Sparks

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

"My dear, it is not polite to lounge on the floor before your guests." A scratchy voice says.

I immediately stand and look straight into the snake like eyes that belong to the blood thirsty Snow, still covered in the scent of roses.

"You are not a guest," I snap. "You were not invited. Don't think I'm going to bow down to you. You aren't president anymore."

"Oh, there's no need to be bitter. I thought we were friends." he smirks.

"We are definitely not friends. You killed everyone I love." I say.

"Not everyone. I spared your kind mother, your cousin, and your loverboy. How is your newly wed? Is he still fleeing with ire and recency?" he asks.

"None of your concern." I say.

"My dear it is my concern. Have you not noticed his attempt in murder? In you? To me, it seems as though it's getting out of hand." he deviously smirks.

"Do you have something to do with this?" I ask.

"I'm not sure my darling. Everything seems to be running so smoothly, why is it that this is this one thing that goes wrong? It could be just a coincidence. Or perhaps your lack of devotion."

"I lack nothing. I love Peeta and he knows it. It was your dirty trick that made him unsure about it. But luckily he's getting help."

"From who? Your doctors? Are you sure they aren't making it worse? Are they the reason why Peeta is, deranged."

"No! That's your fault!" I shout.

"Exactly. They're help only makes it worse. You'll never heal him and his dark thoughts about you. He'll always be the mental boy who despised his wife. Sure he'll come back once in a while but it won't be enough. Every time he progresses it gets worse. Sooner or later you'll have to except that you can't be with him." Snow says.

"No! Your lying!" I shout.

"My dear if I was lying why would Peeta be in the hospital restrained by cuffs at this very moment." he smiles.

"What? No, he's not. He was better I just saw him a while ago."

"What did I just tell you. The second he progresses he gets worse." he then takes a small white rose from his coat pocket and fiddles with it. "Its almost as if some one has been visiting him every once in a while."

"Listen, you stay away from him. You aren't so powerful anymore. We aren't afraid of you."

"Then why haven't you done anything? You and your brilliant team. To me it seems as though you don't even have a plan." he hands me the rose. "Take care." he heads for the door.

"Why are you here?" I ask.

"To remind you that I am most certainly prepared for any trick you have up your sleeve. Like I said, you can't out stand the Capitol."

"You aren't part of the Capitol anymore."

"Exactly. Oh, and if you confront Peeta about this, well, you know what will happen." he smiles and leaves.

I stand there for a while. Wait, where was Gale? Why wasn't he here. "Wait! Where's Gale!" I shout running out the door, but Snow no where in sight.

"Katniss?" I hear Gale shout. I turn and see him walking down the street my way.

"Gale!" I run and wrap my arms around him. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry!"

"Katniss why are you apologizing?" he asks.

"I yelled at you." I say.

"It's fine, where's my mom? Where's Rory, Vick, Posy? Why were you in my house?"

"I came to see you, but I found Snow."

His face goes rock hard. "Where is my family?" he demands.

"I don't know Gale."

"Hazelle!" Gale lets go of me and runs for my house.

"Gale!" I call after him.

When we reach my house Hazelle, Rory, Vick, and Posy are all there.

"Gale? What's wrong?" Hazelle asks.

Gale says nothing but grabs Hazelle and pulls her into a tight hug followed by tears.

"Katniss? What's going on?" My mom asks.

"I'm not sure." I head for Haymitches. I knock on the door but he never answers. I kick the door open to find him on a couch with another bottle of liquor.

"What?" he asks.

"Snow was here." I say.

"What?" his eyes go wide.

"He's been seeing Peeta."