#everlarkspies

“But Director, she was his partner. I saw them together. They were close, very close.” Beetee pointed out as his emotions began to show.

“To close. I saw them together, which is why I chose them for this mission.”  He was trying not to get frustrated as he rocked back on his heels.

“So you want him to think she's dead to convince the others.” Dr. Circundas chimed in flipping the sheet back to expose the stomach of the corpse.

“If he mourns her and it's real, genuine I can send him on a vacation where he will be safe and get The Company heads off my back so we can do what we are here to do. It's a nasty business but someone has to do it! I took enough chances bringing you two, Finnick, Johanna, and Katniss into this.” Plutarch grumbled leaning back against the the second empty autopsy table.

“You were afraid this was Katniss when they brought this body in. How is that possible? I thought you were…” Plutarch cut Beetee off.

“We have our ways of communicating but sometimes we don't hear from each other for days at a time. I told her to go dark for awhile until I contacted her again.” He rubbed a hand across his forehead before continuing. “She's out there alone. I had to make sure it wasn't her. You know The White Rose can be relentless.”

“I still say you should've read both of them in on this.” Doctor Circundas paused from his work as he spoke, looking at Plutarch with judgmental eyes.

“Just get the body ready. I'm going to go tell Mr. Mellark the sad news.” The round man ordered as he straightened and walked toward the doors. He clicked the silver cylinder he'd been holding in his hand before stepping out into the corridor. With a deep breath he headed off to give the news to Peeta.

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(6 months later)

She watched Peeta from across the beach. Her toes sinking into the warm moist sand. She watched as he readied his surf board rubbing it down with wax. The pain in his eyes ripped through her as he made his way to the edge of the sand paddling out to find the perfect wave. Now was her chance. She slipped up to his towel and placed the Manila package inside his bag before disappearing into the throngs of beach goers.

Quickly she made her way to the smoothie shop farther down the beach and across the street. He'd seen her twice this week as she was spying. Catching a glimpse of her before she would escape or evade him in various ways. Once at a safe distance she would turn back to see him squeezing his eyes shut before opening them again or shaking his head as if to clear it of her memory. She wished she could just go to him. Throw her arms around him and tell him everything but it wasn't safe. He wasn't safe. Not yet at least.

Putting a wrap around her shoulders she ordered a strawberry-kiwi smoothie with a smidgen of white chocolate. Watching the young boy with black hair intently as he loaded the contents into a blender and turned on the blades. The sound of fruit mixing with ice crackled and crunched through the dive. When he presented the tall cup to her with a red straw asking her to come again she threw a tip in the jar.

Walking out quickly she eyed him returning to his things on the beach. He was covered in water droplets that dripped off his chiseled body and curly blond hair. All the time he'd spent in the sun had turned his hair more golden. She fought the desperate urge to jump into his arms or tackle him into the water. He'd returned to her favorite vacation spot on the beaches of Hawaii.

Peeta toweled off smiling but not really interested in the bikini clad girls as they said hello or called out how hot he was. She rolled her eyes in indignation. He was gorgeous all tan skin muscles and sunlit hair but only she was allowed to want him like that. He threw the green and orange beach towel around his neck and started gathering his things. She took another gulp of smoothie and gave herself brain freeze which made her mutter a curse under her breath.

Making his way through the crowd with orange bag in one arm and surf board in the other she watched him load his jeep up and drive away. Soon she'd be able to return to him. Soon she hoped to be in his arms. It was going to be a long day.

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Peeta enjoyed the beach house he was staying in. The vacation was a retreat and a forced gift from the director to help him through his mourning. The heartbreak and torturous agony of Katniss's death still haunted him. What had been done to her body was monstrous and it took everything in him not to go after The White Rose alone. The viscous curses and slurs carved into her body, condemning her soul to an eternity of suffering, flashed behind his eyes. She didn't deserve any of that. He was glad she was already dead when they burned her face and body with acid and then cut her flesh.  

A deep pang in his heart was all he had of her and the ring he had bought in an old antique store. He had decided to ask her to marry him after the Italian job. Gladly sacrificing his career as an tribute agent if she wanted him too. He would give anything to see her again, hold her once more, and tell her how he really felt. She would have loved this house. At night he could open the French doors that lead to the deck and listen to the waves as he slept. He was grateful for the screen doors which kept the bugs out of the house.

Everything was decorated in ocean colors. The walls were painted in sand tones and accented nicely with blues, grays, and greens. He chose to sleep in the room with all the green instead of the blue master bedroom because it's the room Katniss would have chosen.

He sprawled on the bed in his green boxers waiting for the waves to lull him to sleep. He had just started to drift when he heard what sounded like footsteps on the deck. He stilled himself pretending to be asleep as the screen door opened and closed with the tiniest of creaks. He lunged up and outward toward the masked intruder grappling with them as they fell to the wood floor.

Hearing a feminine cry of pain he pinned the hooded woman's  hands above her head, gripping her wrists with his hand firmly. With his free hand he pulled off the black mask freezing as he took in the sight of his supposedly deceased partner. He closed his eyes and opened them again making sure he wasn't seeing things.

“Katniss?” He whispered. His gaze locked with hers light grey against cerulean blue. “Hello Peeta.” She said calmly.

He released her wrists and sat back on his knees. The dark haired girl in front of him sat up pretzeling her legs. He scanned her from dark wavy Dutch braid to orange nail polishes barefoot toes. He was overcome by a barrage of emotions ranging from anger to relief before pulling her into his arms. His lips crashed against hers in a desperate hungry need that sent electricity rocketing through his body.

“You're alive! They told me you were dead. I saw your body. I didn't want to…. couldn't believe it. Oh Katniss, thank God!” He was speaking between kisses and embraces. Squeezing her to him and touching her thinking any moment he'd wake up and she'd vanish into smoke.

“I'm alive, Peeta. I'm alive.” She repeated over and over until his hands slid down her back and she whimpered in pain. The sound made him drop his hand and pull away.

“What is it? What's wrong? Are you okay?” He was studying her face as he held it in his hands.

“I'm okay, Peeta. I'm just….I'm still healing.” She answered weakly.

“Still healing? Where have you been? What happened? What happened in Italy? Why did they tell me you were dead? Why didn't you come to me?” Questions tumbled out of him and she placed her fingers to his mouth. Her hands were always so soft and smooth. He silenced himself as she hushed him softly.

“I was shot and taken hostage that day. The White Rose had me for about a month. Someone at The Company sold information and my identity was burned with a handful of others. That's all I can tell you now.” She paused letting out a long breath before continuing. “I put something in your bag. I need you to keep it safe for me. Tell No One you have seen me. You're not safe. The Company isn't what we thought it was.” She looked out the window which viewed the dude of the house. She exhaled frustratedly. “I need to go. The people watching you will be back soon. Promise me you won't tell anyone about me.” She was looking into his eyes pleading with him. He was still dealing with the storm of emotional turmoil inside but nodded.

She cupped his face with her hands. “Do you trust me?” Of course he trusted her. If she said something was wrong with The Company than something was wrong.

“Yes, always.” He answered putting his hands over hers.

“Then wait for my call. I have to go now. But I won't be far away. Be careful. Be safe.” Her tone was firm as she kissed his forehead. She began to rise to leave but he grabbed her hand pulling her down again.

“Wait. I have to tell you something before you go.” He was whispering again. “What is it Peeta I have to go. Can't it wait?” She whispered back trying to pull away.

“No…..it can't.” He swallowed hard before continuing. “I can't let you leave without telling you I love you. I've loved you since the first day we met and you had your hair in two braids instead of one. I wanted to kiss you that morning after Prom. I wanted to tell you then but I was to scared. I've been such a coward…. for years. Forgive me for not saying it sooner.” He closed his eyes apologetically as he laid his forehead against hers. She slid a hand up to his lips again.

“I love you too. I have since that first day when you shared that stupid text book. I was to scared to say anything myself. So there is nothing to forgive. Now I have to go or risk being discovered. If they find me here I could end up dead, or worse.” Her mouth found his and he kissed her desperately once more before she stood.

“What can I do to help you?” He offered.

“Be a distraction. Draw their eyes away from the back of the house.” She said smiling.

“You owe me for this Everdeen. Here, I've had it for a couple years now. After Italy I was going to talk to you about making some changes but we never got that far.” He pulled the small velvet box from his night stand and shoved it into her palm. She opened the box and inside was a pearl and diamond engagement ring.

“Peeta.” She gasped. “ it's beautiful.”

“Just hold onto it until we get through this, whatever it is that's going on. I’ll ask you properly later.” He said moving towards the hall way. He didn’t wait for an answer to the ring reveal. He doesn't want one like this. “Go. I’ll head out the front as soon as I can pull some cloths on.”

Shuffling around in the dark he finds his jeans and t-shirt, balancing himself as he pulls up his pants. She flings herself at him one more time pulling him down to share another kiss. Leaving him breathless as she tears away and pulls on her mask.

“Peeta. Be safe.” Her voice catches in her whisper. “You too.” He can feel the smile slide across his face. “I love you.” “I know.” She moves to the back screen doors fingers gripping the handle.

They exchanged one last glance and a nod before he heads downstairs, grabbing his beach bag in the entry way, and out the front door to his jeep.

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Plutarch’s private phone began to ring it's familiar four whistled tune indicating a call from Katniss. He lay next to his wife in the darkened bedroom. He looked at the alarm noting the time. It was about 5:30 am and he groaned quietly to himself before picking up the rectangular cellphone. It was to early on a Saturday for emergency or work texts.

Moving his fingers over the numbers he pressed in the code unlocking his phone. He stared at the screen blurry eyed still partially asleep. His wife stirred next to him gently. He pressed  the symbol on the screen alerting him to a new text message. Katniss's name popped up and the typed words read: SONGBIRD HAS CONTACTED LARK. COMPLICATIONS HAVE ARISEN. NEED YOUR HELP. CONTACT ASAP. GOING SILENT AWAITING FURTHER CONTACT.

He rubbed a hand over his face and eyes. Contemplating how to respond he turned the phone sideways widening the keyboard so he wouldn't fat finger the message. He typed out the replied message: SONGBIRD, SEND DETAILS VIA EMAIL. EXPLAIN COMPLICATIONS. WILL GET BACK TO YOU WITH ANSWERS IN A FEW HOURS.  DO NOT INITIATE FUTHER CONTACT WITH LARK. NOT SAFE. BE SAFE.

“Honey what are you doing? It's early. Is it work?” His wife whispered sleepily as she turned to face away from the brightness of his phone screen.

“It's not important. Sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep.” He spoke softly putting the phone down on the end table next to the bed. He pulled the covers up around them as he snuggled back down into the bed wrapping his arms around his wife.

He heard his phone go off again but decided to ignore it for now. He would look at it in a few hours. Dawn was just starting in the dark sky as a pink light began to show through the break in the curtains. He decided he wasn't going to get up until at least ten and fell back to sleep holding the woman next to him.

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Peeta sat at the bar playing with the still unopened Manila envelope as he drained the glass in his hand. It had been three weeks since he found out Katniss was alive and that he was being followed. He'd watched his rear view mirror as he had driven off in his jeep that night only to find two black SUVs following his every move.

The curvy bar tender slid him another drink and slid something into his hand. He smiled at her accepting the slide of hand transaction easily.

“Thanks foxy!” He poured on the charm and pocketed the small cell phone she had presented to him.

“Anytime sugar.” She winked at him giving him a good view of her chest.

He returned the wink and took a few sips of his root beer. If he was being followed everywhere there was no way he would actually drink. The phone in his pocket began to vibrate against his leg and he almost spit out his drink in surprise. Instead he adjusted his seat and muffled a cough. He pulled out the phone. Two icons appeared on the small flip phone screen. One for a text message and one for a voicemail.

He pushed the button to show the Text message first.

LOSE YOUR TALES FLY SAFE LARK ILY SONGBIRD

He slid his money across the counter and picked up his gym bag from beside his stool. He headed to the restroom. He caught sight of two of the men in civilian clothes watching him carefully. How had he not noticed these people before? They were so obvious to him now. Locking the door to the men's room behind him he pushed the button to listen to the message. Katniss's voice lilted into his ear.

“…Take the next bus. Go to the airport. Someone is waiting there to give you further instructions. The MANILA envelope I gave you has your new identity in it. Trust me, you won't want to miss this. See you soon.”

He flipped the phone shut and put it in his back pocket. He ripped open the envelope and found a passport, a wallet, some cash, and a new set of car keys. He opened the passport and read the name Rylie Baker.

“Only you Everdeen.” He muttered under his breath shaking his head trying not to laugh. He decided it was payback for all the times he had given her pun filled names on assignments.

He put his wallet in his gym bag and placed the new leather one in his back pocket. He placed the keys at his hip next to his others and headed to the window. Changing his cloths quickly and put a baseball cap over his head. After he was finished he scaled the wall to the window and jumped out onto the paved parking lot. He walked to the bus stop and boarded the metal bus just in time. It took off heading for the next town and the airport beyond it.

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Peeta walked to the front desk at the Oahu Hilton Hawaiian Village resort greeting the smiling woman in front of him with a smile.

“Aloha, and welcome to Hilton Hawaiian Village. How may I help you today?” The dark haired woman asked. Her uniform was immaculate and her smile was bright white.

“Yes, I'd like to check in. The name is Baker I believe.” He removed his hat as he spoke and placed his Gym bag on the ground next to him. “Oh yes, we've been expecting you Mr. Baker. You're staying for one night is that correct?” The flower in the woman's hair bobbed slightly as she spoke.

“Yes, I guess that's the plan.” He answered. He was slightly tired from the travel and hours spent on the plane.

“Alright, here's your room key and your room number is right here.” She pointed to the key holder as she slid it towards him across the counter. “Have a lovely stay.”

“Thank you.” Peeta smiled as he picked up his belongings and the key and headed to the elevator.

He reached his floor without incident and found his room. It was a luxurious suite. Opulent furniture sat around the rooms and he could hear the ocean waves crashing against the beach off in the distance. He moved to the bedroom and placed his bag on the bed when he noticed a note with Peeta scribbled across the top of it.

Dear Peeta,

I know you had plans to ask me to marry you when this whole mess gets sorted but what if we had a chance at happiness now? Would you take it? There is something for you in the closet. Before you read the rest of this note look inside and see what you find.

Peeta moved quickly pulling the closet doors wide . Inside was a black garment bag. Stepping forward he grabbed it carefully and unzipped the bag revealing a black tuxedo with green tie and cumber-bun. He felt his eyes widen as he looked back down to the note in his hand.

If you are willing meet me tonight at 10 O’Clock at the Ocean Crystal chapel. I’ll be the one in white walking towards you. See you soon. ILY Katniss

He couldn't believe it. Lowering himself onto the bed he fell backward against the comforter and pillows. This was the chance he'd been praying for. The moment he'd been wanting for years. It was finally here. Panic twisted his stomach. Was he ready for this? Could he be the man that a Katniss wanted? His hands scrubbed his face.

He was going to marry Katniss, his best friend, tonight. With his heart racing and his stomach in knots he flipped his burner phone up and typed in a message.

ILY KATNISS!

               💋💋💋💋💋💋 Katniss watched through binoculars from a distance as Peeta entered the Crystal Chapel. She smiled to herself reading his hands nervous tremor from where she stood. Prim stood next to her smiling as she fluffed the long white gown. She had received a text from him earlier that day and she'd taken it to mean he would show up.

“Is he nervous?” Prim asked adjusting the back of her veil.

“His hands are shaking so…..yes.” She admitted to the blond next to her. Prim wore the elegant green floor length gown beautifully. “You look so beautiful little duck.”

“Me? What about you? You look… What's the word Cinna used when helping you? Stunning.” Her blue eyes began to mist slightly before she blinked back the tears and let out a breath. “You nervous?” Katniss took the Hawaiian floral bouquet from her carefully.

“Not as much now that I know he showed up…..Yes. I'm so nervous Prim. What was I thinking? Uncle Haymitch is right. I could live a 100 lifetimes and never deserve him. What am I going to do?” She was trying not to panic. Her stomach was in knots and she thought she might throw up.

Prim’s soft gentle hands cupped her face, her grey eyes met her sisters blue ones.

“No Katniss, Uncle Haymitch is wrong. You and Peeta deserve each other. You belong together. He loves you. You love him.” She wiped a tear away with her small thumb.

Katniss smiled and chuckled slightly. “When did you get so wise?”

With a smile Prim replied, “I've always been wise. You just never noticed.” They both smiled as Katniss wiped her face careful not to smudge her make-up to much.

“Do I look okay?” She studied Prim intently.

“You still look stunning.” Prim beamed as the two made their way down to the chapel entrance.

Plutarch and Haymitch met them at the double doors. Haymitch was surprisingly sober and alert, dressed in a black tux with missing tie. He laced his arm with Katniss's and pulled on his jacket nervously.

“You’ll both be fine. Just take deep breaths. In through nose… Out through mouth.” Prim said while Plutarch demonstrated. The round man offered her his arm and she took it graciously.

“Ready to go inside little Everdeen? I should stop calling you that. Your nearly grown now.” He mumbled to himself.

“I will always be little Everdeen to my family.” Prim faced the doors as the two walked inside prompting the music to start.

“I'm glad you were able to come Haymitch. You look quite dashing in that tux.” Katniss felt tears sting the back of her eyes and blinked quickly trying to stop them. She'd been quite emotional today and she wasn't enjoying it one bit.

“I may not be the greatest Guardian to either of you girls but I wasn't going to miss your weddings. You….. You look very nice Katniss.” He adjusted his jacket one more time before they started toward the double doors. The bridal march began to play inside the chapel.

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Peeta stood at the head of the chapel with Finnick in a black tux next to him. Johanna and Prim both stood on the other side in their long flowing green gowns. The chapel was decorated in various Hawaiian flowers in yellows, oranges, and reds. Katniss had made the wedding flowers and decorations reflect the sunset with touches of green. The perfect blend of their favorites colors.

He watched expectantly as the bridal march began to play and the double doors were opened wide. Katniss in her long flowing Ivory gown, arm-in-arm with Haymitch ,made their way down the isle towards him. Peeta felt his breath catch in his throat. He had never seen anything more beautiful. The lace bordered veil hung perfectly down her body. Her dark brown hair was not in its usual braid but half up in curls while the rest hung gently down her back and shoulders. In that moment Katniss  was everything he had always imagined she would look like dressed in white and coming towards him.

He felt his eyes water as their gazes locked blue to grey. He was never more excited, nervouse, and slightly terrified than in that moment. What if’s filled his mind. What if he couldn't protect her? What if he couldn't love her right? What if she grew tired of him? What if he failed her some how? The questions faded away as she smiled warmly at him. Her eyes sparkling as she moved closer to the front of the chapel where the amber lighting showered them from above.

Haymitch passed Katniss to Him and kissed her cheek before sitting down. He patted Peeta on the back trying to fight his own tears as he took his seat next to Plutarch.

“You look amazing in that suit. I knew you would. Cinna picked it out for you” she whispered to him as they followed the reverends direction to step forward and face him. “You look beautiful Katniss.” He whispered back his voice almost cracking. She smiled and he could see it out of the corner of his eye.

The ceremony was a quick one about fifteen minutes. Long enough to cover the usual vows and ‘I Dos’. Before Peeta knew what was happening the minister spoke. “I now pronounce you husband and Wife. You may Kiss the bride.” He turned to face Katniss and tentatively, with shaking hands, he cupped her face and his lips met hers. The wedding party and witnesses burst out into cheers and applause. Everyone stood around for a few minutes after the wedding giving congratulations and well wishes on a happy life together.

Prim stepped forward with a pastry box in her hands. “It's your wedding cake. I bought a small cake from your favorite bakery back home. Thought you should have one.” She smiled. Peeta could recognize the box emblem from anywhere it was from his family's bakery. He chuckled as Katniss lifted the lid to reveal a cake covered in flowers that matched the flowers of their ceremony and green scripted words with their names and the date. The words ‘always and forever’  were also written on the side.

“Thank you Prim.” Katniss said hugging her sister and trying not to cry. Peeta balanced the cake in his hand and hugged Prim next whispering his gratitude for everything. The group dispersed soon after and Peeta was lead away to a private villa on the grounds.

They both shared a piece of cake laughing and smile at each other like old times. They spent the night making love and getting lost in each other's kisses and touches. He took in every inch of his wife noting and counting the new scars as well as rediscovering old ones. The warmth of her body against his mixed with the sounds of ocean waves and the scent of tropical flowers made him feel like he was dreaming.

When he woke the next morning their bodies were still entangled with each other and the white sheets. The ring he placed on her hand still sparkled in the dim light of the room. He pulled her closer to him and she stirred slightly in his arms. Watching her sleep he thought there was no way he could ever get used to her laying beside him. She would be a treasure he would cherish and enjoy protecting and loving for the rest of his life. Her eyes finally fluttered open and met his. Her soft sleepy smile greeted him.

“Morning” she said softly her voice hoarse from sleep. He smiled back brushing strands of her dark hair off her face.

“Good morning.” He kissed her softly before adding, “Wife.” Both of them grinned at the word.

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As they were heading to the airport to make a flight back to a safe house on the mainland something felt off. The driver of their car seemed nervous as he helped them with their bags. They had spent only a couple days on the island but who knew if they had been discovered some how. Both of them readied themselves for some kind of ambush but it never came. They stayed alert as they boarded their flight to a secluded location in the desert region of Arizona.

As they drove from the airport towards their new home a light flickered from off the ridge. Both of them noticed it out of the corner of their eyes. They nodded to each other just as bullets cascaded both sides of the car. They had been found. But how was the question, unless one of their closest friend was a mole and a traitor.

“Ready for plan B?” Katniss asked. Peeta nodded in reply. They reached the curve of the road with a canyon on the side of it. With one last glance at each other Katniss threw the car at an odd angle and soon they were tumbling and rolling as the car crashed and flipped over the side of the canyon. Gun fire still rained down towards the car as it crashed to the bottom and blazed up into a huge fireball.

(To be continued)