Katniss decided against parking directly outside the lawyer's office, instead choosing to park a couple of hundred yards away. It wouldn't do to give the town busybodies more to gossip about, she was sure her absence over the last two months had given them more than enough to talk about already. It wouldn't take long for news of her and Peeta's impending divorce to get around town. She wanted to avoid that for as long as possible.
She walked quickly towards the smart red brick building that housed the lawyer's office, hoping to avoid meeting anyone she knew. She couldn't help slowing her pace to glance across the square at the Mellark bakery, where she knew Peeta would be hard at work. The sight of the cheery blue and white awnings outside the bakery and the distinctive "Mellarks" sign, painted in Peeta's own hand, made her chest ache and she felt an almost physical pull towards the bakery.
Any other time, she wouldn't have thought twice about calling in to have lunch with Peeta or share a cup of coffee with his Dad, but now she didn't know if she would ever be welcome inside those doors again.
Katniss pushed those thoughts away as she arrived at the lawyer's office and pressed a bell requesting entrance. The door buzzed. She entered the cool outer office, glad to get of the street and away from prying eyes.
"Good morning," she was greeted by a pretty girl sitting behind a mahogany and glass desk. She had a friendly smile, revealing dimples in her plump cheeks.
"Good morning. I'm Katniss Mellark, I have an appointment with Mr. Heavensbee?" she responded.
"Ah yes, Mrs. Mellark, we've been expecting you. My name is Fulvia, I'm Mr. Heavensbee's assistant. Please, have a seat and I'll let him know you've arrived. Mr. Heavensbee will be with you shortly."
"Thank you," Katniss tried to smile in return, as she sat down in a comfortable looking chair by the window. Fulvia smiled and turned back to her computer screen.
She looked around her curiously at the luxuriously appointed office. Though she had passed by this place hundreds of times, she'd never seen inside before. The walls were painted in a soothing shade of green, which somehow reminded her of water. But even surrounded by the comfort of dark wood furnishings, polished glass, and a quiet atmosphere of privacy she couldn't assume a peaceful persona. Katniss' fingers tapped nervously against the arms of the chair as she waited. She wondered how many others had sat in this chair before her, not knowing what to expect or how their lives would change when they walked through these doors.
Barely five minutes had passed before she heard a low buzz and Fulvia picked up her phone, murmuring a few words discreetly. She approached Katniss, with a smile "Mr. Heavensbee can see you now," she said, and led Katniss down a short corridor to an imposing office, gesturing for Katniss to enter.
As she entered, an older man with broad shoulders and greying hair came striding towards her, his hand held out to welcome her.
"Good morning Mrs. Mellark, I'm Plutarch Heavensbee, I'm pleased to meet you," he introduced himself, clasping her hand warmly and leading her towards a meeting area in the middle of the room. There was a huge desk in one corner which stood in front of the windows, overlooking the square. Katniss could see the blue awnings of the bakery through the windows.
"Good morning," she replied nervously, fiddling with her purse and the envelope containing the folder of papers she had received that morning.
"Before we begin, can we get you anything? Tea, coffee, maybe some water?" the older man offered.
"Water would be great, thanks," Katniss replied, realizing her throat was suddenly parched. Plutarch nodded, and Fulvia swiftly produced a bottle of chilled water and a glass, and placed them in front of her, before leaving and closing the door softly behind her.
"Please, Mrs. Mellark, have a seat and tell me what I can do for you today," Plutarch asked, settling himself down in the chair opposite hers.
"Um, I was served these papers this morning," Katniss handed over the envelope containing the papers. "They're from my husband. He wants to divorce me."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that my dear," Plutarch's voice became instantly sympathetic. He took a pair of spectacles from his breast pocket, and put them on as he began the leaf through the documents, briefly studying each one individually. Finally he put them aside on the low table in front of him, and returned his attention to Katniss again.
"Katniss...may I call you Katniss?" he inquired, and she nodded briefly. "Getting divorced is a very difficult time in anyone's life, but if you allow me to represent you, I can assure you I will do everything I can to make this transition as smooth as possible for you. Can you give me some more background information on what has happened between you and your husband?"
Quickly, Katniss gave him a run-down of everything that had happened in the previous couple of months, as the lawyer listened attentively, his elbows resting on his knees and his fingers steepled in front of him, as he focused on her.
"Can you tell me what happens next?" Katniss queried. "I really don't know what to expect."
"From what you've just told me, this breakdown of your marriage was sudden and unexpected on your behalf. You haven't mentioned whether you and your husband have tried marriage counseling to resolve your differences. I strongly suggest that you attempt that first, before proceeding."
Katniss shook her head. "I pleaded with Peeta, my husband, to consider it but he didn't want to try counseling," she said quietly. "He was adamant about that. He filed before I came home."
"I see," Plutarch replied. He sat up straighter, suddenly very businesslike.
"Well, if that's the case, the first order of business is to prepare a response to your husband's petition. You can try to contest the divorce, but he can claim that you deserted him by leaving home for several months. Contesting the divorce will merely delay the inevitable in this case."
"What's the inevitable?" Katniss asked.
"You would be legally separated, but the final decree of divorce would be delayed for a year. After that time, it would still be granted, whether you objected or not."
The lawyer looked up from the paper he was studying and pushed his glasses up a little higher on the bridge of his nose. He scrutinized Katniss carefully.
"Unless, you are hoping that delaying the matter will make your husband reconsider?" he suggested softly, watching her from over the rim of his glasses.
Katniss didn't answer immediately. She could feel a twinge of pain in her throat, and reached for the water in front of her. It was tempting to believe Peeta could change his mind...could still love her...could want to be a family again.
The lawyer closed the folder, and sat back in his chair. "Mrs. Mellark, if you have any doubts, you can have some time to decide how to proceed. We still have some time before we must respond," he assured her.
Tears pricked Katniss' eyes. Crying in front of a stranger unnerved her further, and she looked down.
"No," she mumbled, shaking her head, contemplating what kind of torture it would be to live that way for a year, not knowing where they stood. "I don't want to drag this out, and I don't want to live in a limbo in the hope that maybe Peeta will change his mind and decide he wants to be with me again." Looking up again she met the lawyer's gaze squarely. "He made his feelings towards me very clear last time we spoke." She cleared her throat, lifted her chin, and spoke decisively. "I just want to get this over with. I don't want anything except joint custody of our children."
"But we might be able to get more than that for you..."
"No!" Katniss almost shouted, before taking a deep breath and composing herself. "I'm sorry. No. I don't want anything that is Peeta's. The house was his grandparents', he inherited it before we married. I don't want anything that has touched him, us! Just get me out of this marriage so I can...so I can...can..."
Katniss becomes too choked up to speak.
"Move on?" Plutarch's tone was kind, as he offered her a box of tissues.
Katniss nods, accepting the tissue, but wonders if she ever could move on from Peeta and her life with him. But she knows she has to. His rejection of her was so final, so incredibly devastating.
Vaguely, she hears her cell phone ringing in her purse. Once, twice, three times, before it goes silent again. She curses inwardly for not remembering to turn it to silent before the meeting began. It was probably Prim, checking up on her. She would worry about it later.
"Just tell Peeta and his lawyer that I'm not contesting the divorce Mr. Heavensbee. Please."
"As you wish my dear. I will start drafting the necessary responses and proceed based on how you've instructed me today. However, if you should change your mind about answering the petition so quickly or trying to obtain more of the marital resources then please let me know. Fulvia will take all your personal details and I'll let you know if there is anything else I need. You and your husband will have to go through mediation together, that is mandatory, but if you are determined not to contest the divorce and terms can be agreed mutually, it will be quite straightforward."
"Good. Do that. Thank you, Mr. Heavensbee," Katniss nodded wearily. Suddenly she felt exhausted.
"Please, call me Plutarch," he replied kindly, standing to indicate their consultation was over and leading her towards the door. He stopped on the threshold and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I want you to know this is an arena I'm very familiar with, Katniss. I promise you're in good hands. I'll be in touch very soon."
She crossed the street to the small landscaped garden in the middle of the town square, needing to sit down and think for a minute. Finding a seat on a bench in a secluded area, she let her eyes close as she waited for her anxiety to subside. She had always loved this little patch of green space in the middle of town. She and Peeta had often sat out here to share lunch when the weather was fine, as it was today.
Remembering the missed call she had while in the lawyer's office, and pulled her phone from her bag. Maybe Prim wanted to meet up for lunch.
But instead of the expected missed call from Prim, another name lit up her phone screen. "1 missed call from Peeta." She felt her stomach flip. So far, he hadn't responded to her calls asking to see the kids again, so why now? Stomach churning with nerves, she listened to the message he'd left.
"Hey Katniss, it's me." She closed her eyes, as the sound of his voice washed over her. Like she wouldn't know that voice anywhere. She heard it in her sleep every night. "I'm sorry I haven't picked up your calls. I was still, um, upset, but I've calmed down a lot now. Prim came by today and we talked a bit, and I think it would be great for you and the kids to spend Saturday together. Um... I know you were served with the papers this morning, too. I guess there are still things we need to talk about, so... call me when you're ready to talk, okay? I lo...bye."
She let out a sigh of relief. At least she would get to see the kids soon. And he didn't sound angry. That was good. But, she wondered what he wanted to talk about now that the papers were served. Did he want to talk about the kids? Splitting assets? Or did he want to just want to humiliate her some more? Remind her how she'd let them all down. Wasn't it enough that he was divorcing her and had dumped her on her sister's doorstep?
Feeling suddenly angry at his presumption that they could talk now that he had calmed down, she tossed her phone back into her bag. After all he'd thrown in her face when she came home, if he had something new to say, maybe he should say it to her lawyer.
Once the initial shock of her homecoming had worn off, and the more she thought about it, the angrier and more hurt she felt that he'd started them down this legal path before really talking to her about what had happened. With renewed resolve, she stood up, straightening her back and squaring her shoulders. Anything new he wished to talk about, he could raise in mediation. According to Plutarch, that's what it was for. Once she got to see her kids that was all she was going to worry about.
Looking over at the bakery, she could see movement inside. For a brief moment, she saw a blond head standing by the window. She turned and walked quickly out of the garden. She didn't know if that head belonged to Peeta or Rye, but she knew she wasn't prepared to see Peeta right now.
And she needed to talk to Prim.
"So, I have a confession to make. I talked to Peeta today," Prim speaks up as they were preparing dinner.
Katniss looked up from vegetables she was chopping. "I know. Peeta left me a message."
"Oh, he called you? That's great!" Prim beamed. "But why didn't you pick up the call?"
"I was, uh... busy at the time. Where did you see Peeta, Prim? Did you bump into him while you were in town?" Katniss asked.
"No, I called by the bakery to see him on my break."
Katniss put down the chopping knife and turned to face her sister, a scowl crossing her face. "Why did you go to the bakery when I asked you not to Prim?"
"Because you are too stubborn to do it yourself and he is being an ass," Prim replied bluntly. "Someone has to break the stalemate between you and get you talking again."
"There are professionals for that. They're called mediators. I wish you hadn't done that Prim. What did you think it would achieve?"
Prim returned her gaze steadily, not intimidated by Katniss' scowling face at all. "It did achieve something Katniss," she pointed out. "Peeta agreed that you will have the kids on Saturday and we can bring them over here so you can spend the whole day with them."
"So, that was your idea, not his? He probably thinks I sent you over there to plead my case for me." Katniss' scowl deepened as she picked up the knife and began to vigorously hack at the vegetables again.
"No, he doesn't!" Prim burst out, sounding exasperated. "He said he was going to call you tonight about setting something up with them anyway. I just... beat him to it." She watched as Katniss attacked the carrots as if they were going to fight back. "You know, the sooner you two sort out this mess, the better, and things can go back to normal."
"Prim, that's not going to happen!" Katniss snapped back. "I'm not going to fight him on this divorce, if that's what you were expecting. I'm not going to crawl to him to take me back. Don't you think I have been humiliated enough, being dumped on my little sister's doorstep and served with divorce papers? If a divorce is what he wants, then he can have it. "
"How do you know it is what he really wants Katniss? All I'm saying is, why don't you try suggesting counseling, something..." Prim threw up her hands in frustration.
"I already did all that Prim!" Katniss squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand. She could feel a headache coming on. "I spent hours pleading with him for another chance the night I came home. I begged him to go to counseling. But he had already made the decision for us. He had filed. So can you stop for a second and imagine how much that hurts me? Knowing that he had made up his mind about us before he even saw me? I'm not going to beg him on my knees to change his mind."
"So what are you going to do then?" Prim glowered at her. "Are you just going to let this happen?"
"I've already done it. I handed the whole thing over to a lawyer today. He is preparing the necessary reply to the divorce petition, and I'll sign whatever I have to sign. I'm not contesting it. We have to do mediation as a formality, but the only thing I want from Peeta now is shared custody. The lawyer said it should be pretty straightforward. I don't want anything else from him. I just want this over with."
"So, you're really going to give up on Peeta? Just like that?" Prim's tone left Katniss in no doubt that her sister did not approve of her decisions.
Katniss held up a shaky hand. "Prim, I made a mistake when I left, and I made a bigger one when I stayed away, but my reasons for going had nothing to do with Peeta. I never, for one second, gave up on him. He gave up on us. So you can lay the blame for giving up at his feet. The rest is out of my control."
"It's so not out of your control. Talk to him again Katniss! Jesus, the two of you are as bad as each other," Prim huffed in frustration.
"Why, what did he say about me?" Katniss head snapped up. "Did he tell you what a bad mother I am, how I abandoned my children? How I was just as bad as Mom? Did he tell you how much he hates me now?"
"No he did not!" Prim retorted. "And he doesn't hate you. You're just angry and hurt at him, and he is angry and hurt at you, so god damn it Katniss stop being so stubborn! Fight for him! Why does it feel like the only one who is fighting to save you two, is me?"
"Then stop Prim, okay? I appreciate what you're trying to do, but stop! It's not your fight!" Katniss shouted.
Prim stared at her in disbelief, for a moment. "Then what about your future?" she asked. "I just want what's best for you."
"I'm going to go back to work. I have a good degree. I supported you and me on my own before Prim, and I can support myself and my children now. I'll find a job, and a house to rent and that's as far as I've thought ahead for now. I have enough put by to tide me over for a few months, maybe a year if I'm careful. I'm going to try to rebuild my life."
"Without Peeta?"
"Without Peeta. Prim, this divorce was his choice, not mine." Katniss' tone changed to pleading. She needed her sister to understand.
"Fine," Prim threw down the dishcloth she was holding and walked away. "I'm done arguing with you. You can self-destruct on your own. I'm going to take a shower."
Katniss let out a weary sigh. "Prim..." she called after her. The last person she wanted to fight with was her little sister, but before she could take a step to follow her and apologize, the door opened and Rory appeared.
"Hey Katniss," he smiled easily at his sister-in-law. "Hi Rory," she replied, trying to smile in return.
"Hey Catnip," another voice said over his shoulder. Gale appeared behind his brother, smiling warmly at her. "I came as soon as I got your message."
Dinner passed uneventfully. Prim and Katniss both saying little, avoiding talking to each other and not mentioning the subject of Prim's visit to the bakery. Gale and Rory talked about work and sports, keeping the conversation going. As soon as dinner was finished, Gale grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and invited Katniss out to the back yard to share them with him.
Settling himself down on the back steps, Gale studied her profile silently. Katniss waited for him to speak first, sipping from her beer, and trying not to feel the intensity of his eyes on her.
"Catnip, is it true? Mellark is divorcing you?" Gale eventually spoke up.
"Never one to beat around the bush, are you Gale?" Katniss laughed mirthlessly.
"Nope." Gale took a swig out of his beer.
Katniss lifted her own beer to her lips and took a long drink before answering him. "Yes, it's true. I suppose Hazelle told you?"
Gale nodded. "Why is he doing that Catnip? I don't understand. You never mentioned anything about you two having relationship problems. I mean, I wondered if something was going on when you stayed at my place for so long last time, but you never said anything…"
Katniss shook her head. "I didn't think we were having relationship problems Gale. That wasn't the reason why I turned up on your doorstep. But Peeta must have thought something was wrong. I don't know. He never said anything to me before I left to make me think he was unhappy, but he had already made his mind up that we were over by the time I got back." She lifted her bottle to her lips again. It felt good to confide in her friend.
"And what about you? Is this what you want? A divorce?" Gale watched her reaction carefully.
"It wasn't," Katniss shrugged. "Now, I don't know. I'm confused. I didn't recognize the man I came home to Gale. I know I hurt him, and I should never have lied to him, but I'm hurt that he filed for the divorce before I even got home. I didn't get a say in the decision. I never thought he would do something like that, I thought he would at least hear me out."
"Wait, let me get this straight," Gale stared at her. "When you arrived at my place you didn't tell him first?"
Katniss shook her head again, looking down at the ground. Hazelle had obviously not told Gale everything.
"Damn," Gale exclaimed. "So what else did you lie to him about?"
"Um, well... I wasn't honest with him about who I was staying with. I told him I was staying with Haymitch," she mumbled.
Gale sputtered, and stared at her, his eyes displaying disbelief.
"You mean, for the two whole months you stayed at my house, Peeta thought you were at Haymitch's?"
"Just the first month. He knew the second month. Apparently he came up to Seam to talk to me." Katniss kept her eyes downcast, embarrassed to confess her lies to her friend.
"No wonder he's so pissed," Gale muttered, rolling his eyes at her. "Jesus Katniss..."
"You think I don't know that?" she bit back, feeling her cheeks starting to flush with embarrassment. "I don't need another person telling me how badly I've fucked up Gale. I think that's been well and truly established."
"What else is there?" Gale asked firmly.
"What do you mean, what else is there?" she glared at him.
"There is something else you're not telling me. I can tell. C'mon spill. What is it?"
"Gale..." Katniss mumbled, running her finger around the rim of the bottle. She avoided meeting his eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was tell Gale how Peeta had felt about their friendship all these years.
"Katniss..." Gale prompted. Katniss huffed, irritated. He used her real name. She knew that meant there was no way he was going to let this go. There really was no way of avoiding it.
Stalling, she raised her beer to her lips and drained the bottle. Briefly, she considered lying to her friend, but lying had gotten her into enough trouble already. It had helped her lose Peeta. She didn't want to lose Gale too.
"Peeta thinks you have feelings for me." she blurted out. "He thinks I don't really love him, and that I might have feelings for you. He has this idea that I'd be happier living in Seam. With you."
Gale went perfectly still. Out of the corner of her eye, Katniss saw him swallow slowly, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down in his throat his only visible reaction, as he sat silently, absorbing this latest information.
"And what do you think?" he eventually asked, his voice sounding strangely strained. He avoided looking at her as he picked at the label on his beer bottle with his fingernail.
"What?" Katniss stuttered, her eyes widening. "I think he has his head up his ass! That's what I think! He's crazy if the thinks I don't love him, or would ever cheat on him!"
Gale shifted in his seat beside her. He leant forward, letting his shoulders droop slightly as he looked out over the garden, apparently deep in his own thoughts. After a moment, he shook his head as if trying to regain his focus, and he turned to look at her. Katniss noticed his eyes looked troubled.
"Maybe I should go talk to him. Put him straight that nothing like that has ever gone on between us," he said softly.
"Gale, no, don't. Please don't." Katniss shook her head vigorously, reaching out and placing her hand on his forearm. "I've already told him that. It won't help. The situation between Peeta and I is tense enough as it is – I don't need anything, or anyone, else making things more complicated at the moment. Please don't talk to him. I told Prim to stay out of it earlier, too."
"Ah. I wondered what the frostiness was between you two at dinner," Gale smiled. "But seriously, what if Peeta really does believe there is something going on, between us?" he said, the smile fading from his face again as he became serious. "That's wrong Catnip. He shouldn't accuse you of cheating when we've never done anything wrong."
"He didn't actually accuse me of cheating Gale. Not outright. But he did see us together."
"What do you mean he saw us together?" Gale looked confused.
"He came up to Seam to talk to me about a month after I left and he saw us talking and laughing together outside your house. That's when he figured out I'd been lying to him and he went back home and stopped calling me." Katniss confessed.
Gale shook his head and sighed. "God, what a mess," he muttered. "But it should have been easy enough to straighten out. Didn't you just explain, tell him the truth?"
"I tried to, but then he said he couldn't trust me, because I had already lied to him. There was some other stuff too, about me and him, and the kids." Katniss felt the sting of tears in her eyes again, when she remembered how hurt Peeta had looked that night.
Gale didn't push her on that. "Do you still love him?" he finally asked quietly, his eyes fixed on her face.
"I'll always love him," Katniss answered instantly, her voice flat. "That's about the only thing I'm sure of right now."
Gale nodded, as if confirming something to himself. He let out a deep breath. "Okay. Well, if there is anything I can do to help you know you only have to ask." He picked up his beer again.
Katniss hesitated. There was something Gale could help her with, it was the reason she'd called him. But her pride made her hate asking for favors, even from him. It went against her nature to feel indebted to anyone. But she really didn't see where she had much choice.
"Spit it out Catnip. I know you've something else on your mind," Gale said, eying her sideways as he took a swig from his bottle.
Katniss scowled. Nothing got past him, so she might as well just get it over with. "I'm going to need a job, Gale. Do you know of any openings I would be qualified for? I would love to get back into forest management again, but I'd prefer not to have to travel, because of the kids. I know it's a lot to ask..."
"No, it's not." Gale shook his head. "I don't know of any openings locally at the moment, but I can ask around. And I can put you in touch with Madge over at the Nursery just outside of town. She might have something. It may not be full-time, but its work you'd like, though you're probably over-qualified..."
"Madge, as in Madge Undersee? I thought her Dad ran the Nursery." Katniss interrupted him.
"He did, but he retired and she took over running the business last year," Gale smiled. "I've been working with her for a few weeks now. I did tell you about that last time I saw you."
"I remember. That would be great Gale. I don't care what kind of work it is, once I'm working outdoors, I'll do it. I couldn't bear to be locked up in an office or a store."
"I'll text you her number. Talk to her. I think if she can help, she will. And if you need anything, let me know Katniss, okay?" he nudged her shoulder gently.
"Okay," she nodded. She felt better. Talking to Gale had helped. She shivered slightly in the cool evening air, noticing that it was nearly dark.
Gale drained his beer and stood up, brushing off his pants as he did so. "C'mon, it's getting chilly out here. We better go inside." He reached out a hand to help her up. "We wouldn't want anyone to think we are misbehaving out here."
"Gale!" Katniss exclaimed loudly, slapping him across the leg.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist it," he said, grinning wickedly as he pulled her up. Unexpectedly, he pulled her into a hug.
"You know, he's a damn fool if he lets you go Catnip," he said softly, kissing the crown of her head. "But you'll make it. You're one of the strongest people I know. You can do this."
Peeta paced nervously while waiting for Katniss and Prim to arrive. He and Katniss still hadn't spoken directly, but Prim had texted him to say she would be coming along when they came to pick the kids up.
His morning had started badly. Skye was so over excited at the thought of spending the day with Katniss that she had spilled a full bowl of oatmeal down her dress and all over the floor. Before Peeta had a chance to clean it up, Aran had slipped in the mess and landed hard on his behind, wailing loudly. It took Peeta a while to calm the little boy down, then he had to change both kids into clean clothes. Skye was currently making her way through a replacement bowl of oatmeal.
He felt frazzled and on his last nerve, and it wasn't even 9am yet.
He kept one eye on the kids, and the other anxiously on the window, feeling his heart start to accelerate the second he saw Katniss' car turn the corner at the end of the street. Nervously, he wiped his damp palms on his thighs to dry them as they pulled up outside, and she and Prim climbed out of the car. This was the first time he'd had a chance to look at her unobserved since he'd left her at Prim's over a week ago.
Peeta watched her as she walked slowly up the path, swallowing the sudden tightness in his throat as he drank in the sight of her. She was still so beautiful, but she looked thinner, and the dark circles were still there under her eyes. He could tell with once glance that she wasn't eating or sleeping right. He recognized the same signs on his own face in the mirror every morning – he wasn't sleeping well either, and it wasn't just because of Aran keeping him up nights.
Before they could knock he moved and opened the door. "Hi," he said quietly as he came face-to-face with Katniss. He searched her face once again before his blue eyes locked with her gray ones.
"Hi," she replied evenly, though he could sense the tension radiating from her. "Can I come in?" she asked.
Peeta startled, realizing he had been standing blocking the doorway, while they were sizing each other up. "Oh, sure, um, sorry…" he moved aside, opening the door wider and gesturing for Katniss and Prim to come inside. "The kids are in the kitchen, finishing breakfast. They'll be ready in just a few minutes."
"Thank you," Katniss breathed as she stepped through the door into her former home, closely followed by Prim. They stood awkwardly grouped just inside the front door, none of them quite knowing what to do next.
"I'll go check on the kids," Prim said eying them both and taking the initiative as she slipped past Peeta and into the kitchen, giving Peeta and Katniss some privacy.
"So," Peeta spoke first, rubbing at the back of his neck with one hand before shoving his hands into his pockets. "How have you been?"
"I'm okay," Katniss replied calmly, though her eyes flitted away from his. She didn't seem inclined to say anything else.
"Um, I put some things in a backpack for you that you might need. Skye's blanket, Aran's sippy cup. There are diapers and wipes and a change of clothes for each of them..."
"Peeta, you don't need to fuss. I'm sure we will manage just fine," Katniss said, her tone overly polite and restrained. Peeta could tell she was holding herself firmly in check. "They are my kids, too. I do know how to take care of them. You don't have to worry about them while they're with me."
"Right, I know, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply..." Peeta ran his hands through his hair and huffed loudly. "This is awkward."
"Yes, it is." Katniss agreed. Again, she didn't seem inclined to say anything else. It was plain she didn't want to talk.
"So, you received the papers then?" Peeta asked hesitantly. For some reason, he really needed to see her reaction. "I did call you to see if you wanted to talk about them."
"I got your message," Katniss replied, coldly this time, yet her eyes flashed fire. "I think it's for the best if we just confine ourselves to talking about the kids for now, don't you? Anything else can be dealt with through the lawyers."
"You've hired a lawyer?" he asked, looking up quickly.
"Yes. Isn't that what you're supposed to do when you're served with divorce papers?" she seemed puzzled by his question.
"Yes, I suppose it is," Peeta responded looking down to hide the surprised expression that he was sure crossed his face. He didn't know why he was surprised. He just hadn't expected that she would move so quickly. He fell silent as he pondered how that made him feel.
"There is something I wanted to ask you," Katniss said before the silence got too awkward. "I would like to collect some of my winter clothes and some other personal stuff, like my Dad's plant book. The weather is already turning colder, and I will need my heavier things soon."
"Um, sure." Peeta agreed, though suddenly the thought of her doing so cut through him. "We can arrange that. When did you want to come over?"
"That's what I wanted to ask to you about. I'd rather come by for my things when you're not here, Peeta. I think it would be easier if I get them while you're at work and the kids are at daycare. I think it would be easier for all of us that way. Do you agree?" she raised an eyebrow, waiting for his reply.
"Okay," Peeta agreed, though he felt like he had just been punched in the stomach. This all seemed so unreal. Were they really standing in their hallway discussing Katniss removing her things from the home they had made together? It occurred to him that he really should have seen this coming. Of course she would want her stuff. But where was she going to live? He suddenly felt a wave of panic as he realized that he had no idea where she would go or what she was planning to do next.
"I won't take anything that isn't mine Peeta, you don't need to worry about that," her voice cut into his thoughts. She obviously took his prolonged silence as concern.
"I'm not worried about that," he replied, slightly annoyed. "I haven't changed the locks or anything Katniss, you still have a set of keys. You can come by whenever you want to get whatever you need."
"Thank you," Katniss nodded slightly. She stood self-consciously, one hand clutching the strap of her purse, the other fiddling with the end of her braid.
Peeta raised his eyes to search hers again, seeking some trace of emotion that he could read, anything that would tell him what she was really thinking and feeling, but there was nothing. Her features were impassively blank and her eyes were unreadable.
Peeta frowned. He could tell all her defensive walls were up, and they were just as impenetrable as they ever were. Her impassive expression reminded him of how she had been when they had first met. Back then, she had always kept her emotions carefully closed off from everyone. It had taken him a long time to get her to let those defenses down and to let him in, and now it looked like they were back in place again and stronger than ever. It was like speaking to stranger. He couldn't read her, and he didn't like it.
"Katniss..." he took a sudden step towards her, one hand reaching towards her... but she hastily stepped back, away from him.
"Don't," she flinched. "Please don't touch me." Her eyes flashed a warning and he pulled his hand back immediately.
"Mama!" at just that moment, Skye came flying out the kitchen door, a big smile on her face as she ran and wrapped her arms around Katniss legs. "You came!"
"Hey little girl!" Peeta watched as Katniss immediately forced her face into a cheerful smile as she swooped Skye up in her arms, closing her eyes as she rested her cheek against the crown of their daughter's head. "I'm so happy to see you!" she told her. "Are you looking forward to spending the day with me and your Aunt Prim?"
"I sure am!" Skye answered, her voice excited. "Can we go to the park? I want to play on the swings!"
"Sure, we can do that," Katniss smiled at her again, this time Peeta could tell by the way it lit up her face that it was genuine.
Prim came out of the kitchen, carrying Aran in her arms.
"Hi little guy!" Katniss spoke softly, reaching out to graze his cheek gently with her fingertips. She didn't attempt to coax him from Prim's arms, she just gave him some space as Aran watched her with his big gray eyes. The little boy seemed more relaxed than last time, and didn't flinch or cry at her touch. Peeta let out a deep breath. That was a good sign, at least.
"We're going to be just fine, aren't we?" Katniss murmured, her eyes softening as she watched her son.
But the soft look was gone again when she turned to look at Peeta. "I'll bring them back straight after dinner," she said, the coolness also returning to her voice.
He nodded, finding it hard to speak past the tightness in his throat. "Okay. Have a good day." He bent at the waist to give Skye a hug and pressed a kiss to the crown of Aran's head. "I'll see you then. Call if you need anything."
Katniss nodded, making her way towards the door. She looked like she couldn't wait to escape his presence and their house.
"It'll be okay," Prim whispered to him, as she passed by him following Katniss with Aran in her arms. "Don't worry."
He smiled weakly at her as he shut the door behind them, then turned to lean his back against it. That was horrible. So horrible. How were they going to do that every week from now on?
He closed his eyes, pressing the heels of his hands against them but all he could see was the way Katniss had smiled at Skye and how she had touched Aran's face so tenderly with her fingertips. It reminded him of how she used to enjoy trailing her fingertips down his jaw, usually following their path with her lips.
Peeta suddenly didn't feel like going to work today, but he knew he had no choice, and he'd only regret it if he didn't go in anyway. He needed the distraction and routine work gave him. Shaking himself, he forced himself away from the door and back into the kitchen. He quickly washed up the breakfast dishes, leaving them to drain beside the sink. Glancing at the clock, he grabbed his keys and wallet, locked the house and climbed into his truck, making the short drive into town while trying not to think about Katniss, or her lips, or what had just happened.
Just as he pulled into his parking space outside the bakery, his felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Pulling it out and glanced at the caller display. "Seneca Crane" flashed on the screen.
"Damn it," he swore under his breath. He was already late opening up, and this was going to delay him further. Could his day get any worse?
"Good morning Mr. Mellark," he heard the smooth tones of his lawyer as he answered the call.
"Yes, Mr. Crane, good morning." Peeta replied, thinking of the irony of that statement, considering how crappy his morning had been so far. "And please, it's Peeta. Mr. Mellark is my father," he said.
"Peeta," the lawyer acknowledged. "I'm calling to give you an update on how matters are proceeding. Is now a good time to talk?"
"Sure," Peeta replied. Now was as good a time as any. Better to take the call now, then try to return it later in the bakery where he had no privacy from either customers or his family.
"I've been contacted by my colleague, Mr. Plutarch Heavensbee, in relation to your petition. He advised me he will be representing your wife, Katniss, in these proceedings."
"Oh," Peeta replied, not knowing what else to say. He knew Plutarch by sight and by reputation, his offices were based on the other side of the town square.
"I have some other news, and it's good Peeta," the lawyer continued.
"Really? And that would be…?" he prompted. For the life of him, he couldn't think of anything positive about this situation.
"Mr. Heavensbee has confirmed that his client has instructed him to proceed on the basis that she will not contest the divorce in any way. The only thing your wife has requested is shared custody of the minors, which you have already indicated to me you are prepared to agree to. She will not be seeking any part of the marital resources or property. I'm happy to tell you that once mandatory mediation is completed it should be a very quick process to have your divorce finalized."
Peeta's stomach dropped as he processed Seneca's words and the full meaning behind them.
Katniss wasn't going to fight the divorce. She wanted nothing from him. Not only that, she told him this morning she wanted to take her stuff out of the house. Katniss must really want out of this marriage much more then he suspected.
"So, if Katniss has agreed to everything, what is the next step, Mr. Crane?" he asked, his voice coming out rough as he fought to control his emotions.
"We'll set a date for mediation. Mr. Heavensbee and I are both confident it will be fairly straightforward. Unless mediation brings up any major differences between you and your wife in relation to the minors, everything should go smoothly. If terms can be agreed in mediation, then there may not be a need for a court hearing. This could all be behind you in a few short weeks, Peeta." The lawyer sounded almost jubilant to be delivering him this news.
"Weeks?" Peeta repeated, his eyes widening in shock. Twelve years to build, and only a few short weeks to put it all behind him.
He rubbed his forehead, trying to ward off the tension headache he knew was going to blind him later. He couldn't hear any more right now, it was too much. "Thank you for calling me, Mr. Crane," he said quickly, "I'm sorry, but I have to go. You'll let me know when you have a date for the mediation?"
"Of course, Peeta. I'll speak to you soon," the lawyer said, and disconnected the call.
Peeta closed his eyes and slumped down in the front seat of his truck, still gripping his phone in his hand as he tried to process his thoughts racing through his head. He felt an overwhelming sadness settle over him. So that was it. This was his answer. Rather than fighting for him, Katniss was agreeing to ending their marriage, with no conditions. She didn't even want half of what technically, she could take from him.
He sat for a few more minutes, before finally forcing himself out of his truck to go and open the bakery. As he unlocked the door, he glanced to his left, and caught sight of something that made a rush of fury pour through his veins. Just a hundred yards away, strolling out of Starbucks, cup of coffee in one hand, was a tall, dark-haired man with olive skin and gray eyes. Peeta stared, not believing what he was seeing. Gale Hawthorne was back in town. What the hell was Gale doing back here? Why now? This couldn't be a coincidence. Peeta kept watching as Gale climbed into a green truck. He felt his hands clenching into fists as for a brief moment, as he fought with an impulse to march up the street and confront him, but instead he pushed his way into the bakery, slamming the door behind him.
His day just got a whole lot worse.
So finally, here it is - sorry for the delay in this chapter folks. I'd like to thank my friend KnottedEnergy and my beta Kismet4891 for their infinite patience and hand holding when I was having some massive freak outs over this story in the last two weeks! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you both.
Hope you enjoy, and I hope the next chapter does not take as long! - Questions are welcome - I'm on tumblr - Louezem.