A/N: This is my newest story and is loosely based on the film The Wedding Date. It will be told completely from Katniss's POV. I have the next chapter written so should be posting that in a couple of days and hope to update every Monday after that. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger games or any of its characters.

Chapter 1

6 weeks to go….

I can't seem to sit still. I twiddle with the silver watch on my wrist. I untie and retie my hair into a braid. My foot taps nervously on the ground. Boggs called me to his office 15 minutes ago. I hate having to wait. I just want to know if I have got the promotion I have worked so hard to get.

I have been working at Panem County Forestry and Parks Commission since I graduated from college 6 years ago. I had interned for them during my senior year and was delighted when they decided to give me a full time job once I graduated. It is pretty much my dream job. I have always loved the outdoors ever since my dad took me on a camping trip aged 5. I was just in awe of the tranquilly and mystery of the places hardly touched by man. I have always been a bit of a tomboy and love spending weekends hunting on my Grandfather's estate. I hate being cooped up for hours on end. With this job I get to spend lots of time in the outdoor spaces I love.

At first I was just an assistant who made all the coffee, but soon my passion and dedication for preserving our natural areas became evident and I have moved quickly up the ranks. This has lead to where I am today, sitting outside Boggs's office waiting to discover if I am to become the new Head of Recreational Parks. This promotion would put me in charge of all operations and projects in the town's public parks. I would be in charge of overseeing all maintenance, regeneration and promotion projects. It would be a lot of work and at 28 I would be one of the youngest people to hold the position, but it is a challenge I am more than willing to take on.

As I wait I fret about how my interview went 2 days ago. Maybe I should have spent less time talking about ways to attract people to the parks and more time on how I would maintain them. What if I came across as desperate, too over keen? I shake my head to try and rid these thoughts. It's done now. There is nothing I can do about it now. I have worked my ass off to get here. After the heartache after college graduation I have focused on nothing else but work. My social life has suffered a little as a result but it will be worth it if I get this job. I know I am the best person for it. I deserve it.

Boggs's secretary, to me left, clears her throat.

"Mr Boggs is ready to see you now," she states.

I take a deep breath, nod my head at her and try to compose myself. I get up and enter the office as calmly as I can. I sit in the chair opposite Boggs, hoping I don't look too nervous.

Boggs has been one of the longest serving employees at the Commission. He, like me, came straight out of college and by now is in his early 50's. He has an almost military look about him with closely cropped grey hair and still muscular body. Some people find him a bit stern but I have never had a problem with him. We have a mutual understanding and respect for each other, probably due to both our devotion to this company.

I look at him nervously, trying to gage my fate by searching his features. However he gives away nothing. He is blank.

"Well Miss Everdeen, you have been a very loyal and valued employee for us over the last few years. Your enthusiasm and hard work is hard to match. Frankly there was no decision to be made. We would be fools not to promote you," he says.

My rapidly beating heart slows as I let his words sink in.

"Does that mean I have got the job?" I ask desperately hoping I have not misunderstood his comment.

"Absolutely Miss Everdeen. You start your new position in 4 weeks," he replies with a small smile.

Relief followed by excitement rushes through me and I have to restrain myself from lunging across the desk and hugging him. I swear the smile on my face can be seen all the way from the moon.

"Thank you so much! You won't regret this decision. I won't let you down," I say gratefully.

Boggs gives me a warm smile before clasping my hand in his.

"I have no doubt that you will do a great job. Make sure you enjoy yourself tonight, you have a lot of hard work ahead of you," he says while shaking my hand.

"I will," I reply as I try to contain my excitement until I get outside the building. "Thank you so much again for this opportunity."

Boggs ushers me out the door while I continue to grin like an idiot. All my hard work has paid off. He is right. I need to celebrate this tonight.

40 minutes later I push open the heavy metal door to my large loft apartment that I share with my best friend, Madge. I clutch a bottle of champagne under one arm as I place the rest of my stuff on the nearby kitchen table. Madge must be in her room as the living area is empty when I enter. However the sound of my arrival is enough to draw her out and she stares at me expectantly when she enters.

"How did it go?" she asks curiously.

Unable to hide my excitement any longer I break into a large grin and pull out the champagne bottle from behind my back.

"I got the job!" I exclaim as I let my excitement bubble over.

Madge's eyes widen in delight and she too breaks into a big grin before making her way over to me to give me a massive bear hug.

"Congratulations! I knew you would get it!" she says as I return her embrace.

I thank her as we break apart and pull out 2 glasses for the champagne. I pop open the bottle and pour the drink, careful to not spill the fizzy bubbles, and hand a glass to Madge.

"To you and your new job!" she exclaims raising her glass and clinking it with mine. We both take a sip and I savour the taste of the sweet bubbles fizzing in my mouth. Madge looks thoughtful as she puts her glass down.

"We have to go out and celebrate tonight. You know Johanna will kill you if we don't," she says.

I nod my head in response. I don't normally like going out to bars and getting drunk. There is normally work that needs to be done and I don't see the point of making yourself ill in an effort to have a good time. However tonight I am in the mood to let loose a little bit. I am way too excited to stay in.

"Definitely," I state.

Madge squeals as she jumps on me. I laugh at her enthusiasm.

"Great! I'm calling Johanna and Delly. It's been too long!" she shrieks before darting off to grab her phone. I continue to smile. I want to have fun tonight.

Madge and I have been best friends ever since I can remember. We grew up next door to each other and our parents were friends in high school. We grew up hopping between each other's houses and we bonded over a shared love for the outdoors and music. As children we were often found shooting arrows at targets or performing duets in my family's basement. She is as close as a sister to me. It was only natural that we moved in together during college. We have been living together since sophomore year and, if it is even possible, we have become even closer. She is the only person outside my family that I truly trust.

However I don't know how much longer our current living arrangement is going to last. Things are getting serious with Madge's boyfriend, Thom. I suspect that it won't be long before he asks her to move in with him. I really like Thom and he makes Madge really happy but I am not looking forward to the day he takes her away. It was hard enough when they first began dating. It was the first time I really had to share Madge. We spent so much time together it was difficult when she started to spend more time with Thom. However she is really good at splitting her time between the two of us and deep down I know she is not one of those girls who forgets about her friends just because she has a boyfriend.

The only other friend we still have from high school is Delly. Madge and I weren't popular in school, mainly due to our quiet nature and our aversion to the mall. However, although among the popular crowd, Delly is one of those people who is nice to everyone and would always say hi to us if she passed us in the corridor. We became really good friends after she was partnered with Madge in a science project. We just couldn't shake her after that. She would stop and chat to us as if we had all been best friends since kindergarten. It turns out she had always admired our couldn't care less attitude and we enjoyed the new dynamic she gave our group. Madge and I became a bit more outgoing as a result of our friendship with her.

Our other close friend is Johanna. We met her in dorms in college. She was roommates with Delly and at first even the ever friendly Delly found her too much. She's pretty loud and unpredictable, but in time we found we had a lot in common with her. She had a shared interest of hunting and other outdoor activities and she soon joined us on our expeditions to the woods. She still tries to intimidate Delly but Delly has got a lot better at fighting back and many of their interactions are quite amusing.

I realise that we all haven't all got together in a long time. This is mainly my fault as I have been so caught up in work and this promotion. A girls night out is long overdue.

Madge comes back through stating we are meeting the girls in an hour before she drags me through to her room to get ready. Apparently I have the wardrobe of a 40 year old spinster.

What seems like hours later and having been poked and prodded by a range of brushes, I stand in front of Madge's full length mirror in a long sleeved, black lace dress. Madge continues to put the finishing touches to my dark hair, curling strands around my face. I don't normally like dressing up and my wardrobe consists of mainly jeans and t-shirts but I feel good in this dress. It doesn't put too much on show and I come across classy and elegant. However I don't know if I will be able to maintain this image if I am going out with Johanna tonight.

"Thanks Madge. You've made me look great," I say turning back to look at her.

Madge smiles back at me.

"No problem, but you don't realise how attractive you are. If you spent less time in your dull work clothes the guys would be falling at your feet," she says with a pointed look.

I shake my head at her.

"I don't want them throwing themselves at my feet. Men aren't worth the time," I reply.

"Not every guy is going to hurt you," Madge states.

"Previous experience suggests that the majority will."

Madge doesn't push me any further but looks at me sadly. She knows why I don't date. Not since my last boyfriend. And besides, with this new job I won't have time for anyone else in my life.

While Madge puts the finishing touches to her own hair and makeup the door bell rings. Madge and I both stare at each other confused. We aren't expecting anyone.

"Probably Jo deciding to meet us here," I say. "I'll get it."

Madge thanks me and goes back to applying her makeup. I pick myself up off her bed and make my way to answer the door.

I open the door to be greeted by floppy blonde curls, blue eyes and a cart load of baggage.

"How many months rent did you owe this time?" I ask with a sigh.

I step to the side to let Peeta in.

"Only 1 this time but my landlady didn't appreciate my offer to paint her in the nude in exchange for a month's rent," Peeta replies way too cheerily for someone who has just been made homeless.

He dumps his many bags on the ground before flinging himself onto the couch. Hearing his voice, Madge makes her way out her room.

"Peeta?" she asks a little confused.

However as soon as she spots the bags on the ground she knows instantly what has happened. She gives him an exasperated look as she places a hand on her hip.

"You should have called," she sighs.

"Hey sis! Nice to see you too. Thought it would be a nice surprise to just turn up. It's been a while," Peeta replies with a grin.

Madge shakes her head at him and tells him not to eat everything in the fridge before heading back to her room to get her things for tonight.

I sigh. It looks like Peeta is going to be staying with us again.

Peeta is Madge's older brother. Only 2 years separate them but they are very different people. While Madge is quiet and reserved, Peeta is the definition of a talker. While Madge and I often struggle to articulate our thoughts, Peeta just has a way with words. Charming, smart and a self-depreciating sense of humour has made him popular in every aspect of his life so far. People were always shocked that he and Madge were related in school. If it wasn't for both their blonde hair and blue eyes people would severely doubt that they were related.

Peeta majored in art at college but since he graduated has struggled to get by through selling his paintings. He's really good but maybe a bit traditional. Lots of landscapes and scenes of dogs playing in the park. The majority of art buff's in this town want something more abstract. As a result he has struggled to get a regular income. This means that he is often short on rent. Whenever this unfortunate event occurs he ends up sleeping on our couch until he has the sufficient funds to rent his own place again.

He and Madge are really close. They speak to each other several times a day and are always there when the other needs them. They have 2 older brothers but they both have families now and Peeta doesn't like to impose on them so it always ends up with him staying with us. I tolerate him because he is Madge's brother and he makes really good cheese buns.

And the truth is Peeta is like family to me as well. I don't have a brother, just a younger sister, but Peeta is the closest thing I have to one. As I spent so much time with Madge growing up it meant that I also spent a lot of time around Peeta. When we were little he would terrorise Madge and I while we were playing in the woods or hide our favourite toys in places we couldn't reach.

As we got older he would tease us like any big brother would about studying too much and boys. Not that it was one sided. Madge and I often played pranks on him and embarrassed him in front of girls he brought home. Now we still all tease each other but it is always good natured and we all get on reasonably well.

Peeta, still sitting on the couch, has finally taken in my attire for the evening. He eyes me up in my short black dress and looks a little amused.

"Damn Everdeen. What's caused you to get all dressed up?" he asks.

"I got a promotion at work. Going out with the girls tonight to celebrate," I say proudly.

Peeta likes the sound of this and sits up straighter on the couch, an excited smile on his face.

"Congratulations. Madge mentioned you were up for promotion. Anyone who works as hard as you deserves it," he says genuinely pleased for me. "Just give me 2 minutes and I'll be ready."

I look at him shocked.

"It's girl's night out. You're not invited," I state firmly.

He gives me a puppy dog stare.

"Come on!" he pleads. "I've just been made homeless! I need to be cheered up!"

"You have no money for drink," I point out.

"Please," he begs. "I'll bake you cheese buns tomorrow if you let me come."

Damn. He knows cheese buns are my weakness. I can already hear my stomach rumbling at the thought of them.

"Fine," I concede. "But I want a week's supply."

"Deal," he replies sticking out his hand for me to shake. I take it and he grips my hand firmly. "Just give me a sec."

He begins searching through his bags for something suitable to wear. Madge comes through and looks confused at what Peeta is doing. She looks at me questioningly.

"Peeta's coming out with us tonight," I explain.

Madge looks a little surprised but shrugs her shoulders to show she is not bothered. Once Peeta has found something to wear we pack up and leave the apartment.

We enter the cosy bar, The Hob, to find Johanna and Delly already there with cocktails in hand. We have been coming here for about 3 years now. It is not the fanciest place in town, but the friendly staff and warm atmosphere keep us coming back.

Delly waves at us as we enter and we make our way over with Peeta in tow. Delly hops off her high stool to pull me in for a tight hug.

"Congratulations!" she squeals high pitched. "Head of department is a big deal!"

I smile gratefully and thank her while Johanna pushes a mojito in front of me.

"Got you a drink Brainless. Well done on the job," she says to me.

I thank her and briefly relay how nervous I was today. After the remaining pleasantries and congratulations are exchanged, Johanna seemingly notices Peeta for the first time.

"What you doing here hot buns? Didn't know you cared about Brainless so much," she drawls.

Peeta grins and throws an arm around my shoulder.

"Katniss here is like a little sister to me. Wouldn't want to miss out. That and the fact I was late on rent again. Needed a pick me up," he replies cheekily, taking a slurp of my drink. I look at him annoyed for stealing my drink.

"Too bad Mellark. I keep telling you I'd be up for you to paint me in the nude. I've got a lot of surplus cash around at the moment," Johanna says leaning towards him challengingly. Peeta laughs

"I wouldn't want you to feel awkward around me," Peeta replies jokingly.

"Ha! More likely you would feel awkward around me. Once you've seen what's underneath these clothes you won't be able to look at me without blushing."

Everyone laughs. Jo is very open about her sexuality and often makes jokes about sex and nudity. I on the other hand still find nudity a bit uncomfortable. I think sex is something that should be kept private.

I manage to steer the conversation away from sex to asking Delly about how her shop is doing. She owns a small shoe boutique in the merchant quarter of the town. The shop has really taken off in the last couple of years after the Mayor's daughter was seen shopping there. Delly takes the bait and begins excitedly telling me about a new line of shoes she has coming in.

This evening is the perfect way to celebrate my promotion. I catch up on all that I have missed the last couple of weeks while I have thrown myself into getting this promotion. I laugh at Delly's stories of annoying customers and Johanna's rant about the lack of respect drivers have for road cyclists like her.

I don't even mind Peeta being here. It's been a while since I last saw him and he always makes sure the conversation is flowing. My cheeks begin to hurt from laughing so hard.

However my night goes rapidly downhill when I spot a tall, brooding figure on the other side of the bar. I try to duck out of his eye line but I am too late. He spots me and gives me a stupid grin before making his way over.

"Hey Catnip!" Fancy seeing you here!" Gale exclaims. I hate that he still uses his old nickname for me.

My whole table falls silent at his presence. A few angry glares are thrown his way.

"Hi Gale," I say as politely as I can.

He is the last person I want to see tonight.

Gale is my ex-boyfriend. We dated all through college and he was my first serious boyfriend. We took the same psychology class and hit it off straight away. We are very similar, even down to our looks. Both of us with dark brown hair and grey eyes. We were soon spending every Sunday in the woods together. Hunting, fishing and climbing trees. He was my best friend and I was completely and utterly head over heels in love with him. I gave him everything, including my virginity, and I honestly thought he was the one for me. I had seen how in love my parents still were and desperately wanted that with him.

That was until he broke up with me the day of college graduation. It turns out for the last 6 months of our relationship he had been sleeping with Leevy Andrews and apparently thought she was a more suitable girlfriend for him. It was well rumoured she gave really good blow jobs and the horny dick turned round and dumped me.

I was crushed. Not only had I lost my boyfriend but my best friend. I stopped going to the woods for weeks after as there were too many memories of him there. It took a lot of persuasion from Madge and the realisation that life goes on before I could face them again.

To help me get over it, I threw myself into my work. I don't really date anymore. A couple of disappointing dates and sexual encounters, but nothing serious. I don't want to put myself in a position where I can get hurt like that again.

Our break-up didn't seem to affect Gale at all. He got a job as an engineer at a weapons manufacturer and Leevy moved in soon after. They got married 3 years ago and live in a big house in the same suburb as my parents. I bump into him every now and again and every time it is uncomfortable as he rubs his life in my face.

Well at least tonight I have got something to be proud of.

"I'm actually out celebrating tonight. I've been promoted at work to head of Recreational Parks," I state proudly. My friends all smile proudly in encouragement.

"Can't be many people wanting that job," Gale replies.

I frown at his disregard of my achievement. He has no idea how hard I worked to get that job.

"I'm out celebrating too," he continues completely unaware that he has just insulted me. "Leevy is pregnant with twins! Just had the sonogram today!"

He pulls out his iphone to show us a picture of 2 alien looking foetuses. Of course something good is happening in his life too. I try to bury the hurt this announcement causes me.

My group mumbles congratulations as Gale goes on how they got pregnant on the first go, how he has just been given a big bonus for designing a new weapon and about the vacation he is about to go on in the new villa he just bought in Tuscany. Every new boast is like a punch to the gut. It reminds me of how good his life is without me.

My friends try to talk up my new position but he just knocks it back with a disinterested laugh. By the time we eventually get rid of him I feel deflated. Any pride for my promotion has been squashed.

Feeling disheartened I go to the bar to try and see if alcohol can make me forget the last 30 minutes of my life. I slump my elbows on the bar and order a Jack Daniel's and coke. I feel Peeta sidle up beside me.

"That guy is such a douche," he says.

"A successful douche," I say bitterly and hand the money to the bartender.

"Come on! Would you really want to be with a guy who leaves his pregnant wife home on the day of her first sonogram he can go out and get drunk? "

"I guess not."

"Of course not. When I have a baby, I'm going to spoil my wife rotten."

I give him a small nod

"And don't let him convince you he is better than you. He's just designed a weapon that will kill hundreds of people. You're working to preserve the planet," Peeta continues

I turn to smile at him gratefully. His last words make me feel a bit better.

"He was an idiot to cheat on you. You are so much better than Leevy. He's stupid for not being able to see how amazing you are," Peeta adds.

"You don't need to say that," I reply a little embarrassed. I have never been good at receiving compliments.

"Of course I do. You're like a little sister to me. I don't like seeing you hurt."

I smile again. His words do make me feel better. It's nice to know he looks out for me.

"Plus, I'm making you cheese buns tomorrow so you have got that to look forward to," he adds.

"That's true," I reply perking up a little bit. "A whole week's supply."

"Like you'd let me forget. Come on. Let's gets back to the people who are actually make you feel good about yourself."

I smile once more and pick up my drink. I do feel better. Peeta just always knows the right thing to say.