Chapter Text
Katniss Everdeen sat on the couch in her living room, her mind consumed with thoughts of the upcoming prom. She couldn't help but feel uneasy about her younger sister Prim's choice of prom date. The boy, whose name was Mark, struck Katniss as suspicious. He seemed too charming and smooth for her liking. Determined to protect her sister, Katniss decided she needed to investigate.
Katniss approached Prim, who was in her room, engrossed in choosing the perfect dress for prom. "Prim, we need to talk," she said, crossing her arms.
Prim looked up, sensing her sister's seriousness. "What is it, Katniss?"
"I've been thinking about Mark, and I don't trust him," Katniss confessed, her worry evident in her voice. "I need to make sure he's not going to hurt you."
Prim's face flushed with anger. "Katniss, I can take care of myself! What do you mean, make sure he is not going to hurt me?”
“I will just stick around at prom, being there if you need me or anything. Keeping an eye on him,” Katniss said turning away from her sister’s angry face.
“You can't just go spying on me. This is my prom, my choice! I am not getting into your business with boys either," Prim stated.
“I am not spying! I wanted to go to prom anyway, and just wanted you to know that I am going to be there if he tries something weird,” Katniss huffed.
“You? Going to prom? For no reason? Yeah, very believable, Katniss. You would never willingly go to prom,” Prim mocked her sister.
“On our victory tour, I went to a lot of dances! This is no different,” Katniss defends herself.
“Well, so are you saying this is about a certain boy? A date, perhaps?”, Prim said trying to get to her sister.
Katniss just glared at her. “You should wear the blue dress, it makes your eyes brighter”, she said before leaving the room.
Katniss realized that she needed a way to keep an eye on Prim without outright spying on her. Prim’s words about having a date came to her mind. A plan started forming in her mind, but she needed assistance. Who else would she turn to, but her fake fiancé, Peeta Mellark.
As she explained her concerns to Peeta, he listened attentively. When she finished, he wore a mischievous grin. "I have an idea, Katniss. I'll take you to prom, but only if you prompose to me."
Katniss scrunched her nose in disgust, finding the idea of promposing to Peeta rather absurd. "Promposing? Really, Peeta? That's so dumb."
Peeta chuckled, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "You don't have to think of it as a grand gesture, but it's a way for you to show that you're serious about going to prom with me."
"Oh, I'm serious, all right. Serious about how ridiculous this whole thing is,” Katniss said while rolling her eyes.
Peeta's grin widened, refusing to back down. "Well, I already proposed to you, so the least you can do now is to prompose to me if you want me to go with you, Ms. Everdeen," he exclaimed playfully.
Katniss huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "This is just so stupid, Peeta. Please, just go to prom with me."
Peeta burst into laughter, his eyes crinkling with joy. "Come on, Everdeen, turning down a challenge? I thought you were up for anything."
Katniss narrowed her eyes, realizing that Peeta was enjoying the banter a little too much. She sighed in resignation, knowing that arguing further would only fuel his determination. "Fine, if it means that much to you, I'll go along with your silly promposal idea."
Peeta's grin widened, his excitement contagious. "Great! So, any ideas on how you are planning to prompose to me?"
Katniss shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I guess I could write 'Peeta, will you be my prom date?' on the back of one of your bread loaves. It's a fitting tribute to us, don’t you think?"
Peeta's laughter filled the air. "Haha, you never cease to amaze me, Katniss. I suppose a bread promposal would be very fitting. Who can resist such a delicacy?"
Katniss couldn't help but smile at Peeta's lighthearted response. "Just remember, you asked for it, Mellark!"
Peeta playfully winked at her. "Oh, I have no doubt you'll deliver something unforgettable. I can't wait to see your creative masterpiece."
Katniss felt a surge of determination as Peeta's words fueled her competitive spirit. She was determined to come up with a promposal that would not only make Peeta laugh but also leave a lasting impression on him. Together, they continued to joke about different promposal ideas, each suggestion more outrageous than the last. For a moment, Katniss forgot about her actual intentions about going to prom.
As the day of the promposal approached, Katniss spent hours thinking of a small yet thoughtful gesture that would showcase her desire to attend prom with Peeta. Making it genuine enough that he won’t reject her, but small enough to not make him believe she put too much thought into it. She finally settled on a simple but heartfelt idea.
On the day of the promposal, Katniss found herself standing before Peeta’s door. Her voice carried a mix of nervousness and a hidden vulnerability.
"Alright, Mellark. Meet me at the meadow after your morning shift. I have something for you," Katniss said, her tone trying to sound casual but betraying a hint of anticipation.
Peeta's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "The meadow? Alright, I'll be there. But what's this all about?"
Katniss shrugged, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. "Oh, you know, just something... silly."
Peeta either really forgot about the whole promposal idea or did a good job acting like he did.
When they met at the meadow, the soft sunlight filtering through the trees, Katniss took a deep breath, feeling her heart race. She held out a small bouquet of wildflowers in her hands, dandelions intermingled with the other blooms, swaying in the gentle breeze.
"These flowers... they make me think of you," Katniss said, her voice tinged with a mix of awkwardness and honesty. "I found them after you gave me the bread all those years ago. They reminded me that even in the toughest times, there's always hope."
Peeta's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and warmth filling them. "Katniss, that's... that's incredibly meaningful. Thank you for sharing that with me."
Katniss shifted nervously, her gaze fixed on the ground. "So, um, Peeta... I hope that you'll say yes to going to prom with me. I mean, these flowers gave me hope, and now I hope you'll give me the answer I'm looking for."
Peeta's eyes softened, a touch of emotion filling them as he looked at Katniss. He reached out, gently cradling her hands in his. "Katniss, I want you to know that even if you hadn't gone through with this promposal, I would have gladly gone to prom with. But thank you for putting in the effort and making it such a meaningful moment. It means the world to me."
Katniss felt a warmth spread through her, a mixture of relief and gratitude. She realized that despite her initial reservations and doubts, Peeta saw beyond the surface and understood the true intention behind her actions.
“I wanted to show you that even if I found the whole promposal thing silly, I still value you and am grateful that you are doing this for me. Thank you, Peeta,” she said shyly.
Peeta squeezed her hands gently, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Always, Katniss. I'll be here, no matter what. Let's make this prom a night to remember."
Katniss felt a warmth spread through her, a mixture of relief and gratitude. She couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You know, Peeta, I still think prom is dumb. I mean, who needs weird dancing, overly hyped-up kids, and all the awkwardness? I'm not sure if it'll be a night to remember, but I guess we'll find out."
Peeta's smile widened, his laughter joining hers. "Well, Katniss, if there's anyone who can bring some excitement to a supposedly dumb prom, it's you. I'll bring the dance moves, and you can provide the snarky commentary. Together, we'll turn it into a night that defies all expectations."
Katniss grinned, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Well, that sounds like something I can definitely do.”
Peeta agreed, the playful atmosphere encompassing both of them. But then, a mischievous grin crossed his face as he continued, "Oh, and there's one more condition."
Katniss raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Another condition? What now? I already fulfilled your promposal condition and on top of it all, I took it more seriously than what either of us expected. "
"It's the last one. I promise," Peeta assured her.
Curiosity mingled with a hint of apprehension, Katniss asked, "What's the condition?"
"I'll go to prom with you, but I want it to be a real date," Peeta stated, his tone resolute.
A flicker of surprise danced in Katniss's eyes, followed by a hint of resistance. "A date? Peeta, we're just going to prom to keep an eye on Prim. We don't need to turn it into something more complicated."
Peeta shook his head, his blue eyes filled with sincerity. "Katniss, the marriage we're entering into is forced upon us. We're constantly living under the watchful eyes of others, putting on a show. But for once, I want us to have the chance to create real memories, to do normal things together without having to act. I don't expect any romantic gestures or declarations. I'm simply asking you to be real with me, to let our guards down for one night. Let's show each other what it would have been like if I had the confidence to ask you out before we were thrown into the Games."
Katniss felt a lump form in her throat, her heart pounding with a mixture of emotions. Peeta's words touched a vulnerable part of her.
"Peeta, I don’t know… We talked about this. I don’t want to give you false hopes… Why do you want to make it more complicated for us?" she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of uncertainty.
Peeta's gaze softened, his voice gentle yet determined. "Because I want to give us a glimpse of what could have been, of the genuine moments we could have shared if circumstances were different. I want to create a real memory, a touchstone we can hold onto when we're back to acting and pretending. Prom night is an opportunity for us to experience something normal, something outside the confines of our roles as the star-crossed lovers. It's a chance for us to be ourselves, without the expectations and pressures. I want to make that memory with you, Katniss. Let’s not let them determine our whole relationship. Let us create some real memories. Let us reclaim making our own decisions."
Tears welled up in Katniss's eyes, emotions swirling within her. She realized the weight of Peeta's request, the vulnerability he was offering her. In that moment, she understood that this was about more than just prom. It was about embracing the authenticity they rarely had the chance to display and creating a moment that belonged to them alone.
"All right, Peeta," Katniss finally relented, her voice laced with a hint of reluctance. She wrestled with conflicting emotions, her walls built over years of survival instinct pushing against the vulnerability his request presented. "But I have one condition of my own."
Peeta's brow furrowed, a mixture of curiosity and concern in his eyes. "What's the condition, Katniss?"
A flicker of uncertainty crossed her face as she spoke. "If you want to call it a date, then call it a date, but let's keep it low-key, okay? No grand gestures or expectations of fireworks. Just a night of us being ordinary teenagers, even though we both know we're far from that."
Peeta smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I don't need fireworks, Katniss. This isn't about pretending to be something we're not. It's about reclaiming a slice of normalcy in a world that constantly demands us to be extraordinary. I'm okay with low-key. As long as we can be ourselves, even if it's just for a few hours. I just want us to be 100% real with each other. No pretending. Can you do that?"
Katniss sighed, her defenses crumbling. She realized that Peeta's request wasn't unreasonable. "Okay, fine. Let's be real, no pretending. But don't expect me to suddenly turn into a sappy romantic."
Peeta chuckled, his grip on her hand tightening. "Deal, Katniss. I would not dream of you turning into a sappy romantic."
Katniss took a deep breath, allowing herself to embrace the uncertainty and the possibility of a genuine connection with Peeta. Prom, despite her reservations, held the potential for a small window of freedom, a momentary respite from the harsh reality they faced. With Peeta by her side, she felt a flicker of hope.
As they strolled back home from the meadow, Peeta attempted to lift the somber mood by injecting some playful banter into the conversation.
"So, Katniss, what fashion statement will you be making at prom?" he quipped, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Katniss scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. "Oh, you know, Peeta, I was thinking of wearing my finest hunting clothes. Maybe accessorize with a quiver of arrows. It's all the rage these days."
Peeta chuckled, playing along. "Ah, yes, the epitome of prom fashion. I can already see the headlines: 'Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, revolutionizes the runway with her hunting-inspired ensemble!'"
Katniss rolled her eyes, her sarcasm dripping with every word. "Oh, absolutely. Who needs glittery gowns and uncomfortable shoes when you can rock camouflage and sensible boots? It's a real head-turner."
Peeta grinned, his eyes dancing with amusement. "You're right, Katniss. The people at prom will be so envious of your unique sense of style. They won't know what hit them."
Katniss crossed her arms, feigning mock offense. "Are you mocking my impeccable fashion sense, Mellark? I'll have you know that hunting clothes are not only stylish but also practical. You try running through the woods in a ball gown and tell me how that goes."
Peeta laughed, shaking his head. "Fair point, Katniss. I can't argue with that kind of logic. But let's strike a compromise. How about we aim for a look that's casual but still a little more prom-worthy?"
Katniss raised an eyebrow, a sly grin playing on her lips. "Oh, so now you want me to dress up? Just admit it, you secretly want to see me in a fancy dress."
Peeta's cheeks flushed, and he feigned innocence. "Who, me? I would never dream of such a thing. But hey, if you want to wear your hunting clothes, I'll happily match you in my baker's apron. We'll be the talk of the town."
Katniss burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the quiet evening. "Oh, Peeta, you know just how to charm a girl. But, seriously, you have a problem with my hunting clothes?” she asked, a playful challenge in her voice.
Peeta smiled, his gaze warm. "Oh no, not at all. In fact, I think you're beautiful in anything you wear. But let's face it, if you show up in your hunting attire, you'll definitely be sticking out. And for someone who doesn't want to draw too much attention, that might not be the best choice."
Katniss raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Well, I never said I wanted to blend in. Besides, who needs to conform to traditional prom standards?”
As they reached their respective homes, the conversation about prom attire fizzled out, temporarily overshadowed by the comforting familiarity of their surroundings. Katniss continued walking towards her house. Peeta lingered near his front door, watching her retreating figure.
Before Katniss could disappear completely from sight, Peeta couldn't resist the opportunity to inject a playful remark. "Well, see you at prom, my hunter prom queen!" he called out, his voice laced with humor and affection.
Katniss turned around, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, watch your mouth baker boy.”
In the days leading up to prom, Katniss couldn't shake off Peeta's request for her to dress up. She was not entirely joking about going in her hunting clothes, feeling like they represented who she was and what she stood for. The idea of wearing a dress felt foreign and unnecessary to her. She did not want the people to think becoming a victor has changed her in any way and that she would be adapting to the fancy ways of the capitol.
One afternoon, while Katniss was lost in her thoughts, her mother entered her room with a small box in her hands. "Katniss, Peeta brought this over for you," her mother said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Katniss looked up, her interest piqued. She took the box and opened it cautiously. Inside was a beautiful dress, simple yet elegant. It was made of a soft, dark fabric that cascaded down to the floor. It looked like something Cinna would create—a design that would reflect her essence without drawing too much attention.
A card lay on top of the dress. Katniss took it and read Peeta's words. "I know you didn't want to go all the way out, but I asked Cinna to send this for you. It's not extravagant, very simple and very you, so you won't stick out much. I'm sure you'll like it, but if you don't, and if you feel more comfortable in your hunting clothes, I'll be fine with that too. Just consider it."
Katniss's heart swelled with conflicting emotions. Peeta had gone out of his way to find a compromise, to offer her a choice. She glanced at her hunting clothes hanging in the corner of her room and back at the dress in the box. With a mix of uncertainty and curiosity, she decided to try it on.
On prom night, Katniss stood in front of her mirror, wearing the dress Peeta had chosen for her. She took a deep breath, studying her reflection. The unfamiliar sight made her feel both vulnerable and beautiful.
The dress hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her strength and grace. She ran her fingers over the soft fabric, surprised at how comfortable it felt against her skin. As she twirled around, the skirt billowed around her, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Katniss's mind raced, grappling with the decision she had to make. She had always prided herself on her self-reliance and ability to remain unchanged, but Peeta had shown her a different side of life—a side filled with moments of vulnerability and connection.
With a newfound determination, Katniss shed her initial resistance. She realized that accepting the dress wasn't just about appeasing Peeta; it was about embracing the chance to experience something new, to step out of her comfort zone and allow herself to be vulnerable.
Katniss took one last look at herself in the mirror before heading out of her room. As she made her way downstairs, she could hear the faint sound of laughter coming from the living room. When she entered, she found Peeta and her mother engaged in a conversation, their smiles widening as they noticed her.
Her mother's eyes shimmered with pride. "Katniss, you look stunning!"
Peeta's jaw dropped slightly as he took in her appearance. "Wow, Katniss. You look beautiful."
Katniss couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence as she met their gazes. "Well, I figured I should make an effort. Can't let you have all the attention, Peeta."
He chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "Trust me, Katniss, as always, all eyes will be on you."
They shared a playful banter, exchanging teasing remarks that only they could understand. It was a moment of lightness, a reminder that amidst their shared burdens, they could still find joy in each other's company.
As they made their way to the prom venue later that evening, Katniss felt a mixture of nerves and excitement building within her. The dimly lit room was adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant decorations, creating an atmosphere that was both enchanting and surreal.
Peeta linked his arm with hers, offering her a reassuring smile. "Remember, Katniss, no pressure. We're here to have fun and make some real memories."
"We are, but don't forget our task," Katniss reminded Peeta, her voice laced with a hint of seriousness.
Peeta nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "You're right. Prim's date is still our priority. We'll keep an eye on her and make sure she's safe."
As they entered the venue, the vibrant atmosphere of prom surrounded them. Students danced, laughed, and reveled in the joy of the evening. Katniss's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her sister, Prim. And there she was, twirling on the dance floor with her date, a smile lighting up her face.
Katniss couldn't help but feel a swell of pride mixed with a tinge of worry. Prim was growing up, stepping into a world that Katniss was all too familiar with. She knew the dangers that lurked, the sacrifices that had to be made.
For the first hour, they weaved through the crowded room, Katniss leading the way, making Peeta creep behind tables and other hiding spots as they discreetly observed Prim and her date.
Katniss's sharp eyes scanned the room, noting every interaction and analyzing every gesture. She whispered her suspicions to Peeta, her voice barely audible above the music, listing off all the things that set off alarm bells in her mind. Peeta listened attentively, his blue eyes reflecting unwavering trust in her judgment. He offered his insights and opinions, providing a sense of calm amidst her anxious thoughts.
As the night progressed, Mark and Prim slipped outside, and Katniss followed closely behind, her heart racing with anticipation. Peeta stayed behind, excusing himself to grab a drink, but not before casting a reassuring glance at Katniss.
Outside, Katniss kept a safe distance, hiding behind pillars and peering through the darkness. But much to her surprise, she discovered that her assumptions had been wrong. Mark had accompanied Prim to the restroom and was waiting for her patiently.
Mark quietly approached Katniss, his voice gentle but firm. "You know, Katniss, you don't have to keep lurking around all night. I have good intentions when it comes to your sister. You can choose to believe it or not."
Katniss's defenses rose, her skepticism shining through. "I find it hard to believe, considering your history with other girls and the age difference."
Mark's eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of understanding and frustration. "You can continue to keep your eyes on me all night, wasting your time. Or you could spend this time with your boyfriend, who has been following you around, enduring your craziness, and now has to sit somewhere all alone."
Katniss almost retorted, ready to deny the label of "boyfriend," but she bit her lip, silencing herself. She didn't want to admit defeat. Instead, she replied, "Fine, I will give you the night. But don’t think I will be taking my eyes off of you for even one second.”
With those words, Katniss made her way back into the prom venue, her mind filled with conflicting thoughts. She spotted Peeta in the crowd, his smile lighting up his face as he caught sight of her. She approached him, a mixture of guilt and gratitude lingering in her eyes.
"Peeta, would you like to dance?" she asked, her voice soft.
Peeta's eyes sparkled with amusement, but he accepted her invitation. They swayed to the music, their steps perfectly in sync. Katniss found herself relaxing, caught up in the rhythm and the warmth of Peeta's embrace, the weight of her worries momentarily lifted. But then, to her surprise, Peeta began to break out into some eccentric dance moves. He twirled, spun, and even attempted some comical spins that made Katniss burst into laughter.
"You know, Peeta, you have some interesting dance moves. You never showcase them during the victory tour," she teased, trying to catch her breath between giggles.
Peeta grinned and continued with his antics, not caring one bit about how silly he looked. "Well, Katniss, I like to bring some excitement to the dance floor," he replied, twirling her around in a playful manner.
Katniss couldn't help but join in, letting go of her inhibitions and embracing the lightheartedness of the moment. They danced, laughed, and created their own little world within the chaos of the prom.
In a lull between songs, however, Katniss couldn't contain her guilt any longer. "I'm sorry I ruined your night with my spying and dragging you around. I should have let you enjoy our promised date."
Peeta's gaze softened, his hand gently squeezing hers. "You didn't ruin anything, Katniss. I had fun watching you in your element, being protective of your sister. Besides, I just enjoy spending time with you, no matter what we do."
Katniss's heart skipped a beat, the weight of Mark's words fading away. She realized in that moment just how lovely Peeta truly was—his unwavering support, his willingness to endure her quirks, and his genuine care for her well-being.
They spent the rest of the night immersed in the joy of the prom, dancing, laughing, and creating memories that would forever be etched in their hearts.
As the prom drew to a close, Katniss couldn't help but feel a profound sense of contentment. She had so much fun with Peeta and he was so understanding throughout the whole night, and she realized just how lucky she was to have him by her side.
With their hands entwined, they made their way home, their hearts light and full. Hand in hand, Katniss and Peeta strolled through the quiet streets, the cool night air filling their lungs. The weight of the prom night's events had melted away, leaving behind a comfortable ease between them.
As they walked, their steps synchronized, a soft breeze rustled through the trees. Peeta glanced at Katniss with a mischievous smile, breaking the silence. "So, was the prom as horrible as you expected?"
Katniss chuckled, her laughter echoing through the night. "No, not at all. In fact, it turned out to be quite the opposite. I had fun, thanks to you."
Peeta's eyes sparkled with joy. "I'm glad to hear that. I wanted to make the night special for you, even if it meant enduring your spying missions."
Katniss nudged him playfully. "You were a good sport about it. But you know what? I think we have always made a good team."
They continued their leisurely stroll, their conversation flowing effortlessly. The night felt magical, their connection growing stronger with every word exchanged.
As they approached Peeta's house, he turned towards Katniss, a hint of hesitation in his eyes. "I should walk you home."
Katniss shook her head, a determined glimmer in her gaze. "No, Peeta. I asked you to prom, so I'll bring you home. It's only fair. Or do you want to challenge me again?"
A soft smile tugged at the corners of Peeta's lips as he nodded in acceptance. They continued their walk, Katniss guiding them towards Peeta's front porch.
In front of his house, Katniss turned to face him, gratitude radiating from her. "Thank you for spending the night with me, Peeta. I must admit, I actually had a wonderful time."
Peeta's eyes held a mixture of tenderness and longing. "I am glad to hear that." For a moment they just stood their looking at each other.
"Peeta, before we part ways, there's something I want to give to you." Peeta could see a hint of nervousness in her eyes.
Curiosity flickered in Peeta's gaze, his heart pounding in his chest. Katniss reached up and gently cupped his face, closing the distance between them. She pressed her lips against his, a silent declaration of the emotions swirling within her.
When they finally pulled apart, Peeta's eyes searched hers, his voice soft but filled with wonder. "What was that for?"
Katniss looked her eyes with Peeta. A mixture of emotions played across her face, and she took a deep breath before speaking. "Peeta, I know this situation sucks. I hate that we're forced to get married and pretend to be in love. It makes me angry, frustrated, and..."
Peeta's hand gently cradled her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. "I understand, Katniss. It's not an ideal situation, but..."
Katniss interrupted him, her voice firm yet filled with a touch of vulnerability. "But despite all of that, I would still endure it. Do you know why?" She paused, her gaze unwavering. "Because it means I have the chance to have you in my life. Despite everything, I'm happy that it's you I have to go through this with."
A flicker of disbelief crossed Peeta's eyes, as if he couldn't quite grasp the depth of her words. "Katniss..."
She continued, her voice steady. "I can't imagine going through this with anyone else. If I have to marry someone, the only person I would want it to be is you."
Peeta's gaze held a mixture of awe and tenderness. He tightened his grip on her hand, his voice filled with sincerity. "Katniss, I feel the same way. No matter the circumstances, having you by my side makes everything bearable."
Their gaze held an unspoken promise, a shared understanding of the challenges they would face. As they prepared to part ways for the night, Katniss leaned in one last time, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. Peeta was rendered speechless, his heart brimming with a mix of emotions he couldn't put into words.
Katniss couldn't help but smile, her heart skipping a beat. She looked into Peeta's eyes, her voice soft but filled with genuine affection. "Goodnight, baker boy. See you at the next prom."
Peeta gently squeezed Katniss's hand, his voice filled with a touch of playfulness and sincerity. "Goodnight, my prom queen. I cannot wait for your next promposal."
With a lingering gaze, they reluctantly let go of each other's hands, carrying the warmth of their shared moment with them as they went their separate ways.