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mega-aulover · 2 years ago

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A S. W. A. N. Story

This is for the wonderful @alwayseverlark who is always finding ways for this fandom to unite. I am grateful for your friendship and for your encouragement. Thank you for all that you do!

Special thanks to @lemonluvgirl87 for betaing :)

T rating for some bullying family disputes - family drama-meet cute - elitism - A modern AU of an Everlarked Cinderella....but with out the whole shoe thing.

Summary: Katniss Everdeen is a smart girl. Brilliant, actually. She has more degrees than she has fingers on one hand. But she has never felt beautiful or interesting. When she is asked to be Madge's maid of honor Katniss has serious doubts she'll fit in with her childhood glamorous friend. Will she survive the wedding and find love? Or will she be a total embarrassment.

Katniss sighed as she looked at her image in the mirror. At 24 she wasn't the typical girl in her mid-twenties. For one, she had a masters in the field of botany and another in Environmental Biology, with two minors- one in Paleontology and another in Genetics. She had several papers published in prestigious medical and scientific papers and was one month away from getting her doctoral thesis reviewed.

Though none of her academic success wouldn't have happened had it not been for Mrs. Swanson. At the age of eleven Mrs. Swanson saw that Katniss wasn't interested in what was being taught. Her teacher suggested Katniss take an aptitude test to see if she had any learning difficulties. Her scores for the test showed that Katniss did not have learning difficulties, she was in fact a smart brilliant child.

Katniss was next given the national IQ test to see her acumen. Mrs. Sawanon believed Katniss was smart. Her high scores were surprising. As a result she was skipped from the sixth grade to high school. Katniss qualified to be instantly enrolled to the University of Panem on a scholarship when she turned sixteen.

Because of her genius, Katniss often found it difficult to interact with people. Unless she was truly comfortable, she didn't talk, and she often felt left out in social situations.

The weekend wedding, she was going to be part of, scared the living daylights out of her. It's why it was important this weekend, everything went smoothly.

Critically she examined herself in the mirror. She wore comfortable green cargo pants with the hems rolled up because she was short. Her white t-shirt was clean, her sneakers were new. Katniss slipped on a loose heather gray knit sweater as they were going to take a flight and planes were often cold.

Katniss grimaced at her reflection one more time giving herself a pep talk. "You're going to be alright, Everdeen. If it gets too much you can always take a walk."

Walking helped center her and it would also help her not stuff her face. Food was her drug of choice, when things became bad.

Katniss still had about ten pounds to lose. She'd gained a lot of weight during her undergraduate years. The University of Panem, located in the heart of the Capitol of Panem, was surrounded by an urban concrete jungle and she didn't have the ability to hunt or hike.

During that time Katniss learned she needed the outdoors to help her cope with the stressors of life. The gym wasn't something that motivated her and so she gained a lot of weight on her petite frame.

"Don't forget to pack your contacts," Prim yelled from the guest bedroom. "Madge does not want you to wear your glasses!"

Katniss rolled her eyes pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Her contacts were packed, as Madge dictated. Anyone who was considered a plane Jane knew that removing their eyeglasses didn't turn them into automatic beautiful swans. She wasn't pretty, she was dull and uninspiring. No one would ever wax poetically about her physical appearance. Though, with a bow and an arrow in her hands, Katniss transformed into something powerful and unstoppable.

She sighed, "Too bad there isn't going to be an archery contest this weekend."

Katniss turned around and walked into her bedroom. She lived alone in the Capitol these past two years. Her sister traveled from the university she attended in District One so that they could travel together to the wedding destination. Katniss hoped that this weekend things would change for her and Prim. She wanted them to somehow grow closer. This wedding could be the jumping point for new horizons. Things had been rough between Prim and Katniss. Katniss hoped being accepted by Madge and her sister's friends, maybe just maybe Prim would see she was worthy.

Katniss sat on the bed briefly and picked up the framed photo of her parents. It was one of the few mementos she had of her fathers. Her father, the late great Jackson Everdeen was a well-respected archaeologist, and he took them on adventures all over the world. He wore a hat and leather jacket like Indiana Jones.

Then he became ill.

When he died, Katniss's entire world turned upside down.

Turning sixteen and losing her father while finishing her last year of school was not easy. Her mother became depressed, and the bills piled up. It was up to her to take the mantle of adulthood. Katniss learned how to budget for money. She sold things on Craig's list to make ends meet. While most girls her age were at the beach, she was preparing dinner and lunches for the week, mowing neighbor's lawns for extra cash, and buying groceries. With the help of a friend of the family, Katniss convinced her mother to get help. Her mother slowly came back but she was never the same.

By the time August came around, Katniss was considering not entering University. Things were just starting to turn around, and her mother's mental health was important. But her mother pushed her to leave. Katniss suspected her mother was relieved when she left to study at the Capitol. Her mother never cried when Katniss left. There wasn't pride that her eldest was going to university. There was a feverish desire to get rid of her.

Katniss supposed that she was a living reminder of her father Jack, and her mother hurt to see her. It was this discovery that caused her to leave her home.

While her mother recovered and blossomed; for Katniss, living in the Capitol was hard. It was a stressful transition from the gentle rolling hills and mountains of her home district to the frenetic energy of a city full of towering buildings made up of glass, steel, and concrete. The only green to be found was in the clothing people wore.

Katniss threw herself into studying and working to maintain herself while in the Capitol. She made sure to put aside any extra money for her sister. Katniss saved a nest egg to fund Prim's education.

"Is that what you're wearing?" Prim asked, frowning. She placed her hand on her hip. Prim was clad in a short bubbly-pink slip dress, and mile high heels.

"It's freezing outside."

"But we're going to a tropical island."

"We're going to be in the air for nearly five hours. And we'll land at like five in the morning. I want to be comfortable."

"You'll look like one of the servants."

Katniss looked down at her outfit and sighed. She wondered where her sweet little sister had gone. When she graduated and came home Prim was all grown up. Her sister had transformed into a great beauty just like their mother. "But I'm comfy…"

"It's horrible," Prim said, her fist curling. "You've got to change, or at least take your hair out of that stupid childish braid."

"There isn't time."

"Just don't embarrass me," Prim huffed.

Katniss looked down at the picture in her hand. "I'll stay out of your way, don't worry."

Prim stomped away. Katniss could hear her sister say, "I don't know why Madge made you a bridesmaid."

Katniss expelled a deep breath before putting her picture back on her bedside table.

Madge had asked both Prim and Katniss to be in her bridal party. Katniss was surprised. She and the Mayor's daughter sat together during lunch back in high school, they didn't talk but they were friendly. Katniss was flattered until she met the other bridesmaids. All of the bridesmaids including her baby sister were tall slender modelesque blondes, with fair complexions and pale blue eyes. In contrast Katniss was short, with dark hair, gray eyes, and olive skin complexion.

Once again, she felt as if she didn't belong. The first time she'd felt this way was the spring she'd graduated from her undergraduate program and returned home for one summer.

Prim and her mother were a team, Prim inherited her mother's looks and bubbly personality. Katniss looked like their father and had his fire and frightening intelligence. Her mother refused to engage with Katniss. Instead, their mother focused on Prim. She showered her baby sister with everything, while Katniss was pushed to the side.

Katniss was a fish looking out of the fishbowl not being able to participate in the life her mother and sister had outside of the bowl.

"Come on Catnip," Prim sang, knowing Katniss hated that nickname. Prim bounded out of the house. "The car is here!"

"I'm coming," Katniss muttered, she loathed being called catnip.

"HURRY!" Prim bellowed from the car.

"Okay, okay," Katniss said. It was so cold outside her breath came out in puffy white clouds. Locking up the door she ran to the car and got in. The warmth stung her cold cheeks.

"I can't wait to get glammed up," Prim said as she put her seat belt on.

The car pulled out of Katniss's driveway.

Katniss smiled thinly, wanting the three-day weekend to go well, as she had hoped.

"I can't believe Madge is getting married tomorrow night," Prim said as she hummed along to the bubbly song. "She was so welcoming to me when I was pledging to her sorority. Took me under her wing, and so did Glimmer and Cashmere who are cousins. I can't wait to see them."

"I'm glad you've made great friends," Katniss quietly said.

"I know you don't care but I can't wait to get into my dress," Prim squealed.

Katniss said nothing, as the car slipped into the highway.

"Madge said that Cinna was hand-making the dresses, it's why he sent his assistants to take the measurements," Prim chirped happily.

Katniss frowned. No assistant came to take her measurements. As per the instructions she received via email she was to take her own measurements and send them to the provided address. She'd made sure that followed all the directions to the letter, she didn't want to make anyone upset with her.

"Can you imagine, me, putting on a couture gown that's worth ten thousand coins?" Prim smiled, her eyes were bright with happiness.

Katniss didn't say anything. She settled back in her seat and tried to relax letting what Prim said go over her head.

When they pulled up to the private airport that was going to take them to the wedding destination.

Katniss's smile faltered as they got out and saw the other women who were giants, one was named Glimmer, and the other Cashmere. These women were always frosty to Katniss, but for the sake of her sister Katniss squared her shoulders and plastered a smile on her face.

Prim squealed when she saw them.

"Have you met any of the groomsmen?" Cashmere asked.

"No, I haven't met any of them," Prim said.

"They're gorgeous," Glimmer said.

No one had met their partner; Madge had gotten engaged less than two months ago. It was a whirlwind romance that led to a quickly planned wedding.

Katniss tried to keep her calm when she was left behind to take care of the luggage. All three women were talking at the same time. Their voices were a cacophony of vain prattle. On the plane, Katniss sat by herself as it took off. Five hours later they landed at the exclusive island Madge was going to get married at.

A car drove them to the house, and Katniss's jaw dropped. The white house was enormous, and it was set amongst lush landscapes. The air smelled sweet with tropical fauna. The botanist in Katniss wanted to investigate what flowers produced such a sweet scent. The elegant front porch with its roof supported by four tall columns was welcoming. The elaborate doorway was made from a native rich wood. The elegant large windows had shutters, which were merely decorative.

There was a woman waiting for them with three frosty fruity drinks.

Katniss was about to reach for one when Glimmer shoved her to the side.

"Oh, my goodness these are delicious," Glimmer said.

"I know," Prim squealed. "I'm legal here I can drink!"

"I really need to relax. I've been so stressed," Cashmere said giggling.

Katniss watched her sister giggle and nod.

Madge came out and she grinned when she saw them. "Hi, I'm glad you're here. We've got to get you guys ready for tonight. Cinna is here with his team. The guys are getting ready as we speak. Helene will take you to Cinna's prep team," Madge said.

Katniss was going to follow when Madge pulled her back.

"Katniss, thank goodness you're here, I need you to help with the flower arrangements, they're a nightmare."

Katniss smiled. "Sure."

While the others were whisked away for mani-pedis, and facials Katniss was put to work. Even though she didn't know much about bridal floral arrangements, Madge was right, the arrangements were a hot mess. Using her phone she looked up wild plants. Katniss found a few species of plants outside that could be used to better the decorations.

When she was finished with her first task, a message was sent down from Madge. Katniss was to assist the staff set up the reception, next she was told she was to help set up the cocktail hour, she was made to help while everyone was getting ready. That is how she found herself hauling chairs down to the patio.

As she was tying the decorations on the chairs that lined the wedding aisle, she heard the distinctive voices of men. She looked up to see four men dressed in tuxedos standing by the backyard entrance of the house.

One was tall with a slight build with sandy brown hair, another had thick meaty fingers, and there was another that was bronzed with green eyes. They were all handsome, but in her opinion, it was the last guy that was the best-looking one.

He had warm blue eyes and was athletic like the other guys, but his movements were graceful. There was something about him that caused her to want to give him a flirty smile. And Katniss did not flirt.

"Hey, Marvel, maybe she can get us some drinks," the one with the meaty fingers said as he pointed to Katniss.

"Cato, I don't think she'd know, she looks like she's here with the vendors," Marvel said.

"I don't think Madge would like for us to get drunk, until after we have taken the pictures," the one with the warm blue eyes said.

"Peeta's right, Madge would have our arse if we looked drunk in those pictures," the bronzed one said.

"Come on, live a little, Finnick," Cato said. Turning to Katniss the one called Cato said, "You wouldn't happen to know where the drinks are would you?"

Katniss shook her head, she was a bundle of nerves, and she couldn't answer their simple question. She brushed by them entering the house, hoping she wouldn't have to speak to them. She took her sweater and tied it around her middle. Her hair was piled up into a messy bun. She was sweaty and tired, and she still needed to take a shower and put on the dress she was sure would not fit her.

Katniss felt like she always looked like a frumpy potato sack, even when she tried her best. To her embarrassment her cousin Gale had taken her to her winter formal dance when she was sixteen. It was her father's last wish. The dress her mother had secured her was a tiered silky pink ruffled dress with high lace collar and long sleeves that were also ruffled. It was one size too big, and the color was supposed to be pink but in the pictures, it looked brown.

"Are you sure you don't know where the drinks are?" Cato pulled out a stack of coins and asked, "I can make it worth your while?"

Katniss took a step back not knowing how to make these men know that she had no idea where they would keep the alcohol.

"See I told you she wouldn't know," Marvel said.

These were the times Katniss wished she had her bow and arrow. These entitled pricks always thought they had the right to objectify women and treat them like crap.

"Leave her alone Cato," Peeta said. "Look she's just trying to earn a living okay? Just leave her alone."

"Peeta's right," Finnick said.

"She probably doesn't speak English." Marvel then proceeded to shout, "HABLA ENGLISH! ENGLISH!"

"Come on, we're wasting our time," Cato said. "We better get back."

Katniss was glad they were leaving, Marvel and Cato were idiots. Money did not buy people class.

Peeta stayed behind, as he watched the guys move on to the other side of the room. They cornered one of the waiters. Peeta turned to Katniss, "I'm sorry about them. They're not even my friends. You did a great job."

"It's okay really," she said.

"They're real jerks. I guess that makes me a jerk too, but I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to deal with guys like me, like us." He slipped his hand in his pocket and he looked full of energy as if uncomfortable.

"Thank you," Katniss said. She smiled politely. He was a nice guy and she wished that someone like him would one day pay attention to her. She knew that it was useless to want something like this. A gorgeous guy like him would never really pay attention to someone like her. She was the help in his eyes.

"So what…"

"There you are," Prim said, looking resplendent in a floor-length chiffon gown with open crisscross back and sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps in a lovely peach shade. "Why aren't you dressed!"

Katniss was about to respond.

"Prim," Cato exclaimed.

"Cato, I didn't know you'd be one of the groomsmen," Prim said breathily.

Katniss rolled her eyes when she realized this was the guy Prim had saved in her phone contacts as Steak. She hung back.

"So…" Peeta said. "Do you work here or are you with the rental companies?"

Katniss cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and said, "No."

"Will you be at the wedding?"

Katniss nodded, her heart racing in her chest.

He smiled at her and Katniss swore time slowed down, like in the movies.

"Do you think you'll save a dance for me?"

Dumbfounded, Katniss stared into his eyes. She saw that he was a gentle soul. Katniss felt her cheeks heat up. He wanted to dance with her and that itself was a miracle. She gave him a crooked smile, unsure what to say. It figured she'd finally meet a guy when she looked and smelled her worst. He was in a tux, looking like a gift from the gods.

Before she could answer, her sister's head snapped to Katniss. She gave her a venomous look.

"So, I'll see you later?" Cato asked Prim.

Katniss glanced to her side wondering what she had done wrong.

Her sister giggled, before purring, "I've got to go, but I'll see you later." Her sister wrapped her hand around Katniss's arm and then dragged her away.

"Prim, would you mind slowing down," Katniss said as she was dragged to a corner. Katniss could see the guys from where she stood hidden in the shadows.

"You're not supposed to speak to anyone," her sister hissed.

What her sister said didn't make sense."Prim, I was…"

Prim pushed her away and pointed at her chest."Where have you been?"

Her tone denoted more of a demand than a question. "I've been working, while you and the rest of the girls were getting dressed."

"Madge…"

"Madge was the one who sent me down there to work."

"Madge would never do that," Prim huffed.

"You know I don't lie Prim."

"I don't believe you."

"When have I ever lied to you, Primrose? Besides, didn't you notice I wasn't there with you guys?"

"You know what, it doesn't matter. What does matter is the photographer is here to take pictures and here you are ruining Madge's day."

"I was only doing what she asked me to do." Katniss wished her sister would believe her. "Prim…"

"Instead of arguing you should be worried about getting ready. Though I doubt there is anything Cinna and his team can do to make you look better."

Katniss ignored her sister's insult, having an argument would be counterproductive. Her shoulders slumped, as she took a deep sigh. "Just point me to my room so that I can take a shower."

"Fine," Prim huffed.

Katniss followed Prim down a flight of stairs down a long corridor to a room far away from the rest of the guest's rooms. In fact, it wasn't even in the same wing. "Madge didn't want you disturbing everyone's fun this weekend," Prim smirked.

The room was smaller than her college dorm room. But at least it offered privacy. "Where is the bathroom?"

"It's in the hallway." Prim crossed her arms. "You'll be sharing it with the staff."

"Okay," Katniss said. It didn't matter; she was only going to be here a few days. "I can be ready in ten, fifteen max."

"You only have five minutes."

"Okay." Katniss was trying not to get annoyed by her sisters' curt responses. She opened her suitcase and took out her shower kit.

"Don't get upset. It's not my fault you don't have time, because you were wasting time downstairs."

"Prim I wasn't wasting time-"

"You know, Madge didn't even want you to be part of her bridal party. She knew you were going to do something to ruin her day. And she was right."

"Then why am I here?" Katniss asked, shocked and dismayed by her sister's vitriol. Her eyes watered up, but she tempered down her sadness.

"The only reason you're here is because Madge's father was a friend of his…"

"You mean our father, Prim, Jackson Everdeen."

At the mention of their father's name Prim's face became stormy.

That summer Katniss lived at home; Prim never mentioned their father. There were no pictures of their father in the house. In fact, Katniss noticed their mother had taken down any pictures of Katniss as well. Any time Katniss brought up their father, Prim became upset. Katniss tried to broach the subject with their mother, but their mother shut her down.

With rage Prim ground out, "He abandoned us."

"He was sick, Prim, for a long time. He fought to get better to stay alive. I don't know what lie you've told yourself but our father didn't want to die…he loved us."

"He wasn't even a father to me."

Katniss was going to respond but Madge and Glimmer came into the room. Madge was wearing a white robe with the word bride in pink crystals, and she also had a pink sash that said the same thing. Glimmer wore the same dress Prim was wearing except she wasn't wearing heels she was wearing fuzzy slippers. It was such a silly thing for Katniss to notice as she looked into Glimmer's steely eyes.

"Prim," Madge said, looking at Primrose with kindness. Her frosty eyes flickered to Katniss momentarily. "I came to get you. I'm about to put my dress on and I wanted you to be in the picture..." Madge said with compassion, "Primypooh, Are you okay?"

Prim stood there; her face twisted in anger. "No, I'm not! She always does this…like a dog with a bone."

Madge turned to Katniss and then spat, "I don't know why my father idolizes you. You're a freak of nature, you smell like dead things, you're fat, and you're not even that pretty."

Katniss opened her mouth and shut it. She turned to her sister, silently pleading for some sort of benevolence.

She didn't understand why her sister was so mean and caustic with her.

"That man messed up my mother. Fucked her up in the head! He was selfish. He filled mother's head with the life they would have. But in the end, all she did was suffer. Our mother could have married into a reputable family. A family with means, a name, like the Mellarks or the Johnstons. Mother had her choice of men to choose from, but she made one mistake. She got knocked up with her…" Prim pointed at Katniss. "She's just like him, ugly as fuck, and always ruining things!" Prim sneered at her with so much malice, Katniss was taken aback. "My mother regretted her life with that man. Regretted having you. She said she should've gotten rid of you when she had the chance!"

Katniss stood there numb. It was like being pelted in the face with a frozen snowball multiple times.

"I told you that she's a disaster," Glimmer said.

"Ladies," a gentle voice called from the doorway.

Katniss balled her hands trying to displace her pain and hurt into that part of her body so that they wouldn't be witnesses to her tears. Part of her acknowledged she should have stayed home, said no to Madge, and made an excuse. However, the drive to fix her relationship with her sister prompted her to say yes and come.

"Oh, Cinna!" Madge's tone of voice changed, and in an instant, the countenance of all three blondes changed from irate, to ambassadors of light and happiness. "What are you doing here?'

"I'm here to get Miss Everdeen ready," Cinna said calmly.

There was a woman with him, she had aqua-spiked hair and gold tattoos above her eyebrows. Her face did not belay the tension that had to be swirling in the room.

"I'm assuming you're Katniss?" Cinna asked.

Katniss nodded, she didn't expect Cinna to be so young for a man who'd already made a huge mark in the fashion industry. Even though she wasn't a fashionista, Katniss was aware of who Cinna was. He dressed one of her colleagues when their suit was ruined. Unlike the woman who stood next to him the only decoration he had was a thin gold line over his eyelids. He was dressed in an elegant black dress shirt with gold-colored buttons and crisply pleated pants. He glanced at Katniss and his smile was gentle, and his eyes were reassuring.

"Venia, tell the others to get everything ready," Cinna said.

Venia nodded.

"There's no need…I'm afraid plans have changed." Madge smiled thinly, but Venia didn't listen to Madge, she left.

"Oh," Cinna breathed out.

"I just don't have time for…besides you've dressed my cousin who I sent you the measurements for, she looks amazing in the dress. Plus, I'm sure, you don't have anything that will fit her."

"You know, your father was the one who made the request," Cinna said. "Mayor Undersea told me, it was important to him that Jack Everdeen's eldest be present in the wedding because he saved his life."

"My father?" Madge said.

"He did?" Prim questioned harshly.

Katniss had no idea, but it was a balsam to hear that her father was a good kind man, and not the monster Primrose painted him to be to Madge and the rest of the entourage.

"Yes," Cinna said, "He and your mother were excited that Miss Everdeen was the maid of honor."

"He did," Madge squeaked out.

"So, if you do not mind, I have to make sure your father's wishes are taken care of."

"I…" Madge stammered.

Cinna smiled.

"But she has no dress!"

"Do not worry, I will make sure your pictures are wonderful. Also, Caesar Flickerman is here."

"Caesar Flickerman!" Madge squealed.

"Upon my invitation, he came to interview you and your family," Cinna said charmingly. "Your wedding is the event of the season. You are, after all, marrying a Highbottom."

"OMG, Caesar Flickerman," Glimmer exclaimed. "My mother loves him!"

Katniss wasn't sure what was going on.

"You're needed downstairs," Cinna said, winking at Katniss. "Caesar is going to set up his cameras in the bridal suite so that he can have footage of you in your dress."

"Madge, forget about her," Glimmer urged. "You have to be camera perfect."

Madge turned to Prim, "I want you to be there for the interview."

"Of course, you're going to be famous," Prim said.

Madge turned to Cinna, "Thank you so much." She turned to Katniss and her face soured. "There isn't enough magic to make her look good, but if you can do something to make her less embarrassing that would be wonderful."

Madge, Glimmer, and Prim left in a hurry.

Katniss expelled the breath she was holding.

"I'm sorry," Katniss apologized; she never intended to cause problems.

"I heard everything," Cinna said quietly.

"Oh." She was mortified that strangers had heard everything. It was one thing to be known as the black sheep of the family, it was another to have it be known to strangers. Especially important ones.

"I am going to make you look resplendent," Cinna promised.

"You don't have to, I'm not going down there." The words were thick in her throat as it closed up with emotion.

"No, don't let them win," Cinna said. "Don't let your sister treat you like that."

"But, she…" Katniss stammered as the tears she'd been battling slipped from her eyes.

"She's a bratty bitch," Cinna said. "I've met plenty of girls like her, however, I've not met a woman like you…Mayor Undersee told me how you kept your family afloat after your father died. He told me how you are the one who is paying for your sister's education, and still sending your mother a part of your paycheck. The Mayor is very proud of you, he showed me the articles you've written, and the accolades you've received."

Katniss bit the bottom of her lip to keep from balling.

"I also heard the way you worked downstairs, pitching in…" Cinna said. "You're quite admirable."

"How?"

"My friend Portia was supposed to be downstairs doing the decorations. Her plane was late, when she arrived she said she saw you handling things. You're unique, and if they could remove the stick out of their asses they'd be able to see it."

"I'm not…" Katniss was going to say she wasn't worthy, but Cinna spoke over her words.

"You are," Cinna gently smiled.

"Thank you for your kind words," Katniss sighed. She blinked and then taking a tissue from her pocket blew her nose.

"No need," Cinna said. "Just leave that behind, I have everything you need."

Katniss blinked, she believed him and left her shower kit behind. She blindly followed Cinna. Part of her wanted to run and hide. The small hope Katniss held to possibly fix her relationship fizzled. Once more she felt unloved and an outsider.

When she arrived in his suite of rooms, his assistants were all ready for her. "Everyone I'm guessing you heard what this brilliant young lady has been put through."

Venia smiled and her eyes sparkled, as she approached. "We're going to make you look better than the bride. And when this weekend is over, everyone is going to love you!"

Katniss swallowed, the fiercely determined look in the eyes of the group of people, it made her tremble. No one had ever looked at her that way. Even though she was fantastic in her field she never attended social events. Katniss was terrified to be called a phony.

"Trust me?" Cinna said.

Katniss nodded. Instantly she was whisked away to the bathroom that was twice the size of her apartment bedroom. For the rest of the time she was soaked in luxurious scented water, buffed, polished, perfumed, and peeled. The peeling wasn't great but her skin had never been softer.

She sat in a chair, her hair in a towel having lost track of time.

"What do you want to do with her Cinna?" Venia asked.

"With those eyes, smokey and dangerous," Flavius said.

"I think we should keep it basic," Cinna said, tipping her chin up. "Amplify her classic beauty," Cinna said.

Katniss couldn't believe that Cinna was saying she was beautiful. Physically she wasn't pretty but Katniss knew in the woods, she shone like a diamond.

"Oh yes," Octavia breathed. "She's such an exotic beauty, we can play up her eyes, and her skin tone. Ugh…I wish I had your olive skin tone."

"You think I'm pretty?" Katniss blurted.

They laughed.

"You really don't know do you?" Venia said.

"You're a treasure!" Flavius exclaimed. "You are so gorgeous you make all of the girls ripe with jealousy."

Venia added, "And you have a banging bod!"

"I always thought…" Katniss didn't finish her sentence, instead, she peered at her reflection. The pert nose, the weird color of eyes, the extra weight. She was forever comparing her darker skin to her mother's and Prim's fair one.

"Did you bring contacts?" Venia asked.

"Yes, Madge said I should," Katniss said. "It's in my shower kit, but I left it on the bed."

"Kist," Venia said to her assistant. "Go get all of her stuff."

"Sure thing," Kist said.

"Well young lady, it's time to get your hair done," Flavius said.

Katniss watched as Flavius quickly transformed her thick straight dark locks into bouncy waves of perfection. He parted her hair to the side and then explained he was giving her a relaxed finger wave. Her hair looked fantastic.

After putting on her contacts Venia applied her makeup as Octavia finished up her nails. Katniss wasn't allowed to look at herself while they worked on her face. When they finished Cinna held out the dress. It left her speechless.

"What do you think?"

"Cinna's it's your best design to date," Venia breathed.

The dress looked like a soft sunset. It was a floor-length strapless gown with silk organza draped over one shoulder creating a small cape.

"Are those polka dots made from fabric?" Katniss asked.

"Actually, tiny crystals were woven into little pockets throughout the dress so that when it moves," Cinna said, moving the gown. "It glitters."

Katniss gasped as the dress shimmered in the light.

"She's going to look like a Grecian goddess," Flavius whispered.

"Let's get you dressed," Cinna said.

The dress slipped over her head and within moments she was ready. Katniss wondered what she looked like. They didn't have time to do a reveal because Madge was calling.

"Just trust me you look amazing," Cinne said, winking at her. Katniss nodded and stood straighter feeling it. The dress felt amazing, softer than her favorite cotton tee-shirt.

Cinna leaned in close and whispered into her ear, "It might hurt but sometimes you have to cut the toxic people from your life."

Katniss looked at him wide-eyed. She could never cut her sister out of her life. She was so alone and having her sister and her mother even if it was hurtful made her feel part of a family.

"Ready?" Cinna said.

Lifting her chin in the air Katniss nodded and followed them downstairs.

She could hear the women talking and laughing as they were congregated by the doors. None noticed her and for once Katniss didn't care.

"Katniss Everdeen," Mayor Undersea said, coming forward with his wife.

"You look wonderful," Roberta Undersea said.

"Thank you Mrs. Undersea," Katniss said. Roberta was Edward Undersea's second wife. Madge's mother passed away a few years ago due to a botched-up plastic surgery accident. She was smart and it was well known that Madge and her stepmother didn't get along.

"I am so happy Madge had the sense to put you as her maid of honor," Mayor Undersea said. "Come and see me. I want to introduce you to a few people here. They've read your articles and want to meet the young lady who is making our world a better place."

"Thank you, sir," Katniss said.

"Oh Peeta, have you met the young lady you are going to walk down the aisle with?" Roberta said, pulling the blond man from before. Katniss could feel her cheeks warming up at the sight of him.

"Uh hi again," Peeta stammered.

"Again?" Roberta said grinning.

"Well she was helping out before," Peeta said pointing to the outdoors.

"Of course, she was," Mayor Undersea said. "That's the type of lovely young lady she is, Muriel," he called over to someone.

A woman with a dour face and critical blue eyes came over. "This is Jack Everdeen's oldest. This is Katniss."

Muriel's face turned wide with surprise. "Oh, she's the one that saved us all of that money."

"Mom," Peeta said.

"Shut up, boy. This is the type of woman I wanted for one of your brothers, not one of those bottle died blondes with the botox-injected faces. I read your article on how to save money while going green. We saved millions because of that article."

Katniss hid her smile.

"Mom," Peeta said. "She's the girl who I'm supposed to be…"

"Don't lose sight of her, she's a peach," Muriel said. "I shudder to think of you with that Glitter girl."

Mayor Undersea laughed, "Muriel we'll do lunch next week. Catch up on that golf game?"

"Why not? You'll lose," Muriel said. Turning to her son she said, "Now just stand there, give her a compliment Peeta."

"Mom," Peeta looked at her. "She's right…I mean you're gorgeous and I'd like to know if you'd go out with me this weekend?" Peeta said, rushing through his words.

"Really?"

"He's the best of the Mellarks," Roberta whispered to Katniss encouragingly.

"Well you don't have to say yes, but I just thought you should know that I also think you're also amazing. She fixed the decor earlier this afternoon."

"They had you working?" Mayor Undersee asked.

"I was helping out," Katniss said softly.

"You were the only one. I can't even tell you where the other bridesmaids were," Peeta said.

"Father, Father…" Madge called out.

"Madge dear," Mayor Undersea greeted.

Madge's lips were thinned. Despite her unpleasant attitude, Madge looked gorgeous in her princess-cut cathedral-length ball gown. It looked like she had sparkly white coral motifs on her dress. Cinna had done an extraordinary job on her gown. It was masterful, it made her look regal. "You cannot expect me to have…that woman in my wedding party."

"Now Madge," Mayor Undersee began.

"Father, I have to tolerate having her here, but now my pictures will be ruined. I mean have you seen her, she's an unattractive troll."

"Madge," her father said.

"Why can't cousin Mavey take her place, she is after all family?" Madge argued.

Katniss realized Madge didn't recognize her and she decided to keep quiet and see what happened.

"Madge, you will do what your father wants," Roberta said, and winked at Katniss. She too had come to the same conclusion as Katniss. "He is paying for this entire affair after all."

Katniss could see Madge formulating the all too familiar you're not my mother when her father cut her off.

"I told you. I did not agree with you marrying that young man, but you wanted him. So out of love, I have done all of this. However, per our agreement, Highbottom signed an ironclad prenuptial agreement. And you were to have Katniss as your maid of honor and Prim as a bridesmaid."

"But…at least Prim is presentable. My pictures will be fine with her in the back…but Katniss…" Madge looked and finally spotted Katniss.

Katniss was sure Madge would recognize her.

"Ugh, I'd rather have this woman here. She's better looking than Katniss. She will even look good standing next to Peeta."

Muriel snickered.

"Madge," her father opened his mouth and shut it, he gave Katniss an apologetic smile.

"Fine," Madge ground out. She huffed away her gown, nearly knocking down the easel with an image of her and her fiance.

"Just like her mother," Muriel muttered.

Roberta chuckled.

"I am sorry for my daughter's rude behavior." The Mayor rubbed his face. "It's my fault for spoiling her after her mother's death."

"People do funny things while grieving," Katniss replied.

"You know it was me who introduced your father and mother. He was so brilliant, like you. I was lucky to have known him."

"And if not for you, I wouldn't have married Peeta's father," Muriel said.

Gentle music began to play. A sign for all of the guests to go to their seats.

"I think I better grab my seat. Remember Peeta don't let this one out of your sight," Muriel said to Peeta.

"I think I'll join you. Edward honey, you better join Madge I think they're about to start." Roberta left with Muriel. Mayor Undersee walked away to find his daughter.

Peeta glanced around, his face was red. "I'm sorry I thought you were an employee…I didn't know you were that Katniss."

"How many Katniss's do you know?" The cheeky words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them.

"Not many," Peeta chuckled.

"So how long have you known the groom?"

"To be honest the only guy I know is Finnick. He's in the fraternity that my brother went to. I've known those guys but never really hung out with them. Truthfully I think they picked me because I'll look good in the pictures."

Katniss found herself laughing.

"Honestly I'm glad the pictures are over with. I think after this I'm going to get a ticket and go back home."

"Why?"

"I'm not wanted here. I'm not going to stick around to be around people who don't like me."

"What if one of those people were your sibling?" The question slipped out of Katniss's mouth before she could even stop them.

"I overheard the way your sister spoke to you. You were only trying to help out the bride, not ruin her day. If anything without you the decor wouldn't have been finished."

"You heard all of that," Katniss felt her face become heated. It was embarrassing for her to know others had heard her sister's demeaning words.

"My older brother was that way. I love him but we don't get along. He disapproved of everything I did. I had to walk away."

Peeta's words were like a revelation to her. Her eyes found her sister. She loved her baby sister with every bone in her body but at the moment their relationship was toxic to Katniss. The words Primrose had spoken about their father hurt. The way Prim perceived Katniss hurt. Katniss looked up at Peeta.

"I learned a long time ago that family doesn't have to be blood-related," Peeta said.

Her sister threw her head back and laughed. It was a girlish yet feminine laugh intended to allure Cato. Cinna's words came to her in that instance. Both men were correct. As she watched Prim flirt with a tipsy Cato it dawned on Katniss that her sister was no longer a defenseless little girl. She was an adult.

Her mother was an adult.

They were all adults and her mother and sister didn't need her as much as she needed them. Katniss wanted more out of life. She wanted to feel safe again like when her dad was alive. She wanted that sense of family. Peeta was right she didn't have to be related to someone to call them family.

Prim was able to care for herself. Cato leaned over and whispered something in her sister's ears and her sister gave him a lusty look. Cato grinned and as he leaned back he nearly tripped over Finnick.

"Finn, you're cramping my style…" Cato looked flushed and his eyes were a little watery.

Marvel handed Cato a flask and the man drank from it and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Both of them chuckled. As they took more swigs from the flask. Marvel and Cato were clearly intoxicated.

"Marvel, Cato please find your partners," The wedding planner said. She was a redhead that looked like a fox. She wore sensible low-heeled shoes as she briskly put everyone in order.

She hovered over the group, her eyes quickly darted from looking at the tablet and looking about wildly at the group assembled.

"Peeta, would you happen to know where I can find Katniss Everdeen," the woman asked as soon as she reached them.

"I'm Katniss." Katniss said.

"Oh, I thought you were…well they said you…" The woman stammered.

"You thought I was ugly?" Katniss prompted.

"The way the bride described you…" she stammered then she took a deep breath. "We need you and Peeta to be ready to walk. I'll give you a signal to line up in front of the doors and then you march down the aisle."

Katniss smiled.

"Alright everyone please take your places," the woman shouted.

The procession began and Katniss watched a stately couple make their way through the doors. Katniss hung back as she watched the harried wedding planner try to wrangle the bridal party and the groomsmen. Katniss watched as her sister left with a drunk Cato followed by the other bridesmaids. It was finally her turn.

Katniss put her hand over Peeta's arm before taking a deep breath. There was a brief flicker of recognition as Prim recognized Katniss. Her sister's look was glacial, to say the least. Katniss stood waiting for the bride unaware of the appreciative glances she was getting from the groomsmen.

Madge floated down the aisle and did not pay any attention to Katniss; Madge was too busy hamming it up for the cameras and the audience. When the ceremony was over Katniss was glad that the reception was followed immediately by the cocktail hour and the dinner. They were waiting for the meals and Katniss was starving.

The meals were late and so the dance floor had opened up and people were dancing, and the drinks were flowing. Cato and Marvel were getting progressively louder. Waiters were walking around with small little hors d'oeuvres.

Mr. Undersea had been introducing Katniss around the room. She had more business cards in her hand than there were flowers in Madge's bouquet. Katniss saw a waiter with a silver platter loaded with bacon-wrapped scallops.

"I wouldn't eat those if I were you," Peeta said by her side.

Katniss turned around to ask why not when she saw that he had a slider in his hand. "Unless you're willing to lose some fingers I suggest you move that away from my face."

"Actually this is for you," Peeta offered.

"Oh, you're my hero," Katniss snatched the slider and with two bites it was gone.

"Katniss," Mayor Undersea called her.

"Hide me," Katniss whispered.

"Tell you what, I'll go get you food. Talk to the Mayor then meet me by the ice sculpture of Madge."

"As long as the food doesn't make me sick I'll eat anything," Katniss said.

"I'll take it you're not one of those salad queens."

"Either you cough up a salad or stop talking. I'm about to go outside and munch on the grass."

Peeta laughed. "Point taken."

"Katniss," the Mayor waived her over.

Katniss watched another waiter walk by.

"Trust me I get you the food." He winked and said, "I'll see you soon."

Katniss was headed to the mayor when a waiter got close. She was about to get an hors d'oeuvres when she was pulled back. Prim pulled her into a room where Madge was with the other girls.

"What are you doing wearing that!" Prim whispered furiously.

"Are you trying to upstage the bride?" Glimmer accused.

"Yeah," Cashmere said narrowing her eyes.

This was a little too reminiscent of every movie where the Cinderella character was confronted by the antagonists. Over the years it could be the evil stepsisters, the mean co-workers, the popular 'it' crowd, or the disappointed family members. Katniss stood straight; she wasn't going to be beaten down.

"I'm not going to justify your behavior by letting you beat up on me. I've done nothing wrong. Madge congratulations on your nuptials. I hope you have a pleasant life and that you will never need the prenuptial agreement your father put in place. Primrose, I think it's time you grow up. I love you but I've been killing myself paying for your expenses and your education and all I seem to get from you is rotten vitriol. It's time for you to grow up. I'm not paying for your education or your lifestyle."

"Doesn't matter, mom will take care of me."

"Our mother. She can't afford it," Katniss "You're such a big fat liar. Mom…"

"Why would I lie? Do the math. Numbers do not lie. Mother hasn't worked in years. Where do you think she gets the money?" Katniss felt no victory at her words but they were truthful and were coming from a place where she put herself first for once.

"From her family. Our grandfather left her a small inheritance."

"Oh Primrose, there is no inheritance. It's been me…" Katniss wondered what lies her mother had put inside Primrose's head. "I've been the one sending money home. The one who has paid for your education, and the one who has spoiled you rotten. It's time that I stopped and let you be an adult."

"I don't believe you," Primrose spat.

"Don't," Made said. "She's only doing this because she's jealous. Jealous of you, of me, of how hot I am."

Katniss smirked, "Right."

"The only reason you're here is because of my father. I think it's time you left. Glimmer, call security. I don't want this riff-raff in my wedding."

It didn't matter at this point. Katniss was ready to leave.

The door to the room opened, and Peeta walked in. The music blasted in, and there was shouting. The room became quiet when Peeta shut the door. "Hey there you are, I was looking for you." Peeta took a look around the room, "Are you alright?"

"Yep." Katniss felt lighter than in years. She smiled at Peeta. "I was about to leave."

Peeta offered her his arm and she gratefully took it.

"Oh Madge, I forgot to tell you. You need to go speak to Cato and Marvel. They're trying to hit on the officiant's wife."

"What?" Madge said.

Peeta opened the door and there was Cato and Marvel grinding against Madge's ice sculpture.

"No!" Madge screeched as she got up and walked out with her group. Prim wouldn't look Katniss in the face.

Katniss felt a stab of pain in her heart. At this moment she wouldn't cry, she'd save that for private time. Peeta put his hand on hers and gently squeezed.

"One day your sister is going to see that her friends are not supportive and she's going to regret this moment."

"I know but it still hurts. I love her so much," Katniss said.

There was a loud yell and both looked out of the door to see Madge falling into her cake. Marvel and Cato were on the table laughing as the only thing that could be seen was her red-bottomed shoes sticking out from a mountain of cake.

"I think this is our cue to leave," Katniss said.

As he walked with her out of the room Peeta turned to her and said. "I know this is going to sound very douchey. But I flew here with my mother. She's got her bags already packed and ready to leave. I wouldn't mind giving you a ride home or having you forever with me. Did I say there was a bounty of food aboard my plane? I have cheese buns."

"That is quite the request?"

"So I take it forever, is off the table?"

"I didn't say it wasn't…" Katniss was contemplating what a cheese bun was.

"Okay, so I got my swan chance?"

"Swan?" Katniss frowned as they walked across the reception to exit. Peeta pulled her into a dance. From the distance, she saw Mayor Undersee nod at her

"You know a story without a name, this is our meet cute…"

Katniss laughed. This was her Swan story.

The End….

Epilogue Sort of…

Katniss sat aboard Peeta's private plane. After the wedding, Katniss and Peeta started dating. They were going out for a few months. Katniss had never been so happy. She missed her sister and mother, but she knew they had to learn to defend themselves and learn to live on their own two feet.

"Are we ready," Peeta's father said, clasping his hands and walking into the cockpit.

Peeta and his father were going to fly his mother and father on a small vacation in another district. She bit into one of the flaky morsels of bread. The fragrance of the melting cheese and herbs made her mouth water as she moaned. This was her third one.

"Good huh," Muriel said.

"I'd marry your son for just these," Katniss said with her mouth full of food.

"I think that can be arranged," Muriel said.

Katniss's eyes widened. "Um…"

"Mom," Peeta said as he walked on board.

"She's a good girl, and smart to boot," Peeta's father yelled from the co-pilot's seat.

"My husband is right, plus, I need some intelligent grandbabies."

"MOM! DAD!" Peeta exclaimed. His face was red.

Muriel smiled and waved the plate in front of her face. "He made them from scratch."

Peeta gave his mother that please-stop-look before saying, "I wanted to have something to eat on the flight. I was nervous about the trip."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Katniss felt guilty. "I'm eating your food."

"No don't worry, I don't mind," Peeta grinned, taking one from her hand. "Just save me one or two."

"Don't worry Everdeen…you can keep your name if you want…I just want a grandbaby, in return."

"MOM!" Peeta exclaimed.

Peeta turned to her his hand rubbing his neck, his face red, "Don't…listen…unless you know… that forever thing…that's still on the table."

Katniss grinned. "If you promised to make me cheese buns, I'll take it into consideration."

Muriel laughed. "I told you she's a keeper from the get-go, I don't know what you're waiting for."

"Mom, please…"

Katniss couldn't help chuckling. Peeta and his family were always this way. His mother was right, though about the women his brothers married. Those women were only interested in the money, that's why they were not invited.

Peeta was going to head for the cockpit when his mother winked at Katniss but addressed Peeta. "Son, why don't I fly with your father? You come back here and get to know this lovely girl, entertained."

"Are you sure?'

"I don't mind, besides this'll be a bonding time for your father and me, and your dad gets a thrill when I fly." His mother saucily said.

"I think I need my ears checked. Do you know if it's possible for that memory to be erased?"

Katniss laughed. As Peeta leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "I've been dying to do that all morning."

"Mmmm…" Katniss hummed contentedly.

"Sorry about my mom and her pushing for a wedding and a grandbaby."

"No need, she's just trying to take care of you."

"I just wish they'd let me woo you on my own," Peeta said.

"You're doing just fine, wooing me," Katniss said.

"I am?" He grinned.

"You are, and if you keep me feeding me I won't even notice the wedding."

Peeta laughed. "Alright duly noted. Just remember this moment when I propose. Because forever is on the table for us."

Katniss settled back with her plate, like a dragon hoarding a golden treasure. Her swan story was a beautiful one.

#A Swan Story #Swan Story #A Story without a name #Mega-AuLover #Ficlet #Katniss Everdeen #Peeta Mellark #Primrose Everdeen #Cato #Marvel #Madge Undersea #Cinna #Poria #Mayor Undersea #Mrs. Undersea #Mrs. Mellark #Everlark Fanfiction #Modern AU

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mega-aulover · 2 years ago

Text

the newest mellark's

This is for my friend @lemonluvgirl87 who has a Birthday today and for @shewakessupwiththesun and @notanislander. This is a story about Katniss and Peeta adopting kids. It came to be because of this conversation and other conversations I've had over the years with Notanislander. All three of you are too wonderful for words. So I hope you enjoy it. It's rated T for some language. But it's mainly fluff. PS it's not beta'd so all mistakes are sadly mine.

The town hall was packed with the District residents. Everyone was called to make a choice about the alarming amount of orphans in Panem. They were being held in District 13 and no one wanted them to stay there. They would be made soldiers. All of the districts were being asked to take the orphans in, and the government of Panem would be responsible for providing housing and adequate food.

District 12 was still rebuilding as were many of the districts. After the war there were so many issues with infrastructure, basic things like transportation, roads, running water and electricity had to be established in the entire nation.

"Why did this happen?" Leevy asked.

Delly sighed and carefully said, "After the war, all of the districts were in a bad state. The only place to put the kids was District 13."

"But after, how did this happen?" Greasy asked.

"Unfortunately it was a loophole. Anytime a child was orphaned and had no kin who wanted them they were sent to District 13. It's been happening for years," Delly said truthfully.

"So all of these children have no one to care for them," Thom said from his seat at the table.

There was a murmur in the crowd.

Katniss walked into the room and nodded at Thom. Her youngest was wrapped around her chest. Her son, Milo, loved to be cradled against her chest. Peeta walked beside her grasping Melody's hand.

Everyone's eyes turned to them.

Even though Peeta ran the bakery in town, they kept to themselves and were rarely spotted together in town, not since they renovated the house in the woods. They sold both of their homes in the Victors Village, and combined with a portion of their winnings, they purchased acres of the woods directly from the government. They moved out of the Victors Village and were enjoying the serenity of living deep in the woods.

Haymich came in behind them.

Immediately three men jumped out of their seats and offered it to them. Katniss felt her cheeks heat up as she loathed the attention.

Thom cleared his throat. "Okay everyone, let's get back to the problem at hand. The kids are coming and we know that no matter what the government promises we'll have to take care of them."

"How many kids are coming?" Hazzelle Hawthorne asked. She'd come back to District Twelve after living in District Four for a few years.

"We're not sure, the government is going to divide them up equally, we can expect anywhere from 60 up to 250 children."

The number of children displaced was shocking. Everyone was talking all at once. Thom tried to take control of the meeting.

Katniss glanced at Peeta who had their little girl cradled in his arms.

Katniss raised her hand. She kept it up until everyone noticed and settled down. They were curious as to what she would say. "I can bring game meat to the orphanage and Peeta is willing to donate the bread that he doesn't sell to the kids."

"That's wonderful," Delly said, grinning at them.

"I've got extra clothes," another said.

"We can knit them blankets," a group of elderly women said.

"Why should we help?" One of the men asked. Katniss turned her head and looked directly at him, he sat down immediately.

Haymitch stood up. "These kids are going to be scared. From what Thom said, most of them have been uprooted from the only homes they've ever known and bussed like cattle to D13. Now everyone here recalls what it was like to live there, how strict they were. Who knows what they've faced? We pride ourselves on being a family, Let's be a family to these kids."

"We've got a few months to plan, but if we all put in our share these kids will be taken care of," Thom said. "Just like we did when we came back."

From there the meeting broke up.

Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch didn't stay too long. They had to put the kids to bed. Melody was fast asleep. After Peeta did his nightly roundup, he walked into the room and silently got undressed. Peeta turned to her while they were tucked in bed. "You did good tonight."

"I just kept on thinking about Cecilia and her children. What happened to them?"

Peeta gently placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "You're a nurturer, it's in you to take care of people."

Katniss sighed.

"It's true, even when you were sick with morning sickness with Milo you were worried about me having a small cold."

Katniss shrugged. Peeta was downplaying the situation. He had the flu and couldn't get out of bed. They had to be separated because she didn't have a spleen and she had to sleep in another room. Thankfully, Effie was here at the time, and she took control of the situation. "Good night," Katniss whispered to him, lifting her face to place a chase kiss on his lips, and she smiled when she tasted his favorite wintermint mouthwash.

In the next few months the building was erected. The government sent a hundred and twenty cots, chairs, tables, and crates of supplies. Each child was provided a kit, a mattress, a pillow, and an itchy blanket.

The rooms were painted in warm, welcoming, soothing colors, not the austere white the walls were left in by the Capitol builders. The Residents took it upon themselves and built them a playground and library so that they could have a place to study or read. Gale sent hundreds of books for the library.

The grannies were knitting soft blankets for the kids. Katniss often joined them, quietly knitting away, thankful she learned the skill from her mother. When the children arrived the entire district came out to meet them. Katniss had been with the group of people who helped cook them a hearty stew and fresh bread.

Delly proudly smiled as the kids shyly walked to their new homes. Peeta painted and drew many of them, placing their pictures over their beds. Milo sat by him clutching a crayon. His chubby little legs and arms were an explosion of color as Peeta had painted him. Katniss was glad Milo hadn't tried walking like Melody at nine months. Milo crawled fast when he was motivated.

There was a boy who called her attention. As she went around serving them stew from the pot on the trolly. He held the hand of a small little girl he wouldn't let go of as they sat at the table. He carried two trash bags with him. He was skinny and lanky and he had that hard look she'd seen on Gale's face growing up. The little girl was small with a riot of curly hair, and she was tiny and delicate. The little girl reminded Katniss of Rue and her sister when they stood on tiptoe.

Katniss weaved her way through the tables, serving bread or soup. Some of the older kids scowled. Katniss scowled right back, and their eyes opened up when they realized who was staring back at them.

Hazelle was handing out cookies. There was a line of kids surrounding her. Katniss chuckled because they wanted more than one.

His eyes opened wide when he saw her, "You're Katniss."

"Yup," she said.

"You can't be giving us food," he spat.

"Why not?" Katniss was curious.

"Because you're famous, and famous people don't do stuff like this…"

Katniss chuckled, at his response. He definitely sounded like Gale when he was fourteen. "Well, there's a lot of things I do that may amaze you. So what are your names and how old are you?"

"I'm Koa. I'm seven and this is my sister Koda and she's four."

"I have a little girl who's five, her name is Melody," Katniss said, as she filled up the bowls of the other kids at the table.

Koda pulled Koa's sleeve and he leaned over. She whispered something in his ear. Koa nodded then turned to Katniss who sat down by them. She poured a bow for herself.

"She wants to know where Peeta is?"

"Over there," Katniss pointed with her ladle, "Drawing pictures."

Koda's dark brown eyes became rounded when she spotted his ash blond hair, amongst the other kids. Katniss grinned at the little girl's natural exuberance at spotting Peeta.

"Yeah I felt the same way when I first met him," Katniss said.

"So it's true, all of it?" The boy asked.

"Most of it," Katniss winked.

"Mom!" Melody excitedly came running. "Aunt Effie is on her way, she said she's bringing glamor for the kids."

The little boy blinked when he saw Melody.

"Melody, I'd like you to meet two new friends," Katniss said, "Koa and his sister Koda."

Melody was like her father, she was a happy free spirit and friendly. "Hi, can I sit with you?"

"Ah," Koa said. "Sure."

"Thank you," Melody said. "So what district were you originally from?"

"District 7," Koda said.

"My Aunt Jojo used to live there. She lives in District 4 now with my Auntie Annie and her son Finn."

Katniss gave Melody her plate and stood knowing Koa and Koda were in good hands.

A few weeks later she walked to the Orphanage. For the first time, she heard laughter coming from the kids as they played outside. Katniss loved watching the kids open up. It was happening slowly. There wasn't one person in the nearly one thousand adults who lived in the district who hadn't taken to the kids.

However, there were kids who had been taken quickly to the district. There were others who were having a harder time. There was a small girl named Gadget from District 3. She was only six, but she was withdrawn. She never interacted with the other kids and always had her black trash bag with her. The bag contained all of her possessions.

Katniss spotted her sitting by herself on one of the seesaws. She wished there was something she could do to draw out the little girl. She was the toughest one, Koa and Koda however had opened up to her. Katniss learned both his parents were war veterans. Koa's father had a heart attack when his mom was pregnant with Koda. His mother died in childbirth. He was transported to District 13 but he made sure to keep an eye out for his baby sister.

Katniss couldn't even imagine a three-year-old having the wherewithal to protect his baby sister. She genuinely felt for the kid. A fall leaf fell to the earth, and Katniss was reminded why she was there. She doubled her pace to the orphanage.

Every Sunday while Peeta was with the kids, she went out and hunted for the orphanage.

The fall weather was beautiful and she had a good haul. She had fish, turkeys, ducks, squirrels, and other game meat. Today Delly was holding a reading program in the library, and many of the kids were woefully behind in their education. Many had never read a book or had a book read to them.

There were rumors there were a few couples who wanted to take a child or two home. Greasy got along with one of the older boys named helped her cook in the kitchen and often walked her home. Katniss had overheard him say Greasy reminded him of his grandmother. They got on well and she wanted to give him a home even though he was sixteen and going to be phasing out in two years.

Katniss watched Koa and Koda approach.

"You're a really good hunter," Koa said.

"Thanks," Katniss grinned.

"Do you think you could teach me how to hunt?"

"Well before you can hunt you have to know how to clean the catch," Katniss said.

"Like removing the feathers and stuff?"

"Yeah," Katniss said.

"Can I help you?" Koa asked, his eyes were bright and open. And Katniss couldn't help but like the kid even more.

"Sure," Katniss said. Before long even Koda was helping out. Katniss took a feather and tickled her and the peal of laughter caused her heart to clench. Her pureness once more caused her to think of Prim and Rue.

As she left she saw Gadget watching them from the door. Katniss kneeled in front of the little girl with the two long braids. "So I noticed you like green. That's my favorite color. Last week the sewing ladies were making hats for you guys, and I thought that I would make you a special cap just like the one I'm wearing. Katniss pulled out a green cap and held it out to Gadget.

Her light blue eyes lit up at the hat. Her hand quickly reached up and snatched the hat and ran away.

"She's super shy," Koda whispered. She'd snuck up on Katniss Koda, had a soft tread, and tended to sneak up on people.

"Would you and your brother keep an eye out for her?" Katniss asked.

Koda nodded. Then she leaned in and gave a kiss on the cheek and Katniss felt her heart squeeze once more. These kids were special.

"Thank you," Katniss whispered. She stood, needing to get home. "I'll see you in a few days."

A few weeks later Katniss was at home with the kids. It was one of those rare weekends where Peeta had Saturday and Sunday off.

"Mommy, tell daddy about how high Koa climbed," Melody said.

"Why don't you tell him, sweetie," Katniss said.

"Koa can climb a tree like mommy and he's super quick," Melody said.

Peeta raised an eyebrow.

"You guys have been spending a lot of time with Koy and Kheeva?"

"No daddy," Melody laughed. "It's Koa and Koda. They go to school with me and we eat lunch together. He's fun and last week he got my ball that fell in a tree."

"Oh really," Peeta said. "So does mommy like Koa?"

"Mommy," Melody turned to Katniss, her trademark Mellark blue eyes filled with childlike curiosity. "Do you like Koa and Koda?"

"Yes I do," Katniss answered easily, it dawned on Katniss just how much she cared for the siblings.

Katniss watched Peeta. He looked like he wanted to say something more but he refrained. Peeta just listened to Melody talk about Koa and Koda. Katniss didn't say anything to her husband.

That night as she sat in their bed she waited for him to come back into their room. Every night he walked around the cabin making sure the house sure doors were locked, unplugging things, turning off lights, and checking that the stoves and the oven were off. Peeta said it was something his dad did with them when they were old enough. The number one threat to a bakery was fire, and with the amount of equipment, they used Peeta's father always stressed safety first.

Peeta became more vigilant after they had Melody. He also checked on the kids making sure they were in their beds. Peeta sometimes found Melody in Milo's room. Melody often read books to Milo, and Peeta caught her doing a puppet show for Milo in the middle of the night.

Before the kids were born, Katniss found his making the rounds sweet but she found it unnecessary. When they decided to remodel her father's cabin in the woods, they decided to use all of the technology available to make their home safe. When they drew up the plans for the renovation, they decided to purchase reinforced doors and windows. The materials were fireproof, and the windows could withstand getting hit with debris from gale-force winds. The cabin was nearly impenetrable like the NUT in District Two.

Katniss never contradicted Peeta when he made his rounds. Peeta needed to make sure they were safe. Peeta was a family man. He cherished all of their time together before having kids. He never put the bakery before her needs. And when they decided to have a baby Peeta became such a dad. Showing pictures of images of his little girl from the time she was in the womb. He was such a good father. Snow failed spectacularly in highjacking Peeta.

Snow wanted to not only destroy Katniss but, in the process, destroy the kind-hearted boy, who was smart enough to outfox the careers. Yes, Peeta tried to strangle her, but that wasn't Peeta. His reaction was due to the chemicals, fear conditioning, and torture they put Peeta through in the highjacking.

Through therapy and careful medication, Peeta was able to find himself. Naturally, he was different from the sixteen-year-old boy who was reaped in the 74th Hunger Games. She too was different from the hardheaded scared sixteen-year-old girl who volunteered for the games. That girl was naive and thought that the world she knew would never change.

Little did she understand how love could inspire such profound change.

Katniss turned the page of her book, then rolled her eyes and put the book down. Tonight, she was in a reflective mood. Katniss recalled all of the moments she Peeta had as they grew back together. The small little gifts that Peeta left on her doorstep before they moved in together. The primroses he planted in honor of her sister. The moonlit dancing, they did when they couldn't sleep.

The way he loved to watch her sleep. The cup of hot cocoa Peeta had ready when she came in from the woods on a cold or rainy day. All of the things that caused her to love him just a little more every day. Katniss heard the creak in the hall floor. Peeta was nearly done with his round.

She chuckled when she heard the uneven gate of his walk as he opened one of the kid's doors. Katniss yawned as she waited for Peeta. The door to their room opened, and the joy of seeing Peeta caused Katniss to smile.

"I just don't get how Milo can get naked in his sleep," Peeta said, scratching his head as he sat on the bed. "I check on him before making my rounds and he's half out of his onesie. I dress him up when I get back he's out of it.

"He's like his father," Katniss said, giving Peeta a sly smile. "He doesn't mind being naked."

"Hardy, har, har," Peeta said, catching her joke when they were in the arena. "One-time Everdeen. I say it one time, while delirious and I'm the automatic nudist."

Katniss grinned but she could see her flushed cheeks in the vanity mirror as she prepared to speak, "Well I for one do not mind."

Peeta grabbed the throw blanket and covered himself, looking outraged but his blue eyes were filled with mischief. "I married a sex maniac. What would Effie say?"

"She'd say," Katniss changed her tone to sound like Effie's Capitol accent, "May the odds be ever in your favor." She then leaned over and placed a suggestive kiss on his lips. She leaned back and watched his eyes darken with lust.

"I think my odds are very high tonight," Peeta leaned in to kiss her but Katniss withdrew and bit her lips.

"Katniss?"

"Earlier when Melody was talking about the kids in the orphanage, you looked like you wanted to say something?"

Peeta raised an eyebrow, "Darn that huntress eye of yours."

"It's actually my mommy's eye," Katniss said. "Before I became a mom, I never noticed things like that."

Peeta chuckled. "True."

"So, what was it?"

"Well you've been spending a lot of time at the orphanage, and the kids as well. I know they're in the same school."

Katniss waited as she watched Peeta remove his slippers and removed his shirt. She sighed at the sight of his broad chest.

"But do you think it's okay that the kids so get close?"

Katniss blinked; she hadn't been listening to Peeta. She'd been busily watching him. "I'm sorry what?"

"Is it wise to get attached?"

Katniss sat up straight. "Peeta these kids are so lost they feel as if they're not wanted. It's up to us to show them that they're wanted for the sake of being wanted. Can you imagine being shipped off from their homes to District Thirteen and then stripped of everything familiar? Cause that's what they do in that horrid district. Imprinting a schedule on your skin with everything assigned…"

"Katniss, I remember," Peeta said with laughter in his voice.

"Well then why are you questioning this," Katniss said, narrowing her eyes.

"Because for the past few weeks, you've been talking about the things Koda, Koa, and Gadget…you know I worry about Mel and Milo."

"They're great kids Peeta. Koda and Koa get along with Melody and Milo. Koa watches out for Melody in school during play time." Katniss watched Peeta slip out of his shorts and she nearly lost her train of thought. "And Gadget is smart, she's a bit shy. But she's coming along. Just yesterday I saw her playing with Koda. She's wearing the green cap I made for her." Katniss watched him slip underneath the covers. "I was hoping you'd spend time with them. Get to know them a little, if you're worried about them."

"Okay fine, I'll see what I can do," Peeta said.

Katniss got closer to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "So you're really not naked Mellark."

Peeta started laughing, ending all communication except for one.

Weeks later it was snowing and Katniss was handing the mitten, gloves, and scarves she and the ladies had knitted for the children. She had knit an orange and green set for her three favorite kids. Peeta had come with her.

Peeta had begun to come on his own and often had the kids in the bakery with him.

She watched him interact with Koda and Gadget. They were quietly painting along with Melody. Katniss had Milo strapped to her chest. Currently, her little guy was sleepy and was drooling on her shoulder.

She found Koa on his bed, "Hey."

"Oh hi Katniss," Koa said.

"You don't want to paint with Peeta?"

"Nah, I want to finish this book, can you imagine flying in the sky without the need for a hovercraft?"

Koa told her that his mom used to read a book about a boy who flew. Katniss called Johanna and she confirmed that they used to read the adventures of Paul Bunyan. It took speaking to Effie that she was able to track down the book. Koa's eyes watered at the sight of the book. She often found him reading it, over and over.

"I don't know but I can tell you flying in a hovercraft doesn't feel like flying at all. There aren't any windows."

"Woah," Koa said.

"Can you read me the story?" Katniss said, sitting in the chair.

Koa nodded and began reading it from the beginning. By the time he was done Peeta and the girls had joined him. Peeta's face had a soft smile as he held all three girls on his lap. Gadget was fast asleep.

Katniss smiled but said nothing. It was nearly Christmas time and Katniss noticed Peeta began coming to the orphanage. One day they were putting the kids to bed when he said. "Did you know Gadget stared down a boy twice her age yesterday when he tried to take Koda's toy?"

"No," Katniss said. She was thinking about what Melody asked her. Melody wanted to know if they could bring Koa, Koda, and Gadget home to be her brother and sister. She made a very good argument that they could all fit. Katniss had no idea Melody felt like this.

"Yeah, she's tough with a heart of gold," Peeta said as they walked downstairs to clean up.

Katniss smiled.

"Do you know Melody asked me if we could bring the kids home," Peeta said interrupting her thoughts.

"She did?"

"Yeah, and it started me thinking," Peeta said.

"Thinking…thinking about what?" Katniss asked. The hair on her arms was prickly. Peeta was building up for some news.

"I wanted to know if it was alright if the kids could come here on Christmas. Spend the holiday with us."

Katniss stopped picking up Koda's doll and stood up. Peeta stood just a few feet from her, his eyes were wide.

"Okay, you were right. Koda is sweet, she reminds me of Prim and Rue. Gadget is well, I've already told you and Koa is a great kid. He looks up to you and he's kind of like Gale."

"Yeah," Katniss said. "So you want them to…"

"Katniss, I think we should talk about more…"

"More?"

"Yeah, I've already brought them to the bakery. Koda and Gadget's eyes were bigger than the moon when they saw the equipment. Mel and the girls started a food fight and for the life of me, I couldn't get angry. It reminded me of when my brother's and I started a fight in the bakery. I could see them there. All of them coming home from school studying, and gossiping. And it's just not with the girls. The other day while speaking with Koa about hunting, he said he'd like to go into the woods with you. And I could see myself shouting at you both about trekking mud in the mudroom."

Katniss laughed and it sounded weird to her. Her vision blurred and she touched her cheeks and they were wet. "Oh, Peeta."

"I can see them as part of us, you know. Part of our family…" Peeta said and pointed around. "We've got room Katniss. I mean the cabin is huge. Haymitch has his room that he shares with Effie when they visit. But we can make that den into a room for Koa and Koda. That spare room can be for Gadget…"

Katniss ran and leaped into Peeta's arms. "Peeta, I've been in love with those kids since they said hello. But I think you're right…"

"We need to see if they would like to be with us, to see if we can do this…can we do this?"

"I don't know but it feels right," Katniss said.

"Okay so let's broach the subject with Delly," Peeta said. "She's the one in charge and she'd know what to do…"

The next day Katniss and Peeta left Melody and Milo with Haymitch. He didn't seem surprised that they would feel that way. Many people in the district had made connections with the kids and a lot were like Katniss and Peeta wanting to possibly adopt. They hadn't made the jump.

"So how can I help you?" Delly said.

"Dell's," Peeta started but looked at Katniss. Katniss gently nodded. "We'd like to know how to adopt."

"Oh," Delly said. "OH! Who?"

"Not who but which ones-" Katniss said.

"Wait, you want to adopt more than one?" Delly sounded flabbergasted.

"Is that alright?" Peeta asked.

"Ah," Delly stuttered then said. "Yes of course. Who are you thinking of?"

"Koa, Koda, and Gadget," Peeta said.

"Well," Delly said, sitting up straight. "There are some documents to fill out, a visit to your home to make sure you have adequate space, but I don't see a problem, as long as the kids want to…"

"We're thinking of turning the den into a room for Koa and Koda until they get bigger. And the extra bedroom can be for Gadget. We can turn the loft space into a bedroom for Koa when he gets bigger."

"Have you spoken to Melody?" Delly asked.

"Who do you think gave us the idea," Peeta said.

"She would like you Peeta," Delly said.

"Though we didn't want to say anything to her until we talked to you."

"Good okay then let's talk to the kids," Delly smiled. Delly stood and left the room and shortly after all three kids walked in. Their eyes filled with trepidation.

"Koa, Koda, Gadget Katniss, and Peeta asked me to talk to you," Delly said.

"Please don't make us leave," Gadget said.

Peeta got up from his chair and hunched down to her. "No, we're not asking you to leave. We want to know if you want to come home with us."

"With you?" Koa asked.

"Yeah," Katniss nodded, getting choked up. "To live with us."

"You want us?" Koa asked. "But we're nothing."

"No, you're not. Neither is your sister or you Gadget," Peeta said passionately. "We wanted to ask you, before starting the paperwork. If you don't want to, we will understand."

Koa nodded then he said. "We're like the lost boys and you're like Wendy and you're like Peter Pan. You'd be willing to take us lost boys in."

"Yeah," Katniss said, nodding.

"Can we talk about this by ourselves," Koa said.

"I think that's wise," Delly said.

Katniss watched them huddled together. They whispered. Peeta grasped her hand and squeezed reassuringly. They turned around and the smiles on their faces caused her trepidation to settle.

"We would love to…"

ONE YEAR LATER

Katniss waited for Peeta to finish making the rounds.

This past year was filled with growing pains and yet they were blessed. They'd included the children in their therapy sessions. Having that extra help caused them to blend further as a family. It wasn't perfect but it felt right.

Koa took to the woods like a fish to water. He loved going hunting with her. They were making a bow for him, just like her paw had done. Peeta had little aprons made for the girls. They hung in the bakery and were often used. Melody and Koa loved helping out the customers. Gadget preferred standing by Peeta, her hands deep inside the dough.

Peeta was right Gadget was a natural in the bakery.

Milo loved his brothers and sisters. Christmas was tomorrow and Katniss was wrapping up presents to put under the tree. Effie was in town and she and Haymitch were in their room.

Their lives were busier but fuller and it was chaos but Katniss wouldn't change a day out of it. Half of the kids that were brought to the district were adopted. Another group was in the process. A few had grown out of the system. But they were welcomed into the community. Other districts seeing the example also began adopting kids.

Peeta came into the room. "They're all piled up inside of the fort you made them. Koa hadn't fallen asleep yet, he was waiting for me. He had a dozen questions about Christmas."

When this began they couldn't bring them home for Christmas, though they did come home after the new year. All of the children were hyper and aware that tomorrow was Christmas. Katniss was hyper-aware of what tomorrow brought.

"He's going to love his new boots," Katniss said, putting the last of the two presents aside. "Do you know how hard it is to hide presents amongst five children?"

Peeta laughed. "I know, you don't have to tell me." Katniss watched him go to their bathroom.

"The question I have though is how are we going to tell them that they are going to add to this bunch," Katniss said quietly.

"Pardon me?" Peeta said.

Katniss had a picture in her hand. A grainy picture with two blobs. With the word TWIN underneath.

"Twins," Peeta whispered. "We're having twins…"

Katniss grinned. "Well, you're the nudist."

"One time Everdeen. It was one time…."

"It's more like a few times Mellark," Katniss laughed as he picked her up. "We're outnumbered, you know."

"I know."

"Jo is never going to let us live this down."

"I know."

"Is that all you got to say?"

"Merry Christmas Mr. Mellark."

"Merry Christmas Everdeen."

The next morning chaos reigned as the children learned of the newest Mellarks.

#this is a story not a drabble #Mega writes #mega-aulover #happy birthday

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