No Games Left to Play

8: Planning a Wedding

Traveling back to twelve was a lot easier than traveling to the capitol. Effie came back to twelve with us so she could help plan the wedding. She said it would be easier to plan in the area the wedding was going to take place rather than from a distance. That way she can visit the different locations and see what she has to work with.

When we got back home last night, Peeta told me he was going into the bakery today. After being gone for six days, he wants to make sure everything is running smoothly. I know he is dying to get his in some dough. While he is at the bakery, I'm showing Effie around town so she can get some ideas for the wedding.

This morning, I woke up before Peeta and went downstairs to make myself a cup of tea. I decided to not wake Peeta before heading downstairs because I know he has a long day ahead of him. I sit down at the dining room table with a book and my tea. I get through the first few lines before I hear somebody coming down the stairs. I look up and see Peeta.

"Morning." Peeta says.

"Morning." I reply.

"Effie up yet?" he asks.

"I'm not sure. She hasn't come out of her room."

"Why didn't you wake me up before you came downstairs?"

"I wanted you to be well rested while you work at the bakery today." I smile.

"How about I get a head start and make you some cinnamon bread for breakfast?"

"Sounds wonderful." I say and go back to my book while Peeta bakes.

Peeta sticks the bread in the oven and Effie comes downstairs. She is still in her pajamas with the addition of a robe and isn't all dolled up. Her natural hair is blonde, wavy, and just past her shoulders in length. She has beautiful blue eyes, ivory skin, and amazing cheekbones. She's beautiful. I don't know why she hides it under all that make-up and crazy Capitol clothing.

"Wow... Effie! You're beautiful." I say.

"Effie, you're stunning." Peeta says.

"Oh, stop you two. I look horrible." Effie says. "I just got out of bed."

"Effie, you look amazing. You should stay like this the rest of the time you're here." I say.

"Really?" Effie asks as she sits next to me at the table. "Even in my pajamas."

"No. You'd change your clothes," I laugh. "But don't wear make-up or a wig. You can borrow some of my clothes. You'd blend in with twelve." I say.

"Ok, I'll try it." Effie says. "But, If I don't like it, I'm wearing my Capitol clothes. Deal?"

"Deal." I say.

The timer on the oven goes off and Peeta pulls out the bread. He slices it, places it on a plate, and brings it to the table. While he was slicing the bread, I set the table. I also grabbed the butter dish and poured all of us some orange juice.

"Mmm, Peeta this is delicious." Effie says.

"Thank you, Effie." Peeta says.

"Wait, Peeta." I say. "This is the first time Effie has eaten something you baked."

"Oh yeah, it is." Peeta says. "I didn't think about that."

"Well, it's amazing Peeta. Thank you for making breakfast." Effie says.

I reach over and grab Peeta's hand to hold it. "No, my boy with the bread is amazing." I say.

"Awe, you two are so cute together." Effie says.