Chapter Text
Tales of the fantastical persuasion, usually have some kernel of truth to them; stories that get passed down from one generation to another, are embellished retellings of real events that had passed, leaving behind a sense of need to prevent them from being repeated by later generations. A legend, a myth, a fairy tale to show you morality, a lesson, to impart wisdom, is usually based on something that has happened before... But nobody tells us that; we just stumble upon the explanations of what knowledge we should gain from the tales by accident, when it's too late to beware of the dangers hinted at in old wives tales.
I never was one with time to dwell on imaginary worlds, filled with wonder and fantasy. My life, even as a child revolved around the tangible world, what I could see with my eyes and grasp with my fists. So, when I found myself in my own bedtime horror story, I was blindsided, skeptical and doubtful.
How I ended up where I am, is not truly a mystery, it's same ancient story of the little stubborn girl, who heeded not her Mother's advice, who paid no attention to the signs of danger, who disobeyed every directive given to her and ignored every instinct left in her... Although, in my defense... His pull was a little too strong for me to resist, and in a world where I thought myself, lonely... His company was something I craved.
Now, proceed to my story, read well and closely. Enjoy what I'm going to narrate... But, above all... Beware, this might just all be a dream.
Part One
Mother, Prim and I lived in a small picturesque village, were everyone knew everyone; people had no discernible social divide in this little town of ours. Children would play and laugh, sharing their toys and snacks with each other. Everyone would politely greet their neighbors in the friendliest of manners, and if one of the villagers was in need of anything at all, he or she only had to ask for help and it would be generously and openly given. No one was keeping score of owed debts in this society. We were a happy, peaceful community.
From all the stupid things that came with the pre-furnished house that was passed down from my paternal grandparents, the small library was possibly the most useless feature to us; unless we could rip out the pages of the books and used them as kindling during winter. Nevertheless, Prim found there was a small, tiny section of children's books. Mostly they were dumbed down versions of the propagandistic books that comprised the rest of the library; except for one book bound in red leather with golden cursive lettering over the spine that read: Fantastical Stories with a moral for Young minds.
Prim had picked up the tome and read the whole thing in a handful of days, she was fascinated by the fairy tales depicted in the book, and talked about them constantly. I usually snorted at the notions of some of the stories... What was the point of a Mer-girl that gave up her tongue an ability to speak, for a life of suffering every time she stepped on her brand new feet, just to catch some boy's eye...? At the end she was left with nothing: no boy, no underwater kingdom, no family, and no life, for she just turned to sea foam! an ending as ephemeral as air, forgotten and ignored. Prim insisted it was about the sacrifices of love, that if you love someone bad enough to give them up, you become one with the universe and turn into the very air that person breaths...
"Literally" I retort dryly.
Other than my cynicism towards love and mushy feelings, I was quite happy with my life; although Father had passed away many years ago in a mining accident that had claimed a few other lives with his, leaving widows and fatherless children, to be taken in by the generosity of the rest of the township... We, as a community, truly prided in taking the saying to heart: It takes a village to raise a child. None of those widows and their children ever had a hungry night added to their grief, for which I was grateful. Nonetheless, more often than not, I would venture to the outskirts of our little town to hunt for small game to either trade or sell in order to provide for something extra for our little family.
I was hardly the only person that would risk the edge of the woods in order to feed a family, for some reason our town was full of hunters; of course everyone had a real job with which to support their family and contribute to society... We all needed thatchers, smiths, and cobblers; even my Mother was the town's midwife and healer. But almost every man in the small village owned some hunting weapon, but most would only go so far into the woods; I thought of it as stupid superstitious indoctrination from our past generations. I found it idiotic that we still observed all this old traditions: 'stick to the path', 'Don't venture into the forest after sunset' (although that one made sense, you shouldn't be near things you cannot see at any given time) 'beware of the full moon'... All were stupid if you asked me.
My best friend and hunting partner, Gale Hawthorne, usually frowned at me when I pointed that out. "The warnings are there to keep you safe, Catnip, don't be so dismissive!" He would often snap at me. He was always so protective of me, at times it felt suffocating. His family lost their Father to the same mining accident that took mine. Gale, now at 18 had gotten the idea and convinced himself, and the rest of the town, that I should become his wife in a few years when I am of age myself. So one night he presented me with a promise ring, right in the middle of the town square in front of every passerby that cared to watch. And as it turns out everyone was interested to see, we gathered quite a crowd after a few minutes.
At first I was overwhelmed by how much enthusiasm and support his love declaration was met by the townspeople; yes, we were a very tight linked community, where everyone knew everyone, but this was a bit too much... Only a few girls resented me for the promise ring; I wasn't quite sure they even knew Gale, but, things were certainly funny like that. Older women would try to stop me in the middle of the road to share some wisdom about married life, while admiring my hand. Mother was over the moon for me, always saying how Gale was such a fine catch.
I found it a little weird, and off putting that he would develop those kinds of feelings towards me, and that the rest of the populace had accepted the commitment for me, I reluctantly accepted the ring, because it was expected of me. Nevertheless, it found a home in a jewelry box on top of the dresser I shared with my sister. But that only lasted a few days before Gale got all bent out of shape, angry about my not wearing it. He accused me of being ashamed of our 'commitment', and not taking seriously my future, and since he gave his little rant in front of both our families, I went inside my bedroom and put the damned token around my finger.
It has been confusing because I was not exactly in love with Gale... I mean, I do love Gale, a lot, but I am not sure in what way. For the last few weeks, I think I am more used to the idea, I actually feel flattered every time I catch a glimpse of my jeweled hand. But I can't deny, there is an edge of doubt gnawing at the back of my mind. The problem is, that in a town full of people that greeted you every day and prodded into your private life giving you unwanted advice on a future marriage that felt more like a cage than a blessing... I felt lonely... utterly and truly lonely. An island in a sea of people, isolated and without a soul to share my fears about this Gale business. My baby sister Prim, was the only person who seem as uncomfortable with the whole situation as I did, and I loved her dearly for it, but I still didn't want to burden her slim little shoulders with my doubts.
One morning, as I entered the small cottage I shared with my family, Mother came to block my entrance to mine and Prim's bedroom.
"Katniss dear, I need you go to my mother's cabin deep in the woods, your sister has fallen ill, and only your grandmother has access to the herbs I need in order to help Prim heal. Go quickly. Bring your father's old satchel, and bow with you. Remember the Woods are a dangerous place to be alone, follow the old path, do not take detours, many people had gotten lost and encounter wild beasts and barely gotten away." I obediently gathered all the things I needed for my adventure, gleefully aware that she had not mentioned anything about having to go fetch Gale to accompany me. I didn't know if it was out of propriety, since it wasn't very proper to be alone with a boy without some kind of chaperone or because Prim was actually very ill and couldn't wait for those herbs. All I knew was, that I was going out on my own for once, if it wasn't for the fact that I was unaware how serious my sister's illness was, this would be an exciting outing for me.
As I was leaving the house, Mother stopped me once more. "Katniss..." She approached me holding out a red hooded cape that belonged to her; it was a heavy and stuffy woolen material, very warm, and it smelled very strongly of roses, strong enough to make me gag a little. She put it over me, and gave me a small smile. "There! now you are protected. Do not take it off while in the woods, it will protect you from more than merely the elements." She said with a strange tinge of urgency, I had no time to dwell on it, because she gave one last warning, and kiss on the forehead before pushing me out the door. "Don't talk to any strangers in the road, dear. We don't know what kind of people will be lurking out there." She said as she waved me off. It was funny, she gave me that warning. I wasn't very chatty... I wasn't even friendly, I usually only greeted my neighbors with a nod of my head when strictly necessary, and I grew up around those people, Why would I start a conversation with a person I've never seen before? And... A cape? How 1800's! Who wears a cape now a days?
The walk to grandmother's house was not particularly hard as long as I stayed on the path, but the day, was proving to be warmer than I expected. In addition to the extra weight of my bow and arrows strapped to my back, I had that stupid red hooded robe on, which was making the trek more challenging than usual. I lowered my hood and let my braid fall down my back, it was enough for now. As I continued, I get fixated on the beautiful flora and plentiful game; maybe hunting for a rabbit won't be too bad, how far from the path I could get? I had already seen tracks around the edge of the path. So I decided to follow the next set of tracks that I came about.
I'm only 20 feet away from the path, when I see my prey, and shoot it right through the eye, I gleefully try to pick up my prize, but my cloak sits around me, enveloping me completely and keeps getting in my way, so I open it and shove it back to lay behind my back. "Now I can be a superhero" I smile to myself. As I am trying to retrieve my arrow I feel, more than hear, a disturbance in some bushes nearby.
"Um... I think we have stayed in here too long buddy, let's go back to the path and onwards to grandmother's house" I tell my rabbit lifting by its ears, level with my eyes. "You were a fat one!" I say smiling at my dead companion, before I shove it inside my satchel... Or should I call it game bag as Father used to?
In no time, I'm back on the road, and I tell myself the rabbit is enough for my family, so I will not stray into the woods again. But then I start thinking about how I have nothing on me to give Grandmother when I arrive to her house, it just seems to me a little rude to show up empty handed, especially since I'm there to ask her to part with her medicinal herbs. Lucky for me, game truly is plentiful the further I go. I look around and see there is some kind of lake a little ways away; there sure will be something to hunt by the water.
Once more I'm off the path, the day is so warm and beautiful and the sights around me are just so pretty, I start to sing softly to myself. I was right; there are ducks, and fish, and also katniss plants, for which I'm named after, all over the place. I doubt I'll be able to fish with my bare hands, but I do shoot a duck and decide to dig up the katniss tubers that are also edible. I decide to take the cloak completely off, while I work on digging. It's a nice garment, however uncomfortable and unpractical for me. I don't want to get it dirty, plus it's too heavy and hot, and the day is so nice. I do not understand what else it can protect me from that's 'not the elements', the elements are just too agreeable today to keep this thing on any way.
I hear a branch snap somewhere behind me. I turn around startled, but there's nothing there. I figure some bigger animal wants to get a drink of water, and won't come until I've gone. So I hurry placing all my spoils in the bag, and head back to my path, promising myself I have enough and I don't need to deviate anymore.
At around noon I stop on a small bend of off the road, I'm starving, again I realize how ill prepared I came for this trip, and I'm a little annoyed at my Mother for rushing me out of the house. I could have packed myself a little lunch; I still am about an hour away from my grandmother's house. I could wait; but the truth is, I'm so very tired, and I'm thirsty as well. I sit on a fallen log for a moment, I start singing again, just for something to do as I stretch my arms and legs.
Taking my surroundings, everything is so quiet and peaceful; my voice travels far, although I'm barely whispering. I've been feeling this sense of being watched, which is ridiculous. I haven't come across another person since I left my village, I'm as alone as I could be, but strangely enough, I don't feel lonely the same way I do back home while surrounded by people. As I turn to see what is behind me, I noticed the bush just a step away from where I'm sitting.
Is heavy with some kind of fruit, blueberries I think, I get excited at the find. I lean closer to it, and realize the fruit although consistent with the size and shape of a blueberry, it's dark, almost black... I jump backwards, as if the bush was on fire, which might as well be, but my back collides with something solid and strangely warm behind me, could this be a wall, where did it come from?
I turn around as quickly as I can, and the scream my throat wants to release gets stuck and lost, as I find my wall is a person... A man... A beautiful, smiling man, with the bluest eyes I have ever seen. I trip and lose my balance in my haste to get away, but somehow his arms are around me to hold me up, so fast it is humanly impossible.
"Whoa! Easy there! You don't wanna fall and break something!" He says with a manly voice, if I ever heard one before. "By the way, it was very smart of you to stay away from that plant!" He smiles, and releases his hold on me. I awkwardly step away from him, but just two or three paces, we are still too closed to each other than necessary, but I can't seem to move any further, I'm mesmerized with his eyes, and his smile.
"Nightlock." I say stupidly.
"Huh?" He looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "Beg your pardon"
"Th-the plant... Its name is nightlock and it's very poisonous." I say lamely... It's clear he already knows the plant is poisonous you idiot. I chastise myself.
He smiles back at me, and says, "Well, I didn't know it had a name... It fits it, really. I already knew it was unsafe to ingest it, but, one can never stop learning new things! I appreciate the sharing of your knowledge, miss...?" He looks at me with those searching blue eyes of his, that have me breathless.
"Katniss... Katniss Everdeen" I respond as if in a daze. I might as well be in one; I surely feel I'm in one! "I should not be talking to you... You are a stranger..." Oh, my God! Someone, please, slap me now! What the hell is wrong with me? What am I doing?
He laughs at that, and the sound is so full, so alive, I find myself just staring at him like an idiot.
"You’re absolutely right! We should fix that right away! I'm Peeta Mellark, at your service Miss Everdeen. I am absolutely enchanted to meet your acquaintance." He smiles again as he takes my hand and places a soft kiss on my knuckles. A rush of something runs through me at the contact. I'm warm and shivering all at the same time, this is unbelievable. "Now that we know each other's names... We can't still be considered strangers, can we now?" He said with a soft smile, that I'm unable to ignore, so I find myself smiling back.
"I guess not." I lower my face to the ground to hide the blush that I know is forming on my cheeks. Who the hell is this girl controlling my body? I never blush, not even when Gale tried to kiss me on the lips the other day.
"So... Where are you headed, miss Everdeen, if you don't mind my asking" he says with a twinkle in his eyes. His smile has not disappeared from his lips, and that makes me feel comfortable enough to tell him. No one that smiles that much can be scary... Let alone dangerous... right?
"I'm going to my grandmother's house, just a little under an hour away, following this trail." I feel almost like he has me hypnotized, the way I feel at ease telling him all this information, I should not be sharing with a man I just met, no matter how handsome he is.
"Mmm." His lips purse a little, and I'm enthralled watching them, so much I startle when I actually hear his voice speaking again. "And how come, you are venturing into the dangerous woods all by yourself... This place is not very safe for a pretty girl alone like yourself, Miss Everdeen" he sounds like he disapproves of my being on my own out here, he even sounds a little annoyed.
This finally gets a reaction closer to my real self. "It’s Katniss, if you don't mind, Mr. Mellark. And I am not a little defenseless girl skipping around the Oh-so-scary forest. I can take care of myself, thank you very much!" I say haughtily in his direction, and for the first time since he materialized out of thin air from behind me, I look at him properly.
He's average height, of stocky build, dirty blond hair that sits on his head in careless waves giving him a boyish quality to his appearance, and the broadest chest and shoulders I have ever seen in my life. He’s wearing sturdy, but simple brown pants, and a white button down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to show half his forearms, that seem to be very muscular... I find myself wondering if the rest of him is as muscular as his arms. What was that? Oh God! I hope he can't read minds! I blush furiously at my crazy thoughts. I can't look at his face so I'm staring at his worn leather boots that remind me of the ones Father used to wear when he went out hunting.
"Mmm... I meant no offense, miss... Um... Katniss" He says again, this time amusedly. "I see you have your own weapon." He smiles, pointing at my bow, "That thing looks deadly... Are you a decent archer?... And since we are now friends, please call me Peeta!" He says brightly.
"I'm alright" I muttered dejectedly. "The bow was my Father's... He taught me how to shoot; now the bow is mine." I sigh, "I've only gotten small pray: rabbits, squirrels, fowl... Nothing like the big game he used to fell. He once shot an 11 point buck!" I light up a little remembering the exquisite diner of venison we had that day, and how he proudly shared his deer with the people that later fed us when he was no longer with us.
Peeta whistles low and long, and then smiles. "He must be some accomplished hunter!" He says impressed.
"Well... He was... He died when I was twelve."
"I'm so sorry to hear that, Katniss. I truly feel bad, and apologize if I have caused you any pain with this conversation." He offers, his expression so sobered, I feel how genuine his words are.
"It's alright, it was a long time ago, I still have Mother and my sister." How is it that I'm still telling this man all this things about me? I have to stop! "Um... Well... I... I should get going..." I say, and force my legs to respond. I need to get away from this magician that keeps tricking me into telling him about my life.
"Wait! Um, I was about to get something to eat. I'm sure that's why you stopped as well... Why don't we just, share our provisions and make a picnic out of it?" He asks, a little too eagerly. I'm doubtful about this, plus I have no food to share, so I see no point in staying. And I'm not sure how long I'll stay at Grandmother’s; I should really get going, if I want to get back to the village before dark.
"Oh... Um... Thank you for your offer, but... I'm not that hungry, and I don't have any food to share, and I really need to get on with my errand..." Then my stupid stomach intervenes letting out the loudest most embarrassing groan ever heard. My face falls to hide my embarrassment, as he chuckles lightly.
"Please... I think your own body is betraying you, Katniss. Come... my treat! I have enough food for the two of us actually... I just, didn't want to offend you, but I guess I would've no matter what... I should have guessed, with you checking out that nightlock bush and all." He points at a bag, not unlike the one strapped across my body, that somehow I missed before, but that's understandable, I muse, I haven't been myself since he appeared; so it's no surprise when I readily accept his outstretched hand, and let him guide me back to fallen log.
He opens his bag, and out comes a canteen filled with cool water, how he keeps it fresh I have no idea. The water is closely followed by a pouch of fresh berries, an apple, a small bundle of cheese, and a bigger bundle holding assorted rolls and bread slices. He produces a mean looking knife from a holster at his waist, that again I failed to see before, and cuts portions of apple and cheese, he groups everything together on a handkerchief, and giving me a sweet smile he motions to the food with his open hand.
"Tuck in, my lady. You go first, and eat as much as you want!" I just look at him puzzled, the bread is enough for the both of us, and maybe so is the apple, but the rest we would have to ration exactly, so we both get our fill. I do however grab a round buttery roll, with what looks to be melted cheese on top, as soon as I pop it in to my mouth, I moan, embarrassing myself again.
I quickly look up at him, and he is not laughing, not even smiling, his lips are slightly parted, his breathing is heavy and his eyes that were so blue just a second ago, seem to have lost their vivid irises. He's staring at my mouth, and then licks his lips. The gesture makes me shudder a little, and I resist the urge to lick my own lips, so, I wipe off the buttery residue from the roll, with the back of my hand... Mother would be scandalized by my behavior thus far, one more unlady like action won't matter. This prompts him to look up into my eyes, and I'm taken aback at how fast his eyes are back to their glorious blueness.
"Um... This is very good! Thank you!" I say in a rush. He smiles at me as if nothing weird just happened.
"It's called a cheese bun. My Father taught me how to make them." He said genially.
"You made this?" I asked surprised, "Oh God, you are a gifted cheese bun maker then! Um... Did you also make the rest of these?" I say in amazement while pointing at the other rolls. I take another bite of cheese bun, and swallow with it the new moan waiting to leave my mouth.
He sighs, "Yeah. I made the lot. I grew up in a bakery, my Father was a baker. But that was a lifetime ago."
"Oh... I'm sorry... What do you do now? You remind me of my Father a little bit, with the hunter boots, and knife... Do you hunt?" Finally, my chance to get some information out of him.
He smirks at me mischievously, but don't say anything for a moment, he just seems to like studying me, he’s been doing it the whole time we've been sitting here, and right now, I feel paralyzed under his scrutiny. Finally he gives me a real smile and says easily.
"You can say I'm a hunter of sorts. I spend lots of time in these woods, sustaining myself with its fruits and whatever stray prey crosses my path... that's for certain" he says as he looks around our little nook in the path. "And you? Are you still in school? You must be what? 18?" He asks with interest while giving me another one of his searching gazes.
"I'm... I'm 16, but I will be 17 in two weeks." He nods with a soft 'Hmm', he is still studying me, and I can't take it anymore, so I venture a question of my own. "You? How old are you?" He looks young, but his body is too well defined to be my age or even Gale's age.
"I'm 24... Or, at least I think that's what in supposed to be." He laughs and I'm puzzled by his answer. He notices my confusion and lets me in on his joke. "My... Friends, usually measure their life in dog years, so I guess I'm very old in dog years, but only 24 as a man." He says, it still makes no sense to me, but I won't keep asking for a more succinct explanation.
We... Or should I say, I go back to nibble on his provisions, while he watches me eat, then he finally grabs an apple quarter, and bites into it. After he swallows his bite, he asks.
"So... 16, but you have already been promised to a man in marriage?" He says, and this time I can't read his expression, he's intent staring into my eyes, and I have no choice but to spill all my beans in front of him. I seriously think he hypnotizes me when he really wants an answer.
"I... Yeah... I guess, I am. How did you know?" I ask quietly.
He smiles sadly and points at my ring. "Is kind of hard to miss that... I have to say, it complements your delicate hand. He did a remarkable job choosing it." For some reason his praise on Gale's eye for jewelry rubs me the wrong way. I think frustratedly, he’s supposed to be scandalized about this! Just like Me... not becoming part of the “I think Gale’s Great” club! He’s supposed to be on MY side!... of course I realize this line of thinking is completely irrational, why would he take sides? He doesn't know us!
"Well... I could do without it!" I spit out harsher than I meant it to sound. He raises and eyebrow.
"How so? You don't like it? Or is it the giver you don't like?" He asks cocking his head to one side; this time I don't feel compeled to answer. The words don't come because I'm under his spellbound gaze. This time everything just spills out of their own accord, probably because they have been dying to come out for so long, it's a relieve that there is someone willing to hear them.
"I love Gale alright! He's my best friend, and for the longest time, I thought he knew me better than anybody else. Sadly, he got it in his brain that he wants to make me his wife, and the whole damned town agrees! I mean... He is basically the only man I know, how can I be certain that I want this marriage if I have never been given a different choice? How can I be sure that he is the one for me? Why does everyone assume he's the right person for me, when I’m not even sure myself? Maybe I don't even want to marry anyone at all, I could decide to become a spinster and move out here into the woods!" My hands are flying around excitedly as I speak, then I stop and look at him square in the eye "I could very well decide I want to be... What did you call yourself? A hunter of sorts? And live in a cabin like my grandmother and sustain myself with the fruits of the forest and stray prey... Like you!"
I say all this without pausing at all, I'm quite out of breath, but I look at him and he has this humongous wolfish grin on his face. He's also way closer to me than he was before, I'm glad am sitting on this log, because I can't feel my legs, I'm certain I would have fallen and hurt my ego in front of him; my heart starts racing out of control, when he brings a hand to curl a lock of hair behind my ear. He's so close I can see how long his very blond eyelashes are, and, they are incredibly long.
"Well, I don't know this Gale person, but... He's got terrific taste. I don't blame him for wanting to secure you as his bride..." He sort of blows air on my face, maybe he just released a very big breath, but then he keeps talking and blowing and I'm feeling heady for some reason. "You are a beautiful woman; any man would want to mark you as his... By any means necessary. You can't blame the poor man, for wanting to publicly claim you."
"Well... I'm not some sort of trophy to be claimed, I certainly don't belong to anyone." I say with more heat in my voice than what actually is there. He chuckles and... Takes a big breath inhaling all of my breathing air. He seems to relish what scents had travel down his nostrils, because he has a soft smile on his lips and his eyes are closed. Then out of nowhere, he holds my chin up under his fingers, his eyes searching mine again.
"No, you are not a trophy, and you don't belong to anyone..." He half chuckles, half sighs then he says "Yet!" with such a tension in his voice, this time he actually does kind of scare me a little. He's completely sobered up now. His brow is furrowed and his eyes are again, intense on mine. "What you just said, about coming to live in the woods... Like I do..." His eyes are penetrating my soul, I'm pinned right where I am, and our faces mere inches from each other. "Did you mean it?"
"Did I mean that I would rather be alone in the woods, surrounded by nature, than live a lonely life surrounded by people that don't understand me?... Yes... I meant it." He looks mildly disappointed. By what, I'm not sure. But he let's go of my face and returns to his original spot, leaving me confused with an array of feelings I can't quite place. And for some reason, I'm sad. I'm also surprised to find I'm a little frustrated, I thought he was about to kiss me but he didn't.
"It's late Katniss," He says in a serious tone of voice, "the sun will go down soon, and wolves come out as soon as the sun goes away. It won't be safe for you to be out here. So I suggest you stay with your grandmother for tonight and return to your home in the morning. I would be happy to escort you a little ways closer to her house. Then I think it would be smart for you put on that red hood of yours. It will keep you safe." He surprises me with the level of authority he spoke to me, he was commanding and a little possessive. Strangely I didn't mind it at all, and I was willing to do as he said.
He was true to his word, he walked with me for a good 40 minutes before we parted ways, I could actually almost see Grandmother's cabin in the distance, when he left me. There were no uncomfortable silent moment between us, we talked about so many things, I was surprise at myself; I had no idea I had so much to say, once I was given the chance to talk. He didn't 'hypnotize' me into telling him anything anymore, everything I said, was shared of my own free will, and it was a lot. I could not believe how much I had opened up to him.
I did learned a few things about him in return. How his favorite color was orange, and how he didn't like sugary drinks, that he had two older brothers, a father and abusive mother and how all of them had been bakers until he left his home. I asked him, why wasn't he married, and he said, that for his people, there could only be one mate, and she would have to willingly enter into the relationship, since it would be a 'For life, no-looksie-backsie' kind of deal. He gave me such a meaningful look then, I had to avert my gaze, I felt like a big blush was covering me from head to toe, and I had no idea why. The one thing I noticed and then playfully commented on was how clumsy he was while walking. He smiled at me and didn’t answer; He kept tripping, and having to grab onto my arms to steady himself up, he kept, bumping my pant leg, and arms; after a while I started to suspect he wasn't uncoordinated at all, but quite the opposite, he was actually trying to touch me by any means he could devise, which meant every trip and fall was calculated. I wasn't sure how should I feel about that, it both scared me and thrilled me. He finally asked me if he could hug me goodbye, and it only took me a second to agree.
Once in his arms something very strange happened. I melted right into his embrace, and sighed softly, I felt safe and warm, and a little sleepy. He started rubbing my back with his big warm hands, his whole body radiated so much warmth; he rubbed my arms up and down, breathed hard on the crown of my head, he enveloped me whole, and seemed to be trying to rub his very essence all over me. His words from earlier came back to mind: "any man would want to mark you as his... By any means necessary", I vanish the thought from my mind, because it's just so ridiculous, there’s no way this is related to that comment. And finally, he brought his face down to mine.
He didn't kiss my mouth which again was a big disappointment, just nuzzled my cheek for a long moment and kissed my forehead. All of this should have me petrified and running for the hills. He's a total stranger after all, but, it feels right, normal even, as if we had been doing this all of our lives; I fleetingly think, if he wants to mark me, or claim me, or whatever he's doing it is just fine by me. I have had more physical contact with this man in an hour and a half than I have in all the years I've known Gale, which right there, should be telling me something about this courtship deal.
"Put on your cloak" he says softly, and I automatically obey, as if I have no will of my own. I snap the latch of the cloak around my neck, and he takes a step backwards wrinkling his nose. I smile slightly, as if I know that something about this should be funny, I just don't know what it is. He adds, "Once I step out of the path, pull up the hood over your head..." But then I touch the rims of my hood, and he yelps irritated "Not now!" He jumps away from me when I place my hands at each side of the hood opening to straighten it. His face is one of total disgust, and his scowl is so big he looks very funny to me, so I laugh.
"What's the problem?" I say curiously, still trying to stifle a laugh.
"It's just..." He looks up at me, a disgusted grimace. "Nothing. Just remember, put the hood on only as soon as I'm gone, and don't take it off until you are safe inside your grandmother's house... And please, stay with her the night, don't venture the road back to your village today, wait until morning." I nod, but at the back of my mind I doubt I'll stay here, I could use a night with Grandmother, I have not seen her in a very long time, but, the sun will be up for a long while... I'll just see how it goes.
He's almost at the edge of the path, when I call him, "Peeta?!?" He turns back to face me right away, I walk up to him, until I'm just at arm's length from him "Thank you for today. It was the first time in a very long time that I felt included and not just like an isolated island..." I pause and let myself stare into his very blue eyes; I'm looking for courage, as I inch closer to him, and slowly rise on tiptoes "In case we never see each other again..." I'm a hairs breath from his lips, I'm whispering as if I'm trying to convey that this is only for him; his blue eyes searching mine. "Here, this is for you, to remember me by..." I kiss him, soft and sweet. It doesn't last long, but he makes a strangled noise, and seems to be conflicted about something when I pull away from him and suck in my own lower lip, trying to savor the last remnants of his taste on me. There's so much longing in his gaze that I can't stand it, I reach for my hood and pull it up as I turn my back on him, convinced I will never see him again.
Not 10 minutes later the sun is beating down on me, making me sweat buckets, I'm almost at my Grandmother's front door, and suffocating under this infernal cape, so I remove the red cloak from around my body. Once it is neatly bundled over my game bag I continue onward. I've only taken two steps forward when I hear it, the blood curdling howl of a wolf nearby. I feel a shiver run down my spine, and the sensation of dread fills my chest and mind completely. Calm down... You are not Little Red on her way to Granny's house! Stop being silly, this is no time to be afraid! I quicken my pace anyway, I can see the cabin right in front of me. "I'm burning that stupid fairy tale book when I get home... Prim will have to do with detective novels from now on." I laugh nervously to myself; but there's another howl, and it's much closer now. I grit my teeth, and hike my bag more securely across my shoulder and will myself to go faster. But in my frantic rush, I trip and fall on my hands and knees, I try to stand up but I hear it... Or them to be more accurate, it's at least 3 of them and they have me flanked. Wolves hunt in packs, of course.
I stand up on wobbly legs, I won’t panic, I won’t let fear control me, I tell myself resolutely and reach for my bow, I notch an arrow quicker than ever before. I'm not going to die mauled by dogs, scarce 100 yards from my destination! One by one the wolves come out of the shadows behind the tree line, three in total, as I thought. One is blocking my way forward, that's the one to give the chilling howl, prompting more howling from his companions... That one is the one that will meet its end first.
The wolves are about to pounce on me, when out of nowhere, another wolf jumps into the fray placing itself between me and the others in a defensive stance. The wolf growls bearing his teeth menacingly, I'm momentarily stunned watching it all unfold in front of me.
"It seems that I am little red... How ironic! I even have my own big bad wolf... Good thing you’re on my side!" I mutter to the wolf, he just growls louder at the others. Well, I'm just glad that if I'm going to die, at least I won't go down lonely, I have an ally in here, and that's more than I could have ever hope for, is my last thought as I pull back my arrow, ready to let it fly, then shout:
“Bring it on you assholes!”