Never Leave Me Alone

Chapter 13

Peeta

I sit out on the castle green with Katniss and my courtiers. Katniss and her ladies are making Daisy chains to decorate for the summer solstice party. Her long fingers weave together the stems in tight, elegant braids like the ones in her hair. She sets it on her head as she finishes the circle and lays down.

"Her Magesty seems in higher spirits as of late," one of my grooms mentioned. I look at him and nod.

"The victory in the Pinelands has given her a new hope," I say. "Her continued campaign on the Seam has found footing. The Queen will soon regain her land on the mainland."

"Will it not be your land as King, Your Highness?" Another asks and I look to Katniss.

"If Her Majesty chooses to do so in making me higher than King Consort, yes," I say. "Though with my own kingdom to serve, I would be happy to serve as only that." I look over at her, relaxing in the warm sun, stretched out elegantly like a well fed cat. She notices us and whispers in her ladies ears. There is a resounding giggle and they stand up, walking over in matching dresses of pale gowns for their dance tonight. Katniss they all walk behind us and I feel the course stems from the daisies as the crown is set on my head. I look up at her and she laughs.

"I must say, you look quite dashing in daisies, M'lord," she says.

"Crowning me your king already?" I ask. She shakes her head.

"No Your Highness," she says. "I shall let the ministers do so when we march upon the Seam Capital. Not a moment sooner." I reach for her hand and kiss the knuckles of her right hand. She smiles and I lead her around so that I can face her. Her hair falls in her long braid across her shoulder.

"You look nice, in your summer gown," I say and she holds out the lavender skirt.

"Thank you," she says. "I had it tailered for my ladies' dance at your solstice festival. It's been so long since we were part of one." The maids nod and I smile at her.

"If I recall, you dance this dance very well," I say and she shrugs.

"I was trained in it for thirteen years," she says. "I would hope to impress in it."

"You are alright with being shown off?" I ask and she smiles.

"When it's my choice, I will happily dance for your court," she says. "I just don't enjoy being used as a cheap parlor trick."

"I can't help that you impress those within the court so easily," I reply, returning her exchange of courtly love.

"Would you fancy a short walk, Your Majesty?" She asks and I stand up, her hand still on mine as we begin down the path. I can't take my eyes off her as we walk. The young woman looks so determined in her stature of late and she glances at me every so often.

"You do seem in good spirits," I say and she shruggs.

"I haven't had much to celebrate in my life," she says. "But now the solistice, the summer celebration of the island, I can enjoy that." I smile at her and she says gently as we walk. "It's also a special celebration for another reason."

"And why is that?" I ask, dubious of her intentions.

"Your Highness, Your birthday is today as well as the Summer Festival. We dance tonight and joust tomorrow." I laugh and she looks at me seriously.

"Katniss, you are not going to be jousting in the tournament," I say and she looks at me, her face straight.

"And why is that?" She says.

"Well, you could get hurt, I say and she sets her hands on her hips.

"So could you," she says. "Are you saying I'm not stable enough upon my horse to compete with the men of my kingdom?"

"Katniss, women simply do not joust," I reply and she stares me down. "I mean, you are able to do as you please but-" she starts laughing, "What is so funny?" He holds her hand over her mouth, gasping as she laughs.

"Do you really think I would be foolish enough to risk my life in a tournament like a foolish men pent up on his ambition to show off. I've no reason to show off my virility. Neither do you, though I'm sure you will have to be out there for the appearance of a prince. And I will support you like a proper promised lady, despite my feelings of stupidity over the sport." I smile at her teasing tone

"Must you be so stubborn that I can't tell when you are joking with me?" I say and she shrugs.

"Tis just the way I am, Your Highness," she says. She picks up a dandelion and sets it in a loop of the flower crown. "Oh Peat Moss, you look so pretty!" I take it off and set it up on her lively braided hair. Her eyes seem to glow and she blinks her dark lashes.

"And I wouldn't change you if I could," I say. "You're just perfect, the way you are right now." She blushed and I cup her cheek.

"Thank you, but I am far from perfect," she says looking down. I tip her chin up and smile at her.

"Perfect to me and that is all that matters to me or anyone here," I tell her, pecking her on the lips. She gives me a small smile and I brush a strand of hair from her face.

"I, are you sure I'm not to headstrong or stubborn or controlling?" She asks and I shake my head.

"I am happy with you just the way you are, Katie," I reply, pressing my forehead to hers. She grips my arms and leans against me.

"And you, I do believe, will be a lovely match for me as well," she says.