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Tonight, Katniss is singing at her best friend Rue’s bar and lounge. Everyone who’s ever heard her sing‒which isn’t many‒has said she sings like a bird, or likewise, that the bird’s stop to listen when she does, and she could give them lessons. In spite of that, she’s nervous. She hasn’t sung in years, not even in the shower.
As Katniss prepares herself, taking in just the right amount of water to keep her throat moistened whilst not so much as to have her twisting her legs all through her song, she catches sight of Rue. Rue is doing a little of everything around here like she normally does, and Thresh, Rue’s partner, is at his usual post behind the bar. Her giant, handsome friend offered her a shot of something earlier to take off the edge, but she declined, being the lightweight she is. A drunken, forlorn ballad speaking to lost love and begone chances would not do in such a classy place as Rue’s and Thresh’s.
Rue glances over and stops in place, casting her a concerned look. Huddled up in her favorite corner of the bar, Katniss plasters on a smile and waves, and Rue does the same before going about her business. Katniss then pulls out the compact with the bird on it (a gift) and checks her makeup. She isn’t a makeup-wearing kind of girl, and she was worried she’d royally screwed up the application; however, Rue told her she looked perfect.
What else is a best friend going to say? They can’t be trusted in such matters. She could probably look like a hag and Rue would tell her she’s the hottest thing in here.
Oh well. She’s here to sing, not to look hot.
She tugs up the thin strap of the slinky, sunset orange dress she’s wearing.
After a brief visit from Rue, during which she wishes her good luck and lets her know she’ll be listening, Katniss returns to checking herself in the tiny mirror. She finishes and snaps the compact closed, tucking it away. She meets Thresh’s eyes, then, and he heads over to her. When he wishes her luck, she expresses her paralyzing fear to him.
“What if I bomb?” she laments.
“You won’t,” he grunts.
“But what if I’m humiliated, and worse, what if I humiliate you and Rue in front of all your regular customers?”
“You won’t,” the hulking man reiterates.
“But...I-I just don’t think I can do this, Thresh.”
She shifts in her seat, and as if he thinks she’s going to bolt, Thresh clamps down on her forearm‒he could hold down two or three of her arms, at least, with that massive hand; she dare not try to escape now.
“You can, and you will do it,” he tells her. “For Rue.”
These two words are all that need said. He has her stymied. She’d do almost anything for Rue. In fact, there are only two others who have such power over her: her little sister, Prim, and well, a certain someone who’s been on her mind lately...
Actually, there’s this song she hasn’t sung in a while, a long, long while, one which she sang for him many years ago. It’s always on her mind when she misses him‒and she’s been missing him a lot lately.
But the past is gone; he’s gone, moved away and moved on, most likely. He probably never thinks of her.
Katniss emits a small dejected sigh; then, with renewed determination, she tips her head back. She looks way up into those golden-brown eyes of her friend, and she nods.
“Good girl,” Thresh says, releasing and patting her arm. “Knock em’ dead.” And with that, he goes to offer a customer a refill.
A half-hour later, Katniss has taken the small stage in the center of Rue and Thresh’s place. A small group of musicians stands behind her, and all eyes are on her now. She tugs on her braid once or twice in anxiousness, then calls up a particular memory of her father, who truly was an incredible singer, better than her. The notion of him looking down on her, smiling and proud of her for taking the chance, gives her strength.
She begins to sing:
Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight
Someone’s thinking of me and loving me tonight...
She makes it through the first verse, her confidence heightening as she launches into the chorus. Her voice is soaring by the time she sees him, or rather, she hears him first.
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby
It helps to think we might be sleeping underneath the same big sky...
A man has hijacked her song!
Her eyes dart around the crowded room, frantically searching for the voice, but there’s no need, for he’s standing directly in front of her. Medium height, stocky build, ashy blond hair, and blue eyes.
It’s him. She can’t believe it.
He’s not a mirage; he’s actually here, looking handsome in a gray suit that really makes his eyes pop, his eyes shiny and full of something she can’t quite pinpoint. And now, he’s making his way toward the stage…
Katniss is trembling from the onset of emotions welling within her, but she grips the mic and keeps going. As for him, he continues to sing along.
And so, her song has become a duet, but she’s fine with that, so long as it’s him.
They harmonize as one, belting out the crescendo:
Somewhere out there, if love can see us through
Love can see us through, he refrains.
Then we’ll be together somewhere out there
Out where dreams come true…
When the song ends, the crowd goes nuts, but Katniss is only aware of Peeta standing before her. Peeta Mellark, her childhood friend and first love, her one true love, to be exact.
Her breath is coming out ragged, although she’s never struggled with breath control before. She sucks in some much-needed air and holds her breath entirely as he approaches her and takes the stage.
“Katniss Everdeen, as I live and breathe,” he says, grinning broadly. He folds his arms and appraises her.
“Peeta,” she manages to utter, awestricken. She thinks she might tear up, and she’s thankful Rue let her borrow her waterproof mascara tonight.
“I knew it had to be you singing the moment I walked in,” he says. “I thought to myself, who is this musical enchantress belting out the most beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Out There” I’ve ever heard? It could be none other than Katniss Everdeen."
Her heart flutters.
“Always with the pretty words, Peeta." She smirks, working to control the pace of her heart.
“Only for you,” he says, giving her a lopsided smile.
Somehow, she highly doubts that, yet her heart is beating frenetically.
“The most beautiful, except perhaps for...well, there was this one little girl… I recall she had two braids instead of one…” He takes hold of her single braid, sliding it through his fingers. He does so twice then focuses on the wispy ends, caressing and smoothing them.
Meanwhile, Katniss is frozen solid, though she knows she’s still amongst the warm and living for the tingling sensation he’s provoking.
“Oh, I wanted to show you something,” he says. And he pulls something out of his pocket. It’s a star made of paper.
Why does he still have this? And does he carry it around everywhere with him??
Suddenly, Katniss is transported back to a solitary hill overlooking their town. In her mind’s eye, she can see two kids seated on a grassy hill gazing out across the starry night sky. She recalls that floppy mop of beautiful golden curls that she always wanted to reach out and touch, but never did. His hair is just as wavy as she recalls, but tonight, it’s slicked back and styled.
“Stars grant wishes, you know,” says young Peeta, matter-of-factly.
Young Katniss with her twin braids smiles faintly. “They do?”
“Yep! Only, Katniss,” his eyes are shimmering as brightly as those stars out there, “...I have more than one wish, and if I only get one, I’m not sure what to use it on or when! I might like to have a star, you know, to keep in my pocket for whenever I need it.”
She knows what his wish should be, to get away from his mother, but she doesn’t say so.
Instead, she pulls out the thing she made for him today in school.
Shyly, she sticks it out. “I knew you loved stars, so…I made this for you. Now you have one in case you need it.”
He looks hard at it, then flips it over. One side is green; the other is orange, their favorite colors. And she’s signed her name with a little heart beside it on the back. When she meets his eyes, he’s staring at her with tears in his. She can’t tell if he likes it or hates it. But then, he does something unexpected...
He leans in and kisses her on the mouth.
“I love it, Katniss,” he says shyly. “Thank you.”
Peeta always loved stars, Katniss thinks back fondly.
Returning to the present, she becomes vaguely aware of Peeta gently leading her off the stage, his large, warm hand resting on the small of her back.
“I apologize for ruining your song,” he speaks in her ear above the hum of the crowd, his lips grazing the shell tantalizingly.
“You didn’t,” she breathes, somehow managing not to stutter. “I think we were a hit.”
“We were,” he agrees. “Although, it was all you. And that’s what I’m here to talk about.”
“What, Peet‒?”
He takes her over to a fairly secluded spot near the back wall.
There, he tells her, “I’m a talent scout for Baird and Covey Talent Co, and I want to sign you.”
Okay, that was the very last thing she expected to happen tonight, aside from Peeta showing up as he did.
“What?” Katniss’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. “You’re-you’re a talent scout, Peeta? Wow.” How did she not know this? If someone from their small town got famous, it would be all over town; of course, she’d practically been living under a rock until she moved 20 miles away a few months ago. After Peeta was long gone...
“So, you discover stars?” she asks.
“Basically, yes. Singers, dancers, actors, models...”
Katniss instinctively scowls. He must meet a lot of beautiful women, she thinks begrudgingly.
What’s this? Why is she feeling slightly...jealous over these imaginary women he has associations with? Just because he discovers them doesn’t mean he hooks up with them...And even if he does, why should she care?
“Yes, so, if you’re interested, perhaps we could discuss it? Over dinner?” She’s never considered being a star, but Peeta looks hopeful, and she can’t bear to disappoint him.
“Um, uh, sure...yeah, that’d be great. Thank you so much, Peeta. I mean, Mr. Mellark. I should probably call you that if this is business.”
Peeta laughs, low and throaty and velvety. “That won’t be necessary, Katniss. We’re not formal at the agency. It’s more like a family. And besides, you and me go waaay back.”
They exchange smiles.
“However, in the name of full disclosure,” he continues, “I should tell you that there is one major hindrance to my signing you. I’m not going to let it stand in the way of your stardom, certainly not, but I felt I should tell you.”
“Oh,” she puts in, concerned. “What is it, Peeta?”
“Well, it’s…” he hems and haws a little and scratches the back of his neck. Peeta doesn’t normally get so nervous around her (at least, he didn’t use to), and he doesn’t stumble over his words like this, so it’s strange, and a bit unsettling. “It’s,” he begins again, “of a personal nature. Regarding my...feelings.”
“Your feelings?” she questions.
“Yes, my feelings,” he replies. “About you.”
What?
“Oh, um, you...I...your feelings for me? What kind of feelings?” Her eyelashes flutter like tiny butterflies. She’s confused and rather anxious. Does he have some unresolved problem with her he’s never spoken all these years? Is that why he didn’t try to find her after they were separated?
“Basically,” Peeta takes a deep breath, “I’m in love with you.”
Katniss’s jaw drops. “You’re…what?”
Okay, that’s stolen top billing from Peeta showing up and him wanting to sign her on the list of things she thought would never happen tonight, or ever.
“In love with you,” Peeta repeats. “Always have been.”
No words. She hasn't a single word on her tongue.
“I’m sorry to be so blunt and to shock you like this, Katniss. I’d really love for you to join our agency, and I’m an ethical man, so I needed to make you aware of this potential complication. I would always be professional around you, of course. I’d never try something with you unless you allowed it, but you have to know that my feelings for you run far deeper than an agent and his client.”
Katniss blinks several times. “Is...is that why you want me, Peeta?”
It’s stupid what she just said.
A slow grin spreads across Peeta’s face that makes her blush hotly. “Oh, Katniss. If you’re asking if that’s why I plan to sign you, then no. It’s not in order for me to gain any fringe benefits. I would never expect any...favors from you in exchange for making you a star; that’s why I brought this up, because I don’t want there to be any concern or confusion. From the moment I heard you sing, I was a goner. I always knew you would make it, become a star, and you have no idea how thrilled I am to have the power to make it happen. That will give me pleasure enough.”
She’s speechless again.
“And...” She thinks he’s blushing now. “As for wanting you, well, that’s a different question entirely, and one I’d be happy to answer over and over again until it’s perfectly clear. If you’ll allow it.”
She’ll allow it.
Katniss hasn’t missed his innuendo, and heat spreads down her neck to the tips of her toes. She would be a liar if she said she wasn’t tempted. Of course, she is. Badly. In addition to her heart, her body is already on fire for him. Has been ever since adolescence.
But this is a lot to process, and she needs to sit down before she falls down. He must sense this, perhaps by the trembling in her legs, and he leads her over to a table and seats her. He takes the spot beside her.
Rue passes by their table, tossing out a casual, “All good here, Katniss?” She’s surely noticed Katniss’s expression and is checking on her, looking out for her safety. But little does Rue know, the man next to her was never a danger to her, but rather, he's said everything she’s always wanted to hear.
And she’s not talking about the stardom thing. Katniss could go through life happily just as things are. Oh, of course, it would be great to make some extra money, but even more than that, for the chance to be around Peeta...
Kowing that he could be back in her life, she can hardly breathe.
Yes, she can barely contain her enthusiasm, but slow and steady wins the rest. She can’t rush into this.
“I have another confession to make, Katniss,” says Peeta, stirring her from her thoughts. She releases her breath. She doesn’t think she can take another atom bomb being dropped on her tonight, but she tells him to go ahead.
“I didn’t just happen to walk in tonight and discover you,” he tells her.
“You didn’t?”
“No. I knew you’d be singing here; I heard about it from a friend. But I walked in tonight not knowing what to expect. I had intended to talk with you after and discuss a contract because I knew that your voice would only have matured and gotten even lovelier over the years, but I hadn’t planned on joining in with you or feeling...the way I do right now.”
“Still a fibber, Peeta?” she deflects, for the weight of his confession is crushing her, not in an altogether unpleasant way. Speaking of which, it’s not Peeta’s fault he used to fib; he had to survive as best he could in the household he grew up in.
“Well,” he chuckles, “old habits do die hard, I guess, but I’d only ever fib to you to protect you or to make you feel better.”
“Is that what you’re doing now?”
“No, I’m being totally honest. More honest than I think I’ve ever been in my life.”
“So, you actually…”
“Yes, Katniss.” He takes a breath. “All that being said, If you don’t feel comfortable having dinner with me now, I understand perfectly. We can speak further over the phone or meet in a more professional setting, if you’d like, such as at the talent office.”
In answer, Katniss does the only thing she can think of; she leans over and plants a kiss on his lips, just as he’d done all those years ago.
Her lips linger on his, and then she feels him drawing her closer by the back of her neck. His lips part and she follows suit, moaning into his mouth as she samples the delicious taste that could only be Peeta.
“I’d love to have dinner with you, Peeta,” she says, slightly breathless when they break apart.
“Great!” he exclaims. He clears his throat and tones down his voice. “I mean great.”
And then, he kisses her again, slow and sensual.
They could stay and make out in this corner all night, but they both decide it best to cool it for now, go elsewhere, have that dinner, and discuss things. After that, who knows?
On the way out, Katniss catches Rue’s eye. She feels bad ditching her, but she’ll explain and fully apologize tomorrow. Her best friend, however, doesn’t seem annoyed and only winks at her and gives her a thumbs up while Thresh looks on, confused. He must not have caught the exchange, but Rue will fill him in later. Katniss laughs to herself as Peeta’s arm winds around her shoulders.
“I’m thrilled for you to meet my colleagues,” Peeta tells her on the way out, “Cinna, Haymitch, Portia, and the rest of the gang. And the owner, Lucy, is a real peach. You’ll like her; she has the same fiery spirit in her as you.”
“Can’t believe you’re a talent scout, Peeta,” Katniss says, incredulous. “Makes sense, though. You always loved stars.”
“You’re adorable.” Peeta smiles and kisses her temple. “Well, as you know, when I was young, I always wanted a star to keep for myself, and with you, I finally have one.”