall. Orville was in his face, "What are you doing here, townie?"
River didn't respond; his hands were in his pockets.
"Where is the liquor?" Axon snarled. "I know your kind only comes here for the white liquor."
Slate was on the lookout for the three idiots.
River looked down and didn't say anything. There was a small crowd gathered, they were watching Gale's friends taunt River. Katniss saw red.
"River?" Katniss called as she pushed through the crowd.
People knew who she was, and made a path for her.
Orville turned to face Katniss as she walked up to him. River raised a blond eyebrow at her.
"There you are," Katniss said. "Can you hold this…" Katniss handed her game bag and the bolt of fabric to the River who looked at her in disbelief.
"Are you going to defend him?" Axton demanded.
Katniss rounded on Axton, scowl in place. She advanced on the taller man. "He is my kin."
Orville looked between River and Katniss. "No, you're not."
"River is my, brother-"
"Stop your lies, you filthy wh-," Orville said.
Katniss stomped on his foot, his eyes widened with pain, she grabbed him by the collar and brought his face close to her. "I've flattened Gale out for saying less threatening things. Do you want to be known as a bully as well?"
From her peripheral vision, she saw Slate take a step back. He was always getting in a bind and she knew he didn't want trouble with Katniss. Especially since her mother was always kind to his family, often treating little Ida's lung inflictions for free.
"I'm right behind you," River said, stepping to her side facing Axton.
"Gale was right…" Axton spat.
"Gale? What is he right about?" Carlton said coming out of the crowd.
River and Carlton nodded at the other as they stood side by side. Katniss still had Orville by the collar. She let him go. He stumbled backward onto one of Greasy Say's stools.
The scratchy static sound of a Peacekeepers radio sounded like thunder inside of the Hob.
"I'm afixin to give you boys to the count of three, to scat…" Katniss looked over Axton's shoulder. Darius was standing just behind them.
The static of Darius's radio heightened tension. Gales's friend stood at attention awkwardly, even River and Carlton stood straighter.
Darius's eyes were hard as he took in the tense situation. Katniss had to force herself to become relaxed. She didn't want anyone to get in trouble, even though Gale's crew were the instigators.
"Darius," Katniss greeted as the red-haired Peacekeeper stepped forward.
Axton looked behind him and stood straighter as Darius approached.
"As I live and breathe, if it isn't Katniss Everdeen, or is it Katniss Mellark now?" Darius' voice was easy but his body language was tense as if ready to attack. There were other Peacekeepers around him.
"It's Mellark," Katniss said.
Darius glanced at River. He walked over to River and nodded. "You staying out of trouble."
"Yeah," River said.
Darius glared at River and sniffed the air. "He's sober." He turned to Katniss and asked, "What have you done to him?"
"Nothing, River did it all by himself," Katniss proudly said.
"Carlton," Darius raised an eyebrow. "You're far away from home?"
"Just looking out after my kin, is all," Carlton said evenly. His voice didn't betray any emotion, he sounded like Peeta though he lacked Peeta's warmth and charm.
Darius then turned to Axton, Orville, and Slate. "Shouldn't you guys be on your way home now that the rain has stopped?"
Axton narrowed his eyes at Katniss.
"Yeah we are," Slate said, bumping his shoulder against Axton's. Axton's eyes snapped to Darius.
"Good, go home," Darius said.
Katniss watched Gale's friends leave. Her shoulders began to relax.
"You okay," Darius asked her.
Katniss nodded.
Darius laughed and said good-naturedly, "Nothing to see here…go back to what you were doing."
The crowd that was gathered began to leave. Katniss made her way out with Carlton and River.
Katniss could tell Carlton was furious though River had that calmness that Peeta had when he was upset. Once they were out of the public eye Carlton and River both let go of a few choice curse words.
Katniss turned to River. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," River said. "I knew enough to stay calm."
"I got so mad when he accused you of being drunk!" Katniss fumed. River had worked so hard on his sobriety and it wasn't right that Gale's friends thought they could bully him in the Hob.
Her words broke the tension and River and Carlton laughed.
"You were like a lioness in there," Carlton said.
"You didn't have to protect me, Katniss," River said.
Both of them were giving her huge smiles. Katniss shrugged. "You guys are my family, and family protects their own."
"Yeah we are," River said smiling.
"We'll walk you home," Carlton said.
They walked the rest of the way in silence. When they reached the bakery, River handed Katniss her hunting bag. "Did you get everything you needed?"
"I didn't get the twine. I was looking for a material close to the hemp but a little softer to use." Katniss had forgotten about the twine in the hullabaloo that formed.
"Not to worry, Carlton and I, we'll get it for you," River said.
"Are you sure?" Katniss asked.
"It's on me," Carlton assured her.
"Okay," Katniss nodded. When she walked into the bakery, both Peeta and Lionel were waiting for her. They had become worried when she and River hadn't returned.
Katniss didn't mention the incident with Gale's friends. She instead told Peeta she wasn't able to find the twine, which was true. She explained River and Carlton, whom she had bumped into at the Hob, were going to purchase it and bring it tomorrow, which was also true. Her explanation seemed to mollify them both.
Katniss could have told Peeta and Lionel the truth, but she didn't want to add fuel to the fire. Peeta was already angered by Gale's actions toward her. Telling them the whole truth would be like adding TNT to a fire.
Peeta wanted her to rest since she'd been out all day. Peeta argued that they had an easier day at the bakery because of the weather.
Katniss resisted, but in the end, Peeta won. They ate a light fare that evening consisting of grilled goat cheese and the fall tomatoes. The fall was the best time to can tomatoes because there weren't many bugs outside. And her mother's garden had plentiful fruit and vegetables.
The next morning, Katniss yawned as she went downstairs. Katniss stayed up half the night working, she sent Peeta to bed early as he had to wake up and get the ovens fired. River and Carlton never showed up. Thankfully Prim had come over after school and helped with handwriting the labels and making the signs for the baked goods they were going to sell.
As soon as Lionel saw her, he engulfed her in a fierce hug.
Katniss at first awkwardly stood there unsure why he was hugging her.
"You are so…wonderful," Lionel said.
Katniss relaxed as she realized this was his way of showing her how much he cared.
"When I see that young man's mother, I will have strong words with her," Lionel said.
"Eh, what's this all about?"
"I'm so glad you weren't hurt. River told me what happened at the Hob. Gale's friends targeting River and then the things he was insinuating…" Lionel's voice shook as he spoke, "…about…you…"
Both Carlton and River came from the back of the bakery. They had busted lips but had goofy grins on their faces. Peeta trailed after them.
"What did you guys do?" Katniss asked.
"We bonded," River said.
"You guys smell like you were at Ripper's," Katniss said. They smelled as if they had bathed with one of Ripper's brewed white liquor.
"Don't worry, we didn't destroy the place, we just had a few choice words with those guys from Gale's crew," Carlton said grinning.
Katniss had never seen Carlton act this way. Normally he was very stoic and reserved. "Please tell me the Peacekeepers weren't involved."
"I promise they weren't," River said.
"But Gale's crew know not to mess with Mellarks," Carlton winked at her.
"Why didn't you tell me about yesterday?" Peeta asked.
Katniss could feel her cheeks burn having been caught in not being forthright with him. "I'm sorry…" she stammered.
"She didn't want you to get upset, Peeta," Carlton said.
"It's troubling that Gale does not understand that your marriage is concrete and resolute," River said.
"Besides, everyone in town knows that Katniss is Maggie's girl and that she is blameless. A lot of folks are upset by what Gale did to Katniss." Carlton added, "If he could cross that line with her, someone he knows and hunted with, then what's to say he won't with others? They're all on our side."
Peeta opened his mouth, but Carlton put up his hand.
"Let me finish."
Peeta nodded.
Carlton continued to speak, "Katniss is more than capable of taking care of herself, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't back her up the way she backs us up," Carlton said. "That being said, Gale has it out for our family, and we'd rather keep you out of trouble."
"You know how you get," River said.
"River's right," Lionel said.
"I'm sorry, I should have told you. But this is what we do," Katniss said. "We protect each other."
A smile blossomed on Peeta's face. "Yes, we do. We're a family."
They shared a look that caused Katniss to feel tingly all over. The intensity of the stare doubled. Her breath caught in her chest and she couldn't help but shyly look away. Peeta gently embraced her.
"And we're a growing family," Lionel said, his eyes sparkling. He smiled at Katniss and winked at her. "I'm thinking maybe in a few months from now."
Katniss blinked as tears gathered in her eyes when he pulled away from her. Since the age of eleven, she'd been the protector, the provider, the one who took care of her family. She never received thanks for the things she did. The Mellarks were once more showing her how appreciative they were. However, Katniss wasn't sure what Lionel was talking about.
Katniss was being protected, provided for, and taken care of and she didn't know how to be.
Carlton muttered something under his breath about rabbits, and Peeta cleared his throat.
"I want you to take it easy today; you and your sister stayed up all night working. The boys and I will handle the store. I will make us lunch. You will do nothing overtly taxing." Lionel gave her a pointed look.
Katniss smiled politely. She could argue with Peeta, but with his father, she couldn't. The poor man had tears in his eyes, and he looked like her sister's cat when he couldn't find Prim.
"You tell her dad," Peeta said winking saucily at her.
Katniss narrowed her eyes at Peeta and then he had the cheeky nerve to stick his tongue at her.
Peeta left with his brothers to go back to work on the things for the festival.
Prim left for school, and Katniss was left upstairs with nothing to do. When the morning was finally over, Katniss tried to convince Lionel to let her make lunch. But he wouldn't, so she prepped the turkey she'd shot the day before for dinner the next day. Her mother and Prim were going to come over to help with the final push, and they were going to need a good meal. As soon as lunch was over, she flew downstairs to open the door. She had just fastened her apron when the doorbell tinkled.
"WHERE IS THE LITTLE SEAM BRAT!" Mrs. Mellark blew into the bakery as if she'd flown in with the easterly wind guiding her broom.
"Now dear," Mr. Mellark began.
Mrs. Mellark marched right up to Katniss. Mr. Mellark stood in his wife's path blocking her.
"You stupid man get out of my way," she screeched. "I was just over at Mathea's and she told me Carlton never came home!"
Carlton, River, and Peeta came out from the back, all three stood behind their father. One Mellark was taller than the next. Katniss wasn't sure what to make of the situation.
Mr. Mellark cleared his throat once more before he began speaking. "I thought you said you wouldn't step foot in the bakery, it's not our property anymore. Now take a deep breath and tell me what has brought you here on this lovely afternoon."
The old witch bellowed. "My Carlton stayed out all night and I am sure that little -"
"Watch what you say about Katniss, mom," Carlton warned, cutting off his mother.
"She's a Mellark," River supplied.
Katniss peeked her head around Peeta's side. She could see the woman's eyes narrow, her lips puckered disapprovingly as if she got a fly caught in her teeth. Katniss had enough of hiding, she wasn't one to cower behind men.
"If you have something to say, say it to my face," Katniss said, moving in front of the men.
"You're a bad influence," Mrs. Mellark spat.
"No, she's not," Peeta countered.
"I think Katniss is the best thing that happened to our family." River raised an eyebrow.
"Dad's happier, River comes to work on time. Heck, he arrived yesterday early in the rain, and started the ovens before I got out of bed," Peeta said.
"The business is making money with Peeta in charge; it's up a good 12 percent," Carlton said. "The books don't lie. I came by to balance them the other day."
"Have you all lost your mind?" Mrs. Mellark's voice sounded strangled. "I heard rumors she's with that tall brooding fella! Spends her nights with him."
"Mom, Katniss is my wife, and I can assure you we spent every night together," Peeta said. "Gale's the one making up these rumors."
Mrs. Mellark scanned all of their faces. "How do you know?"
"We're always with her," Carlton said.
"Eileen, Katniss is either with Maggie, here at the bakery, or hunting," Lionel said. "Peeta or one of the boys meets her right outside of the woods."
"I heard that she was causing trouble at the Hob, and then my Carlton didn't come home." Peeta's mother looked at them as if trying to determine the truth. "Where were you?"
"She was buying things for the festival," River said. "I followed her around town. You can ask anyone."
"But she was at the Hob…" Eileen Mellark said.
"Yes, she was getting fabric to make a ribbon for the festival," Lionel said, grabbing the bolts of material that Katniss had under the counter.
"Gale's friends were the ones who started on River, but Katniss defended River," Carlton said.
"She did?" Eileen asked.
"She's a great hunter," Peeta said, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"She went hunting this morning," Carlton said. "She even hunts the rain."
"She brought all of the game home to share with us. I can't wait to eat that turkey tomorrow!" River rubbed his belly.
"She caught a turkey?" Peeta's mother eyed her, though something in the woman's eyes was different. There was no malice behind her harsh words, almost as if she was impressed. The woman was known as a witch. And from Katniss's personal confrontation with the woman, Katniss could say for certain that Elieen Mellark wasn't friendly. She was known to hurt her kids.
However, seeing her current demeanor, Katniss was puzzled over her behavior.
"She shoots her prey right through the eye," River boasted.
"She's quite the mark-smith," Peeta said.
"Are all of you telling me you like that dirty…"
"Mother, please refrain from saying anything that later on you will regret," Carlton warned. "Katniss is a-"
"Mellark," all four men said at the same time. Katniss watched a myriad of emotions flash through Mrs. Mellark's face from anger, to disbelief, to astonishment.
"She's a good, hard-working girl who will pitch in the bakery, even after spending all morning hunting," Lionel said.
"She even cooks our meals," River winked at Katniss.
"Plus, still helps out her mom and sister," Peeta said.
"She stands up for us, and she's good for business," Carlton said.
"Dear, you see Katniss is blameless of whatever imagined crime you were going to accuse her of." He placed a kiss on Mrs. Mellark's forehead. "Now I don't know what these two knuckleheads were doing, but look at them, dear, when was the last time we saw our boys seem united? River and Carlton haven't threatened each other."
"Yeah, and River had one drink mom, and it wasn't alcoholic. He restrained himself last night, and took care of me." Carlton shrugged, "We settled our differences."
"It's true dear; after Katniss agreed to marry Peeta you and I both know River has come home with me after work. He wants to help with the orphaned children. He and I have been making plans to help the kids transition out, find them jobs, and help feed them."
"It's true mom," River said. "I've been sober for the past two months. After Peeta made his decision to not marry I started to ask myself if I wanted to be like Abernathy. I didn't, and if Peeta could get what he wanted, so could I. It wasn't easy, but last night was the first time I touched a drink in two months, and I didn't even drink it. I asked the bartender to give me sarsaparilla."
Mrs. Mellark inspected each one of the men before she crackled a laugh.
Katniss was confused by her mother-in-law's quick turnaround.
"I've been trying to make this lot act like men for years and suddenly because of you they are," she grinned wickedly. "I would like some tea, preferably chamomile."
Katniss turned to Peeta and his brothers, whose mouths hung ajar.
"I told you, your mother liked Katniss," Mr. Mellark whistled.
"But what about what you said…" Katniss muttered.
"At your wedding," Eileen finished.
Katniss nodded.
"I was wrong, I'm not afraid to admit it," Eileen said.
"And…" Lionel prompted.
"And maybe I was jealous because you're Maggie's little girl, and at one-point Lionel was engaged to her."
Katniss was speechless. Eileen Mellark was admitting she was wrong.
"Now can I have my tea," Eileen said.
Katniss led Mrs. Mellark upstairs.
"You know I am truly sorry for my behavior," Eileen said, sounding remorseful.
Katniss did want to speak, she was furious. This woman had insulted her husband and treated her as if she were worse than the gunk on the bottom of her shoes. Katniss funneled her anger into getting the tea ready and serving it to the old witch.
Sitting down at the table, Katniss took a sip of her tea, without sugar. She needed the bitterness to distract her from the instinct to shoot Eileen Mellark with her bow. Her gray eyes intently watched the woman the way she might at prey in the woods.
"Peeta has never," Eileen paused to shrug, "…well compared to his brothers he was such a wimp. Always cried when one of his brothers was hurt. This world is too hard for a man with a weak heart like Peeta."
"Peeta isn't weak." Slammed her cup of tea on the wooden table. Eileen was startled. "He sees the beauty in this world. Just because he doesn't want others to suffer doesn't make him feeble or pathetic."
"You're right, Peeta isn't weak, but it takes a strong woman to see it. I thought you were like one of those girls I threw at him who only cared about the prestige of the bakery. But now, looking at my boys, seeing that they've finally become men…well the right woman did join my family."
Katniss had to pinch herself several times the rest of the afternoon.
Elieen Mellark, the terror of the Merchants, was cordial and kind. Mrs. Mellark told Katniss how she had to toughen up her boys because their cousins used to beat them. She wanted her boys to be tough and was surprised when all of them stood up to her. She stayed for lunch and behaved civilly. Mrs. Mellark, or Eileen turns out, was taking full advantage of her retirement. She loved her bridge club, her gardening, her knitting club, and her future traveler's club. She was planning on taking a trip to each of the districts. She even hinted at grandchildren which made all three of her children extremely uncomfortable.
Everyone thought they were having marital relations but she and Peeta were nothing but glorified roommates. It was a lie they kept alive and it wore down on her.
Katniss was amazed when Eileen left with Carlton in tow. River said he'd never seen his mother act so human and asked Katniss what sedative she'd put in her tea. Before he left, he took Katniss to the side.
"Don't worry about any guy being rude or mean to you, we've got your back. I know you're capable of shooting them through the eye, but I don't want you to be imprisoned. I like what you've done to my family. I'm going to spoil your and Peeta's kids." River grinned and then patted her head and left.
With her secret safe, Katniss continued her path with Peeta.
So what did you think of the reintroduction of Elieen Mellark? What did you think of Gale's friends? Next week we start the Fall Festival where all sorts of things happen...
Thanks you Norbertsmom my beta and bestie.
