Never Leave Me Alone

Chapter 2

Peeta

"When is she to arive?" I ask as my people shuffle in the courtroom, prepping banners and such for Princess Katniss' arrival.

"Her vessel is set to sail at 8 this morning, Your Highness," one of the grooms answers. "We expect her to land at sunset, before dinner."

"Perfect," I say. "Has anyone seen to her chambers?"

"Her linens are being laundered, her windows are being washed, the paintings you requested to be placed in her rooms are being placed upon the walls as we speak," he replies.

"Good," I reply. "You may continue your work." I look out the window. And sigh at the sea. It has been five years since Katniss visited this island, just after her father's death. She had not been in good humer and the little jokes we had always played on one another as young children had seemingly only angered her. I hoped we would be happy, but in five years, only absent minded letters and gifts of the fruits of her hunts came but three times a year, Easter, Chistmas, and my Birthday.  She obviously dispized me after our last meeting and only continued to write after because her mother told her to. 

I notice her ship in the distance, and sigh looking back at the rooms we chased one another through as children. She had worn a red dress of plaid, her hair in two long ebony braids. She was very pretty lass. According to my ambassadors, she has only grown more beautiful. There was a miniature of her I was sent two years ago that only seems to touch her features. I do know artists tend to take quite a liberty, but surely she could only be beautiful, since she was such an angel as a child.

I pick up the hat I had comissioned for Katniss and sigh. She would like it I hope, since she was always a most gracious attitude. I set it down and go to wait her arrival.

It is just after the sun begins setting when I hear the fanfare beginning. I look at the sketches I had been working on and sigh. She has arrived. I am set to go greet her in the palace. I walk through the halls, noddingbto the nobles I pass as I make my way to my father's court. I bow to my father before joining him and my mother at the head of the room. My mother smiles at me and my sisters, Johanna and Primrose, stand to the side.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Katniss of Seam, Duchess of Coals," The usher announces as the princess' escort arrives. Many lovely ladies come in followed by the princess herself. And she nearly takes my breath away.

Her hair is long, in thick, dark curls down dainty yet strong looking shoulders. A crown of silver and rubies sit upon ner head and a matching collar of the same marvels. A long, well fitting gown of orange demask, white lace edging. And her face. My Lord, she really was as beautiful as everyone said. The painting I had hung onto for so long was no exaggeration. She was a very beautiful woman, with olive skin and small features. Her eyes are the color of stormclouds, a pale grey with a dark ring upon her irises and thick black lashes. Her lips are plump and soft looking. She stops at the foot of the thrones and bows with her ladies.

"Your Majesties," she says. "Thank you for receiving me on this lovely spring day." She stands up on my fathers command.

"Lady Everdeen," my father says. "I pray your journey was not too uncomfortable."

"Not at all my Lord," she says. "I would be most happy to join you and your family for dinner prior to taking my rest in my chambers."

"Of course," he replies. "But you are a little early, so for now, perhaps His Highness should show you to your chambers, so that you may begin to settle in." She looks directly at me as he mentions me.

"If that is your wish," she says "Then of course." I step forward and offer her my hand. She takes it before turning and bowing to my father. I turn her towards the exit to our chambers and she walks with me away.