more fluff; kind of a sequel of sorts to yesterday’s fluff if you squint
He didn’t want this.
He loved her.
But this was his mission. She was his mission. He knew the consequences. It would be worse for everyone if he didn’t go through with it.
He could hear her breathing, loud and sharp, just beyond the corner of the wall. The sound nearly broke his resolve, but considering the alternative, there was no other option. He clenched his jaw.
Katniss used to tell him that his stealth was pitiable. If only she could see him now. Along the wall he crept, ever nearer to his unsuspecting prey. Biting his lip, and steadying himself, he rounded the corner and pounced.
Her screams rent the quiet morning as he grasped her wriggling body in his strong arms. She flailed her fists at his shoulders and kicked her feet but to no avail. He was much stronger, and he hauled her down the corridor, following the noise of the water.
“I’m sorry,” he said, “I really didn’t want to do this.”
“Let go!” she wailed. “Please!”
“I wish I could, baby girl,” he sympathized, “… but your mother is right, my willow catkin. You need a bath.”
“But Papa, I don’t wanna bath!” his daughter complained loudly, trying to divest herself of her towel as Peeta nudged open the door to the bathroom with his foot. Katniss, kneeling by the tub and checking the temperature, sighed with relief as he entered.
“I hate being the bad guy,” he groused at her as he set their squirming toddler in her arms. Katniss raised a brow at him.
“Do you want to wash her?” she questioned pointedly.
“I’m not sure if drenching and covered in soap is how I want to present myself to my customers this morning, no.”
“Thought so,” she said, scooping a handful of bubbles into Willow’s hand in an attempt to placate her and getting a face full of water and a petulant squeal in return. “Willow!”
“Besides,” he said, bending to give her a goodbye kiss. “I happen to think the wet shirt look suits you better than it does me.”
That earns him a splashed pant leg from his wife, but he doesn’t mind, because his point still stands. Mission accomplished, he sets himself to the far less daunting task of making apple-strudels.
this is one of those “scenes I’ll never write” from my story, the Light and the Red, but could also work in the context of any “Katniss convinces Snow” Catching Fire AU and is honestly just an excuse for me to make up wedding traditions for District 12 because why not?
Cinna has been so kind to her mother.
"I hear you might like to prepare Katniss a bath," he'd said when she'd come into the studio, out of place in her gray gown with jars of herbs wrapped in her thin arms, against a background of marble and gold.
"Yes please," Prim answered for her.
"It's a tradition," her mother murmured. "A bridal bath ... back home ... at least when I was growing up."
Well this isn't home, but Katniss is too tired to argue. The train ride was so long and Haymitch was so drunk and Peeta barely spoke to her. So here she is, soaking in a bath of calendula and peppermint and rose petals. And though she resisted at first, now, with the clock ticking ever closer to the ceremony, she doesn't think she ever wants to leave.
"Katniss." That's Prim, looking beautiful in scarlet, her hair braided with diamonds. "You're going to turn into a prune if you stay in there any longer."
"Good," she grouses, "maybe Peeta won't want to marry a prune." She sinks further into the soap bubbles.
"You're the one that suggested this, Katniss," Prim reminds her softly. "Come on; Cinna's got your dress laid out."
Katniss emerges from the bubbles. Prim strokes her wet hair. "You're going to be gorgeous," she bolsters. "Yards of gossamer and pearls."
"I would have preferred Grandma Lissy’s dress."
"But that wouldn't be very ... how did Effie put it?"
"Divine," Katniss says, "simply divine."
Prim laughs and unfurls a towel. "That’s it. It's going to be quite the spectacle," she says. "People are packing the streets."
Like the Reaping, Katniss thinks, but she doesn't say it aloud. A knock comes at the door. "Katniss," coaxes Cinna, "I've ordered some chocolate strawberries for you to have while I do your hair."
Katniss gives a sigh. Everyone is being so good to her. She doesn't deserve it: her mother with this silly bridal bath, and Cinna with his bribe of chocolate, and poor Peeta, agreeing to this insane plan in the first place. And Prim. She takes her sister's hand.
"Promise you'll be with me, little duck?" It comes out more plaintive than she means it to.
Prim kisses her forehead and Katniss feels something of their father in the gesture. "Promise."
just a tiny bit of cute today, in honor of the storm that came through last night
It’s a stormy summer day, rain pattering against the windows, the trees outside swaying in the hard wind, the sound of thunder somewhere beyond the foothills — but the bakery is as cozy as can be, with candles lit on the tables, and the delicious scent of fresh sourdough in the air.
Katniss fidgets with the front of her dress, curling her fingers in the fabric and releasing it nervously, tapping her boots against the clean wood floor. Peeta’s helping a customer at the counter, happily conversing about a new book shop that’s being built while he bags bread.
Hurry up!
“Have a good day, Mr. Mellark,” says the customer and their feet are barely out the door before Katniss is on her own feet and hurrying over to the counter.
She’d been wracking her brain for a creative way to tell him this, but she’s starting to feel sick to her stomach, and she’s not even sure if she can get the words out.
“Well, good morning,” Peeta says, smiling and gathering up a sack of recently delivered flour, indicating for her to follow him into the back. “And what can I do for such a lovely young lady today? I’ve just made some orange —”
“I’m pregnant,” she gets out in a little squeak.
He drops the bag and flour bursts over both of them.
this one I might work on some more/turn into a sequel to this story; in any case, it’s set in a universe where Peeta isn’t Reaped, Prim wins the 74th Games, Gale and Madge get hitched, and Peeta and Katniss make awkward heart eyes at each other in the background
There’s music coming from somewhere in the Seam — some old miner probably, too infirm to crawl down into the dark pits under the earth, but with nimble enough fingers to pluck a banjo.
Madge taps her foot against the wash bucket, swaying to the sound. She imagines Gale would be able to pick out what the tune is, but she doesn’t know it. She’s adjusted well to life in the poorest part of the District. She doesn’t mind the lack of running water or the draft. She even enjoys hanging their clothes out to dry in the late summer dusk, Roan a softly snoring weight against her chest, secured to her in a bunting wrap. But there’s a lot about the culture she’s yet to learn. It’s strange; she’s lived in 12 her whole life, but that was as Madge Undersee. Madge Hawthorne feels very new to all of this.
Her mother isn’t pleased. “I miss hearing you play piano,” she complains, never mind the fact that Madge is over every other day to practice. Madge heaves a sigh. Maybe she’ll learn to play the miner’s song; maybe her mother will understand more if she gets a taste of Seam music.
“No horse I’ll yoke, or pipe I smoke, till the rust in my plough turn brown. And a smiling bride by my own fireside sits the star of the County Down.”
Gale is coming up the dirt track, swinging his lunch pail. His face is covered in coal dust, but he’s heard the song and though he’s no great singer, her heart gives a leap.
“Are those the words?” she calls to him.
“They’re what my Pa taught me at least,” he says, nudging open the gate with his foot and pecking her lips and the top of his son’s head. “The song’s very old. From a place called Island Land I think. I don’t know, that might be one the places that was swept away in the floods.”
“I’m learning something new every day,” she says.
“As am I.”
“Oh? And what are you learning?”
“I’m learning that I don’t mind going to the mines in the morning if this is the sight I get to come home to every night.”
This is the next to last chapter of the ? story. For #ToastConCountdown T-1. I hope to have the name finalized for the last installment. Thank you to @theanonymousreader21 tagging me on this prompt and for @norbertsmom who is more than a beta she’s my friend. To the ladies who planed Toastcon @everlarkedalways & @dandeliononfire, I can’t wait to have Coffee & Tea with you both! You can read Previous Pts here:
PT 1 2 3 4 5
Peeta turned quickly grabbing his sword. “Touch her and I swear you will die.”
Suddenly two men jumped inside and tackled Peeta to the ground.
“Let go of him!” Katniss yelled, righting her clothing.
She was pulled out of the way by one of the men and dragged out of the tent. Katniss heaved as she glanced around the small camp; they were surrounded. Twenty of her uncle’s finest guards stood with their swords drawn staring menacingly at Haymitch and the rest. Their dark clothing with her uncle’s signature of a lion holding a white rose. The Queen’s men had a red rose.
Peeta was brought out by two men. Haymitch, Finnick, and Darius were bound. Katniss made her way to them and stood near Peeta. She was dressed in a man’s garb and was thought, therefore, as a less than a virtuous woman.
“Well, well, what have we here?” One of the King’s guards came close to Katniss.
“Don’t touch her. She’s my wife,” Peeta growled. He lunged at the man and was immediately pulled back.
“Enough,” Boggs ordered. “Get them on the cart. No one touches the girl.”
“Capitan Boggs,” a guard on horseback appeared.
“Report,” Boggs asked.
Katniss strained her ears, but could not hear anything as more horsed riders appeared. She was sure the Kingsmen were either looking for her or they were here to arrest Peeta and his group. A horse-drawn covered cart pulled up. They were unceremoniously tossed inside.
“Are you alright?” Peeta asked, getting close to her.
“I am well,” Katniss looked down. They hadn’t bound her hands and she crept near Peeta. She untied his hands, before undoing the others.
“What happened?” Peeta asked.
“Darius fell asleep again,” Haymitch said.
“When I woke up we were surrounded.” Finnick rubbed his face.
Darius was red-faced and looked down. “I was tired.”
“What do you suppose they will do with us?” Katniss was worried. The moment they arrived within her uncle’s presence she would be discovered.
Peeta gathered her in his arms, “I don’t know.”
They traveled quickly and the ride in the wagon was not comfortable. Soon they heard the call to lower the gates. Finnick quickly fashioned a knot around their wrists that could easily be undone, then tied his own.
When they stopped, they were brought out. Katniss’ blood rushed to her ears and she could hear her heart thundering in her chest the moment she recognized her surroundings.
Boggs was waiting for them. All around servants rushed forward to attend to the horses. Boggs waived his hand. The thick-necked man she tied up yesterday came forward dressed in the king’s guard’s garb. “Brutus are these the men you accuse of thieving you?”
“They are,” the man called Brutus nodded.
Boggs walked over to the horses. “Intriguing, prithee are these the King’s steeds Brutus?”
“They are!” The man exclaimed.
“These are not the King’s horses, Brutus.”
“They are. The Queen ordered it so,” Brutus defended.
“Brutus, I serve the King faithfully, not the Queen and her mad edicts. I know each horse contained within the King’s stable. In fact, I have branded them all with the King’s seal. These steeds do not bear the King’s mark.” Boggs turned to face them. “The question then begs to be asked, Who are you and why has the Queen ordered for your death?”
“Katniss,” Primrose exclaimed.
Katniss turned in the direction of her sister.
The men bowed, as Primrose made her way.
“Your Royal Highness,” Boggs greeted.
“Sire,” Prim said demurely.
“You know this woman?” Boggs questioned.
“Yes, she is the Crown Princess, my sister her Royal Highness Katniss of the house of Everdeen.”
“You a Princess!” Darius blurted.
Katniss closed her eyes. Her deception was uncovered and she stood like Eve before all of creation, naked to scrutiny. There was no way she would be able to avoid marriage to a stranger now.
“You have found her, my sister,” Primrose whispered. “Quickly, please tend to her. No doubt she is need of substance.”
Katniss looked down as she was led away. She could feel Peeta’s eyes on her back.
Hours later she sat back in her gilded cage looking out of her room.
Her sister stood in the background. “You have no idea the uproar you caused with your pathetic stunt Katniss. Thank goodness the Prince has yet to arrive and dear Plutarch had the foresight to send word to our Uncle the King. That good man Boggs arrived here less than three days after you disappeared.”
Katniss could not look at her sister. Her mind was on the men who she’d fought beside. The man whose arms she craved. She could only guess what they were doing to him and the others. “It does not matter, I will never be able to escape this, never be able to…” She stood and gave her sister a watery smile. “I shall be counted amongst the living, but I shall live amongst the dead.”
“What do you mean? Are you mad?” Primrose said grasping her by the arms. She let go and suddenly whispered, “Katniss? Sister are you well? Do I need to fetch a physician?”
“She’s in love, Primrose,” her mother’s voice filled the room.
“In love,” Primrose frowned.
“With the blond man. She was holding his hand when they arrived.”
“She’s to marry a Prince! She cannot be in love!” Primrose shrieked.
“Primrose, a woman’s voice must not be louder than a whisper,” their mother scolded.
“But mother.” Their mother gave Primrose a harsh stare that caused her to shut her mouth.
“I’ve made an inquiry. Boggs claimed the blond man said they were married.”
Primrose adjusted her voice, “She is duty bound to marry the Prince of Panem!”
“I was duty bound to marry a Saxon. I fell in love with your father and your Uncle allowed me to marry him. Your father was a Page at the time, but in the field of battle, he saved your Uncle’s life. He became a knight and soon he’d become Sir Everdeen the Valiant.” Her mother came to stand before Katniss, she took her hand squeezed it. “You love him?”
Katniss nodded and tears fell from her eyes. “I did not want for this disturbance.”
“Oh my dear girl,” her mother chuckled. “Love is worse. It’s a storm.”
“Mother, what if the Prince shows up. We shall lose the dowry and all because she fell in love with a vagabond…a common thief!”
“Is he a thief?” Her mother turned on Primrose. “You ought not to be so prejudiced Primrose. A good woman with morals should treat her fellow man with honor and decency, no matter what his station in life.”
“Yes, mother,” Primrose said demurely.
“I did not hear Capitan Boggs call him such. Did you?” Her mother raised an eyebrow.
“No mother,” Primrose said quietly.
“In fact, whilst you were demoralizing your sister, who has not done anything but feed you, care for you, raise you to be a Lady! I was making a careful inquest of the events. The thieves in this instance were the Queen’s men who besieged those poor men and stole their goods. Then deceived Boggs. I have sent a notice to my brother, the King, who is to arrive here before the wedding.”
“You mean to have me married still?” Katniss whispered.
“Oh my little one,” Her mother caressed her cheek and looked at her with kind eyes.
“Mother you don’t mean to marry Katniss to that, that, that commoner.”
“Primrose, perhaps you need to stay a season with the nuns to learn the act of humility.”
“Me a nun…” Primrose whispered. “Plutarch will not allow it.”
“Plutarch does what the King demands.” Her mothers’ strong tone made no mistake, Primrose was in deep trouble. She turned to Katniss, “You should prepare to face the inevitable. You will have to marry the Prince tomorrow. But I shall advocate for you, my heart.”
Katniss nodded, understanding what her mother implied. The King was arriving with her betrothed and most undoubtedly she was going to be wed. Unless a miracle occurred.
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who’ve provided me with smiles, by your comments and Im’ing me. Thank you.Thank you to @everlarkedalways & @dandeliononfire who because of your hard efforts our fandom would not be meeting. #ToastConCountdown T-2 DAYS! Rated G. Thank you to @theanonymousreader21 for tagging me with this prompt. Also to @norbertsmom who is my wonderful beta! You can catch up here:
PT1 2 3 4
Katniss heart palpitated. “I will not be counted as a thief!”
Peeta grinned. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and she was nearly beguiled to join his tomfoolery. She turned away from Peeta and the pendant she wore against her breast reminded her she was her father’s daughter. She might not want to marry a stranger but she was honorable like her father. Katniss could not tarnish his memory.
“Join us,” Peeta persuaded.
Katniss could not believe he wanted her to join him in his merry jaunt to take what did not belong to him. Angrily, she pushed him and he fell into the river. When he got up, Katniss couldn’t help but gawk at his physique through his white undershirt. He was muscular and her hands shook, but the look in his eyes was wild. She snapped out of her daze. Katniss took off as quick as a jackrabbit. She ran as fast as she could, trying to put distance between her and Peeta. Katniss sorely wished to be able to scale a tree but with her bow in her hand, she would have to stop and put it inside of her sheath.
As she ran she heard Peeta yell, “Find her!”
Katniss’ heart pumped through her chest as she deftly jumped over a fallen tree only to come to a steep ravine. She nearly went over the edge if not for Peeta. His arms encircled her from behind and lifted her up in the air. “Are you daft, woman?”
Katniss screamed, not out of fear but frustration at getting caught by his familiar arms. “No, just anxious to be rid of your presence! I demand you release me,” Katniss tried to order him, or at least try to get him to listen to her.
“I am afraid after this demonstration you are stuck with me, My Lady." Peeta set her down and took her weapons.
"You uncouth ruffian! Those are mine, you flincher!" Katniss flew at him, trying to get back her bow and sheath.
"Tisk, tisk, such words coming from such a pretty mouth." He easily picked her up again and threw her over his shoulders as if she weighed nothing.
"Ugghhh," she shouted in frustration.
“Now, now My Lady. What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you traverse such an uneven dirty floor?”
He mocked her; the way he used the term for a Noble bred woman dripped with sarcasm and she got angrier. “I loathe you!”
“Pray thee wash thy mouth out with mint for you a foul versed female.”
She punched his side. He grunted.
“I found her,” Peeta shouted into the woods.
“Must we keep her?” Darius grumbled, coming out of the woods with a leaf sticking out of his hair.
“Yes," Peeta said brightly.
“Mark my words, Peeta. She will be the end of us," Darius huffed.
They arrived back at camp. The bodies were moved and the man she tied up was nowhere to be found. They were quickly clearing up their camp. It almost looked like there hadn’t been a skirmish.
“Well look who decided to finally show up.” Finnick then frowned. “Why are you wet Peeta?”
“She pushed him in the lake,” Darius laughed.
“Bested by a slip of a lass?” Finnick questioned, though he doubled over in mirth.
Peeta plopped her on the ground and found a bit of twine and tied up her wrists. He grinned. “You all have been bested by her.”
“Are we ready to go?” Haymitch asked, coming out of the woods, riding a horse while leading two others. “I recovered three horses. They left them behind in their haste.” The laughter died down but she could see in their faces the ribbing would not end soon.
Katniss saw the shrewd look Haymitch gave her. She looked away but noted the two horses were pack horses. They carried many packages.
Haymitch dismounted and handed the reins to Finnick.
“Well thanks to the lass we were able to obtain goods of value,” Finnick said as he inspected the horses.
“I still say we get rid of her. She’s nothing but trouble,” Darius grumbled.
Haymitch stopped in front of Katniss. “Darius, if you were half as good as this girl you would’ve been knighted by now.” He turned to Peeta. “Why are you all wet?”
Haymitch’s question started the laughter all over again.
“You crooked-nosed knaves, we’ve lost half of the morning. We need to depart quickly.” Haymitch put a stop to their jesting.
The camp was cleared quickly.
“Ride out,” Haymitch ordered.
“Come,” Peeta said.
Katniss followed behind. She lifted her bound hands expecting for him to tie her to the horse and have her walk by its side. Instead, he picked her up and settled her on the horse. He then mounted behind her. She was surprised by his act of kindness after she’d pushed him into the river.
“What do I call you?”
Katniss didn’t want to give him her name. They were outlaws. She scowled and refused to look at him.
“Well if you do not wish to grant me your name, I shall call you My Lady. You may call me Peeta.”
“I have a better name for you, you louse!” Katniss spat.
Peeta breathed into her neck. She turned to face him, and his mouth was close to hers. The combination of those heavenly blue eyes and his spicy sent caused a shiver to travel up her spine.
“As long as it’s your sweetness I sample then call me whatever you wish, My Lady.”
Within moments they were off at a breakneck speed. Katniss held on to the saddle as the steed raced along the wooded area until they came up on the road. They rode quickly throughout the day until the evening approached.
They settled in a small clearing, near a stream. Katniss did her fair share to contribute to the group. Her knowledge of plants and her skill at hunting afforded them the ability to have a rabbit stew. Katniss was exhausted after riding all day and she missed the signs, the rustling in the bushes.
The boar rushed right out at her. She would nock her arrow but it was too close. She turned to run when out of nowhere Peeta appeared and buried his sword into the animal.
“Are you alright?” Peeta ran toward her.
“You saved my life.” Katniss breathed harshly.
“You saved mine in the tent yesterday.” Peeta smiled.
“I guess we are feasting tonight, wild boar and rabbit stew.”
“I think there’s some bread in the packs.” He stared at her warmly.
At his look, Katniss felt her heart skip a beat. What was it about this man that caused her body to have strange sensations, sensations that bordered on madness. Her skin prickled, her hands became drenched, her mouth dry, and her body shivered with a sort of anticipation of an unknown event.
“Yes,” Katniss nodded nervously. “That will be good.”
“I’ll have Darius make work of the boar.”
She nodded and headed into camp quickly. Her mind kept on slipping to her situation with Peeta. She shyly glanced at him as she prepared the evening meal. None of the others raised the same odd bodily acts within her. Finnick was nice to behold but he didn’t inspire the same type of heart palpitations. Her eyes turned to Darius and she grimaced. Haymitch was old and cagy. He also didn’t seem to agree to her being amongst them.
“He’s not for you,” Haymitch said beside her.
“I beg your pardon.” Katniss stirred the pot.
“You have the personality of a slug and you will never measure up to him.”
Katniss looked up at the Haymitch. He didn’t know she was the Crown Princess and she had half-a-mind to tell him. She refrained. “Dinner will be done soon. I suppose I am good enough to make a meal.”
Haymitch laughed. “That is yet to be determined.”
Haymitch walked away and Katniss was furious, but his words struck her. They played on her mind the entire meal. Peeta suggested she rest in the tent. Given Haymitch’s words, she was leery of his invitation, but she did as he requested. She could not sleep. The men were speaking, carrying on when she heard them mention ‘My Lady’. She stood by the flap and she could hear them speaking about her.
"Who do you think she is?" Finnick asked.
“I say she’s a filch,” Darius complained loudly.
“She’s a rich one then, for her clothing is of fine quality, despite its humble colors,” Finnick said, amused.
“I say we bring the wench to the nearest village,” Darius said. “Tisn’t natural, traveling with females.”
“The nearest village so that they can turn her into a nun of Venus?” Peeta sounded upset.
Katniss didn’t know what a nun of Venus was but she was sure it wasn’t good. She wondered what was so wrong with a place where Nuns reside. Curious, she tried to inch forward to listen.
“Calm down Peeta. Darius is only jesting,” Finnick said.
Katniss saw Peeta walk away and Finnick followed behind him.
“What I say?” Darius asked.
“You have the intelligence of a fly,” Haymitch said.
"I am smart!" Darius stood, hands on hips, frowning.
"If you must proclaim it to the world at large, then you are not," Haymitch countered back.
While they were speaking Katniss saw an opportunity to escape. She slipped out of the tent using the semi-darkness to slip past them into the wooded area.
“Leaving me already, My Lady,” Peeta appeared out of the darkness.
Katniss was glad for the darkness. She didn’t want him to see her guilty face. “Can you understand why?”
He shrugged, “It’s dangerous for you to be traveling alone. I offer you my protection. There are men in this world that would have done unspeakable things to you, had you been in their hands.”
Katniss had no doubt what he spoke of was true. “I do not wish to tarnish the good name of my father. He was an honorable man…” Katniss was tempted to say more but did not want to. She glanced away from his face.
Peeta put his finger under her chin and tipped it up. His face was close to hers. “Your father was important to you?”
“Yes,” she whispered as the memories of the only person who loved her for who she was surfaced. A silent tear slipped from her eye and traveled down her cheek
His thumb wiped the tear but another fell. “What vexes thee? Why such sadness?”
She shook her head. Her emotions choked and robbed her of speech. Katniss was alone in this cruel world. Her sister had pointed out her flaws. She was not docile, not gentle, or quiet. Primrose was the quintessential lady. Now she had the death of a man upon her shoulders, and she was cavorting with thieves.
She was not fit to be anyone’s wife, daughter, or sister. She was a problem that needed to be dealt with. Even the others in the camp speculated how to get rid of her.
“Oh that I could wipe away your pain,” Peeta whispered. He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, another upon her cheek and then his lips brushed up against hers. It was a chaste kiss but its potency nearly made her knees buckle. He embraced her and she laid her cheek upon his chest. Her hands gripping the fabric of his shoulders.
“Boy,” Haymitch shouted into the darkness.
“Coming,” Peeta said though his blue eyes were darkened as deep currents passed between them. He extended his arm, “My Lady.”
Katniss smiled goofily and allowed him to escort her back to camp. Haymitch gave them both a disapproving look, as by now he was the only one awake.
Katniss went inside of the tent. Peeta stayed outside. She lay down, her fingers touching her lips. She could still recall the pressure of his warm lips on hers, the way his hand brushed up against her cheek before encircling her into his embrace. How secure and wanted she felt in his arms. Her eyes closed and when next she awoke she found herself surrounded by Peeta. She was beginning to need that spicy cinnamon scent of his to be around her.
She lay with her head upon his chest, his steady heartbeat her new favorite hymn. He looked so peaceful sleeping, younger than his years. Katniss reached up and touched his face and found he had blond fuzz on his cheek. His lips looked delicious. She wiggled up and leaned forward to kiss him.
Peeta opened his eyes just as she leaned down. His hands cupped her face and guided her forward. Her heart raced and goosebumps formed on her skin. Peeta turned them so that she was on her back and he above her. Her fingers mingled in his soft hair before pulling him down. As the kiss deepened, Katniss was lost in a sea of wondrous pleasure. His mouth made a meal of hers.
“Peeta,” she whispered as his mouth traveled to her neck.
His hands released her hair and he glanced down at her with warmth. “You are a beauty, My Lady.”
Katniss smiled as he leaned forward and kissed her once more. His hand traveled to her neck. He reeled back and his hand pulled forth the pendant. His looked at her with shock upon his face. Katniss sat up, wondering why Peeta reacted that way to her pendant.
The flap of the tent was pulled open. Surprised, they turned to find Capitan Boggs, the head of the King’s men staring straight at them. The last time Katniss had seen Boggs was when he brought the tidings of her mother’s impending wedding.
Her stomach dropped to her feet. Things were about to get worse.
T-3 Days until ToastCon!! I think @everlarkedalways & @dandeliononfire are doing a phenomenal job not to mention all of the participation for @lovely-tothe-bone ToastConTest you all are doing some wonderful things and also @rosegardeninwinter I want to HUG you tightly for participating in ToastConCountdown I still don’t have a name no one’s really voted hopefully tonight we’ll get somewhere. Special Thanks to @norbertsmom who at the 11th hour finished betaing my grand messed up doc. To @theanonymousreader21 for tagging me in this prompt. RATED T- mention of death and violence. If you want to find out what happened before look up #ToastConCountdown and look for the ? for the other parts to the story.
He loosened his hold on her. “Don’t be afraid. I am not going to harm you.”
His slack hold was Katniss’ way out. Without batting an eye she shifted her knee up and delivered a blow in an area her father once told her rendered men useless. He groaned, his eyes became wide with pain. Katniss pushed him off her. Getting up, she quickly ran toward the tree with her weapon, but as she scaled the tree, she was plucked from it by large hands.
Looking to her side, she saw a bronzed man. He was taller than the blond who found her. A giant really with a strong physique.
“Finnick be careful with-” the blond man grunted from the ground.
"I have the lad don't worry," Finnick replied.
Katniss used her body weight to pitch herself to the side causing the man called Finnick to lose balance. He threw her and like a cat, she landed on her hands and feet, but lost her bow in the scuffle. Finnick rolled down the short embankment.
“That’s it, you shall taste the steel of my blade,” the red-headed man swore. He was the shortest and thinnest of all of them. No doubt he could move quickly, like a small field mouse in the tall grass.
As he approached, she took the blond man's discarded sword recalling her father's lessons. The clash of metal filled the night air as she fought off her attacker. Katniss maintained her distance only thrusting when she had the opportunity to strike or tire her opponent out. He lunged at her and she spun and hit him in the back with the hilt of the sword.
"AAGGHHH!" The redhead yelled at the sharp hit. “Why you little-" he growled. He spun around and charged at her.
Katniss ran toward him intending to jump over him and escape. She noted the man called Finnick coming out of the ditch. He was heading straight for them. Katniss quickly changed her stance and grabbed the redheads arm as she jumped over him and used her momentum to spin him into the man who had caught her climbing the tree. They fell tangled onto the ground.
She was about to run when she was tackled to the ground. The scent of cinnamon wafted around her, the blond. He pinned her to the ground with her arms above her head and her legs parted wide around his middle. “Let go of me, you infidel!”
He grinned down at her. “I’m an infidel, yet I caught you trying to steal a horse?”
“I wasn’t going to steal your horse!” Katniss spat.
“Oh really, then why were you hiding?”
“Because...” Katniss struggled against him. This time she did not have the element of surprise; he blocked her moves.
“Stop fighting me. I told you I mean you no harm?” He pressed closer to her.
“Yet you drew your sword!” Katniss ground moving about.
“Because you were trying to steal our horses.” He grunted laying himself on her.
The full weight of him should have been uncomfortable. She should have found intrusive, but she did not. It was welcoming and felt familiar. Katniss wondered if this was what the priest referred to as a woman’s sinful nature.
“No! I was not!” Katniss tried to once more get away but he tightened his hold on her.
“Where did he learn to fight like that.” The man with the red hair came within her view. “Glory be, he’s a woman?” He stood mouth ajar.
“Shut your mouth, Darius; you’ll catch flies,” Finnick said coming into view. He wiped the trickle of blood from his mouth. "For a small lass, you are a very skilled in the art of war."
He was very handsome but Katniss didn’t trust him. She didn't trust any of them. She turned her face refusing to speak to him.
“Well, Finnick what will we do with her?” The one holding her asked.
Katniss scowled up at the blond. She had yet to find out his name.
“You caught her. It’s up to you what you want to do with her.” Finnick winked.
Katniss was ready to spit in Finnick’s face for his daring remark. If she could get her hands on her bow, she’d shoot an arrow through his eye.
“I think I want to keep her.” Her captor’s voice was laced with humor. “She's rather fetching.” He grinned. His frank appraisal of her person should have outraged her, but oddly enough, she could feel her cheeks warming up. Men never found her attractive. Their attentions were always focused on her sister.
“You find that hellion fetching?” Finnick laughed. “My boy, you are daft.”
“Well true, I will have to sleep with a blade on my person, but I would risk it for a boon from the lady.”
"Look, you've made her blush." Darius laughed.
Trapped and defenseless, Katniss had to find a way to scare them, although she knew they had the upper hand. “If you touch me, I will kill you.”
He loosened his hold only to sit on the ground and drag her up. The man named Finnick tied a rope around her wrists.
“I wouldn’t make threats against him,” another man said from the darkness.
Katniss saw this man approach. He was older. His eyes similarly shaded to hers. They also held wisdom as he did not react like the other two. Katniss observed him. He was the dangerous one. This man controlled the other three.
He raised an eyebrow and looked to the man holding her. A look was exchanged between them. The one holding her gave her a grin showing his dimples. “Haymitch, I think we should bring her with us.”
“I am sure they will give you a good price for a horse thief. Though I don't think she's as fetching as you think."
Katniss didn't like the threat and it fueled her fire to find a way to escape.
"Alright you young fools, let us to bed," Haymitch grumbled, heading back to the camp. “Darius, you’re next since you couldn’t hold yourself against a diminutive female.”
“What,” Darius groused.
“Do as your told red, and wake me when it’s my turn for the watch.” Finnick turned to them. “I’d keep that blade handy. Something tells me she’s well equipped to fight.” He held up her bow and sheath of arrows.
“Give those back to me!”
“Peeta, maybe we should dispose of her,” Finnick gave her a hooded gaze like that of a predator right before it attacked.
Peeta laughed. “How should we do it?”
“Well if she gives you trouble you can summon the wolves and draw and quarter her and feed her pieces to the pack.” Finnick laughed as he strode away.
“Come along, my Lady. You are sleeping with me.”
Katniss shook her head. She didn’t want to go with him. Horrific gruesome tales filled her head of men who killed and fed women to the wolves came to mind. “Please, don’t feed me to the wolves.”
Peeta stopped walking and gave her a serious look. “Maybe I will. I am not sure yet.”
For all of her bravado, Katniss felt her knees weaken as she descended into darkness.
Katniss woke up feeling groggy and her first thought was to check her person for any forceful wrongdoings. Her clothes didn't look disturbed. Other than a mild headache, her body felt the same. She glanced toward the flap of the tent.
It was still dark outside. Glancing around the tent, she searched for her bow and her sheath of arrows. They were leaning up against the wall. Last night her plan to escape to her relatives had gone afoul. She was captured by men who threatened to cut her into pieces and feed her to wild animals. Frustrated, she grunted. Her hands twisted to test how tightly the knot was made.
As she lay there trying to decide what to do next, she heard voices coming from the outside of the tent. The voices got louder until they were yelling, “We want our horses back!”
“You will taste the steel blade of my sword first,” Darius growled.
“You filched our horses,” A man with a thicker voice growled back.
“Gentlemen, I am sure we can come to an agreement,” Haymitch said.
“YOU RETURN OUR BELONGINGS AND YOU SHALL NOT PERISH!” The man with the thick voice threatened.
Katniss could hear steel sword slipping out of the scabbard. She tried to sit up, desperately searching the tent for something sharp to remove her binding. She needed to escape before the fighting began. There was no telling what would happen to her if she was caught in the fray.
The men who captured her had not caused her harm. Nonetheless, the unfamiliar voices of the men who were yelling at them did not sound capable of bequeathing human kindness to a female dressed in men’s garments.
Katniss managed to sit up in a kneeling position. Within moments she heard the cry of war, steel clashing against steel, and the nervous bray of horses as the tranquility was disturbed. The tent flap opened and Peeta flew in with a large, thick-necked man. They struggled on the floor. Katniss saw an opportunity as Peeta knocked the man he was struggling with down next to her. His sword fell in front of her. Even though her wrists were tied, she was able to grasp the sword and hit the thick neck man in the back of the neck as he tried to get up.
“There you are, praying for the salvation of your soul, are we?” Peeta asked, flashing her a grin.
“Let me loose,” Katniss raised her hands, “and I can assist?” She held the sword and could have easily used it to break the rope, but she wanted him to trust her.
“How do I know I can trust you not to disappear? I have grown fond of your snoring,” Peeta jested as he let her free.
The thick-necked man grunted. Katniss tied his hands and feet. “My bow?”
Peeta tossed her weapon to her before slipping out of the tent. She ran out behind Peeta and saw they were outmanned two to one. They had riders slowly circling with their swords drawn. She aimed. Her intent was to maim them, and shot two in quick succession. They fell from their horses. The sound of horse’s hooves thundered behind her. She spun and shot the man in the eye. His surprise was visible right before the light of his soul diminished. Katniss did not stop to think about the fact that she killed a man. She turned around, bow notched and found Finnick in front of her with his hands in the air.
“It’s over, we’ve won,” Peeta said, coming to stand beside Finnick.
Her hands shook as she lowered her bow.
“Come,” Peeta extended his hand to her.
She followed him through a cluster of trees far away from the camp to a stream.
“Sit,” Peeta ordered.
Katniss sat down, and he sat next to her. Her throat was dry. Her words came out choked, “I killed a man.”
“He would have cut you down had you not shot him in the eye. You were defending your life.” Peeta picked a yellow dandelion from the grass between them.
Katniss blinked. She hadn’t even seen the long sword in the man’s hand. She looked down at her hands. She supposed Peeta was correct. The horseman would have cut her head off if she hadn’t shot him first.
“Who taught you to use the bow?”
Katniss smiled. “My father.”
He handed her the dandelion and bowed his head. “Your skills are remarkable. Your aim is amazing.”
Katniss asked, “Did you steal their horses as they claimed?”
Peeta became red.
“You stole their horses, yet you accused me of being a common thief last night!?” Katniss couldn’t believe she was frolicking with thieves.
