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When You're Not Looking	By : Embracer Category: G through L > The Hunger Games Trilogy Views: 13084 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the Hunger Games. It all belongs to Suzanne Collins. This is just for fun, not money.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
Chapter 12
KATNISS POV
I made it to work early this morning, hoping to get this day over with as soon as possible. I think that ludicrous idea is backfiring on me. It feels like I’ve been here for hours already, and we haven’t even opened yet. I’ve already done my morning checklist; check in shipments, inventory, throw away empty bottles left by Haymitch, check messages on machine, file prescriptions sent by phone or fax or email. Now, I’m just sitting here at the counter staring into space hoping the coffee in my hand will bring me back to the land of the living. For now, my mind turns in on itself.
I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already since that amazing night on the roof of the pump house. I keep trying to determine how I got here, on this euphoric plane where this man I’ve known for only a millisecond has bored his way into my soul and taken up residence. Every thought I have ends with one of him, every word I speak or hear reminds me of him. It’s unnerving me, but I’m ensnared in his trap of nirvana when I’m with him. Maybe it’s just sexual tension that’s driving me to this mental state. Maybe, if we get that part over with, then I can go back to a normal train of thought. Well, no time like tonight. We’ve waited two weeks, and we’ll see what happens tonight. It can’t come soon enough, especially after last night.
Last night, he and I went to see an art opening at a gallery downtown. It’s not something I would usually see myself doing, but I actually enjoyed it. Besides, we had to stick to the rules of public places. The art wasn’t stuffy, and the people were eclectic to say the least. Peeta showed me the pieces he liked and spoke so eloquently about why he liked them. I tried to listen intently but my favorite piece of performance art, his lips, were far too distracting.
We walked around, and he grabbed each of us a wine from the tray. He asked if I wanted to get some air. I raised my eyebrow to him, half-hoping he was trying to lure me into a private situation. He just laughed as if he knew exactly what I was thinking, “No, there’s a veranda right this way. There should be plenty of people.”
I gave a nod of my head and a small smile. Inside I sighed in disappointment. The veranda was beautiful. Small café tables with white linen clothes scattered over the cobblestone floor, and a lattice work canopy was laced with vines and twinkling lights. There were several people sporadically placed around the space sipping wine, and nibbling from tiny plates filled with tiny treats. He guides me to a table in a corner. We sip and chat, and comment on the people around us making up stories about what they’re saying to each other. We are laughing so hard at our running commentary I have to wipe a tear from my face. I hadn’t laughed so hard in…I don’t even know when the last time was. Next time we look up from each other, we’re alone on the veranda. We seemed to both notice, and our eyes lock. Shit! We only have one day to go. We can’t break now. But…it’s there again…that…magnetism. He’s the stronger of us and manages, “Maybe we should go back inside?”
I take a deep breath, a blush creeping over my cheeks. I take his offered hand and stand to join him. All it takes is for our arms to brush as I stand next to him, and his lips are on mine. I guess he’s not as strong after all. We’re instantly pulling at each other trying to cram every sensation we can into our lips and hands. Thankfully, the creaky door opening breaks our trance. We both have huge grins on our faces. He pulls my head to his chest and leans his head on top of mine.
We stay like that for a moment, “One day to go.”
I look up at him, “It’ll be the longest 24 hours of my life.” We both chuckle, and he kisses my forehead. I pull his arm leading him back into the gallery. Eventually, we leave in our separate cars after an all too brief kiss goodbye.
We figured out after our first public appearance that we couldn’t take the same car because neither of us could handle the privacy of the enclosed space. So, we’ve driven separately, and used valets as often as possible to avoid being alone without an audience.
We’ve stuck to double dates, public events, concerts, galleries, you name it. You’d be surprised how difficult it is avoid being alone with him.
Our first outing was dinner with Gale, Madge, Prim and Rory. I had promised Prim that I would help them tell Gale and assuage his fears about the situation. They were both aware that he was against either of them dating until they were older. They also knew that something awful happened to him at 19, although they didn’t know exactly what it was. I know all the gory details, unfortunately. He was 19 and had only been dating his girlfriend, Veronica, for about 6months. They were cute together, but nothing like him and Madge. They were pretty hot and heavy, and things got out of hand pretty quickly. She wound up pregnant. That news devastated Gale, me and his mother. Gale was distraught but wanted to do the “right thing.” Over the next month, he became convinced that he was going to be a dad. He was also sure that he wasn’t in love with Veronica, but cared about her enough to try to make it work. He was two days away from proposing when Veronica told him that she “took care of it”. He was so hurt and angry that she killed their baby without even discussing it with him. That was not an option for him. He wasn’t prepared for that. He never spoke to Veronica again. He pretty much fell apart, completely betrayed and heartbroken. It took us all over a year to get him functioning somewhat normally again. The residual affect is that he has always insisted with Prim and Rory, separately of course, that they wait until they’re older to seriously date anyone. It’s too frightening for him to think that something similar could happen to either Rory or Prim.
The day before the dinner was Sunday, Prim and I spent the day together. She wanted to go shopping for a new dress to wear to the dinner, and insisted that I get something new too. I hate shopping, but no one can say no to Prim.
Gale was concerned that Prim and Rory are still too young to be in a serious relationship. Peeta was instrumental in helping Gale see light. He took Gale to the bar in the restaurant for a bit while Prim, Rory and I waited for them to return with bated breath. Peeta was able to help Gale realize that these two “kids” weren’t like everyone else, and were smarter than any of us. He also talked him into telling Prim and Rory the full story of what happened to him as a warning as well as words of wisdom. He told Gale that those two kids are very lucky that they have the three of us to help guide them. That man has a silver tongue!
Prim was so thankful, she invited Peeta over for dinner the next night. He agreed but only if Rory came too, and she let him help her with dinner. He and Prim got along famously, and made a fantastic dinner for the four of us.
The two weeks have flown by. Drinks with Johanna and Delly at a lesbian bar was the most memorable. The four of us actually got along really well. He and Jo have developed a strange kinship. It’s almost like they have a little secret language. Delly and I gave up trying to figure it out after the 4^th tequila shot. Once the two ladies started mauling each other two feet away from us we decided to go. We took a cab. Bad idea! We were on each other within a block. It took the cab driver stopping short to avoid a pedestrian to bring us back to our senses.
“Wake up, zombie!” Johanna plunges into work. I snap out of my reverie of that cab ride.
“Morning Jo, how was your night?” She had another date with Delly last night.
She slinks over toward me and lays across the counter I’m leaning on, “Delicious! That girl is gonna be the death of me! She has so much energy.” Her face is all dreamy, and she looks tired.
I smirk at her, “Tired?”
“Yes, brainless. I obviously didn’t get much sleep last night,” she says waggling her eyebrows as she takes my coffee from my hands and swigs it. “Ugh, it’s cold.”
“I’ll make us a fresh batch, you rest your pretty little head.” I go to get up, but she grabs my face and plants a quick wet kiss right on my lips.
“Jo! What the hell?” I shout wiping her slop off my mouth. She just smiles wickedly and smacks my ass as I walk away. As I pass the first shelf, I grab a bottle of pills I see and fling it at her head. She ducks and it hits her shoulder.
“Viagra? Kat, I obviously don’t need any help in that area!” I laugh but keep walking. She’s still splayed over the counter when I come back with two fresh cups in hand. “Thanks, sweetie.”
As soon as she says “sweetie,” I’m shot back to last week when Peeta called me that after the concert in the park. We were cuddled up together throughout the whole symphonic performance. We’d packed hot chocolate and cookies that he and Prim made. She and Rory were there too, as well as hundreds of strangers scattered on the lawn on their blankets and chairs. It was a beautiful night…
“Hello?” Jo’s waving her hand in front of my face.
I slap her hand away, “What?”
She just laughs at me, “Where the hell were you? I’ve been talking to you for like five minutes.” I just shrug and hide my face with cup as I sip from it. “Seriously, what’s up with you? Trouble in paradise for you and Bread Boy?”
“NO!” I snap, and try to recover, “Things are really good. I’m just...” I don’t really want to tell her about the two week deal or that tonight is the night. But, I really need to talk to someone. I decide to go vague, “I’m just a little nervous about our date tonight. He’s taking me to a fancy place, and…I don’t do well with fancy.”
“Right…linen tablecloths don’t bite, you know, but Peeta might.” She nudges my shoulder, “Besides, I’m sure you two will be plenty…compatible.” She winks at me. God! Can I get nothing past this woman?
“Geez, Jo! It’s just dinner.”
“I’m sure it is.” She smirks again.
“Shut up Jo!” I spit and head for my office shouting, “Just do your job, will ya?” That woman could should’ve worked for the CIA.
In my office I plan out my day. I’ll leave in a little while to make deliveries. That should keep me pretty busy for a few hours. Plus, I get to see Cinna and Flavius today, and that always makes me happy.
My phone buzzes. It’s a text from Peeta: My place at 7? I’ll cook.
I text back: Sounds good. Can’t wait!
His reply is immediate: Me either.
A grin grows across my face, and I feel a little less nervous just hearing from him. Maybe I’ll stop by the bakery just so I can lay my eyes on him for a moment while I’m out on deliveries.
I’m gathering everything I need to make my runs when Haymitch barges in. He sees the grin still on my face. He just stands there like he wants to say something. I don’t give him the chance, “I’m off to make my runs. Call if you need me.” I walk right past him and out the door after checking in with Jo.

---__________________________________________________---

PEETA’S POV
All morning I have been so distracted thinking about tonight. I still can’t believe we’ve made it through the last two weeks. It was definitely not easy! This day can’t be over fast enough. I, Peeta Mellark, burned a batch of muffins this morning when I got lost in a flashback of the veranda at the gallery last night.
Then, I rang up a customer wrong when I saw a cab drive by and thought about that night with Jo and Delly. I had to keep slapping myself to snap out of it. I took a break to try and collect my thoughts. I texted her about tonight. Her reply gave me a face splitting grin. Apparently, she’s just as excited as I am. I need to see her. I think I’ll take some pastries over there for the girls as an excuse to just see her face for a moment. Maybe that will help me get through the day a little easier.
It’s about 1:30 when I get to the pharmacy. Jo greets me with a few snide comments and nicknames. I smile, I’ve figured out those are her terms of endearment. She and I have bonded, albeit in a strange way, but bonded nonetheless. Katniss isn’t here. Damn! She’s out making deliveries. So much for my surprise visit.
“So, lover boy, what’s going on with you two today? You’re both actin’ all jittery about somethin’. So, spill it!” She’s eyeing me hoping I’ll crack.
“Jo, everything is great. We just have a special night planned.”
She smirks at me. “I’ll bet you do!”
“Jo, stop that. I know what you’re doing.” She grabs a cookie out of the bakery box and stuff half of it in her mouth. “I did want to ask you something. I wanted to get her a gift, but not sure what to get. Any ideas?”
“Ah, you’re on your own there. She’s not easy to buy for. You’re gonna have to dig deep for that one.” She sees my distress, and continues, “Look, you need to think back through all the conversations you’ve had between all the fondling and get her something she wants or needs. It can’t be a big gift though. She doesn’t do well with those. Maybe just a small token.”
“Thanks Jo. I’ll think on it.” I smile at her, “You’re a good friend, you know.”
“Shut up Baker Boy,” she punches my arm as she walks to the fridge.
Haymitch comes from the back and pops his head yelling something about a shipment to Jo. He sees me. “Well, looky here. What’re you doin’ here boy? You’re little bird is in flight.”
“I brought some pastries for you guys. Want one?” I push the box towards him. He saunters over and peers in the box. He takes out a big bearclaw and takes a huge bite.
“Mmmm, these are good boy. Who knew.” He swallows the bite, “Come to my office, we should have a chat.”
I’m a little nervous about what this man, Katniss’ boss, wants to discuss with me, but I follow his lead. We were in his office for maybe 10 minutes, but it’s going to take me hours to figure out what just happened. I left his office, said goodbye to Jo, and was looking forward to the solitude of my car. I needed to think about what Haymitch just said.
He started off normal enough, asking how things are going with the pair of us. I told him things are really great, because they are. He told me about her father, and I had to tell him that she already told me. He seemed shocked by this, and asked what else I knew about her past. I recounted vaguely the topics of her father, her mother, and Prim. He admitted his surprise that she had opened up about those things already. That made me smile, and maybe a little triumphant that I was privy to information not many knew about her.
He rambled on about how important it is for me to respect her past. I assured him that I care deeply about her and just want to make her happy. He said, “Happiness isn’t really in her day to day vocabulary. Content maybe, but happiness isn’t something she sees for herself.” That comment keeps running through my mind. Why can’t she be happy? Does she feel like she doesn’t deserve it? That’s ridiculous, but I’ll do my best to make sure she is happy.
He threw me for another loop when he said, “Just be careful with her kid. She’s an emotional time bomb. She needs someone who isn’t going to let her run when that bomb explodes, and mark my words…it will!” I really don’t know what to think about that. I’m so confused. Is he telling me that she’s going to have a breakdown of sorts? How exactly am I suppose to deal with that? He said “run” which makes me wonder if that’s how she responds when things get rough. Oh boy, this is a lot to digest. Especially, when nothing he said matches to the girl I’ve gotten to know over the past couple of weeks.
I shake all these ragged thoughts off, and decide that whatever happens I will try to be there for her as best as I can. There’s no way I can just walk away from her now. I’m already in too far. I smile a little thinking about the night ahead, and figure we will just cross that bridge if and when we get to it, together. I drive towards the bakery to finish out the day.
I walk in and Brian tells me that I just missed Katniss. She was here, while I was at the pharmacy. I can’t help but laugh and text her: Apparently great minds think alike. Enjoy the pastries.

---_________________________________________---
KATNISS POV
I went by the bakery, but Peeta was out. That sucks, but I guess I’ll see him tonight. I go to see Cinna and Flavius with their delivery. I always enjoy seeing them. For some reason, they can get me to talk about things I don’t even talk to myself about. Cinna has me talking about Peeta in less than 4 minutes. I didn’t tell them anything about what I hope will happen tonight, but they hinted that they assumed anyway. Flavius even went as far as to tell me what kind of underwear I should wear, even what color.
I actually take his advice and go to the lingerie store on my way back to work. I found something just like what he described. A simple lace bra and panty set in a peach color. There’s an art store across the street, so I decide to pick up something for Peeta. I noticed the other day at the park that his sketchbook is nearly full, so I bought him a new one and some really fancy pencils.
I’m walking out of the store when my phone buzzes with a text message from Peeta. Now I’m the one grinning. I text back: Great minds indeed, good sir. See you tonight.
I get back to work to find Jo grinning like a Cheshire cat on the phone with Delly. She sees me and ends the call. “You missed lover boy earlier.”
“Yea, I heard.” I say as I put the delivery bags away. “Jo, it’s 4pm. I’m leaving a bit early, so is there anything you need before I go?”
Jo smirks knowingly, “Nope, I think I can handle it all by my little self. Go pretty yourself up. Get outta here!”
“Thanks, Jo.” I finish up and head out about 10 minutes later. I have plenty of time to get ready. I keep telling myself there’s nothing to be nervous about, but it hasn’t worked yet. I just hope that the nerves die down when I see him. Tonight’s the night, so I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.
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When You're Not Looking