video.

[safeguarded]

[When the feed comes on, it's pointed at two teenagers curled up together on a bed, fully clothed and wakeful. The boy looks at the other occupant of the bed with a warm smile before beginning to speak.]

I've been here almost a month now. It's still a little surprising. I definitely didn't expect to be welcome with the plague, but I guess that's just about my luck. [The small laugh is barely humorous, and he steals another glance at the girl.]

But for everyone who helped me when I first arrived, I'd like to thank you. The girl I was looking for is here now.

[ And the girl, not the prettiest in the world, seems rather content with where she is. She doesn't really smile, so much as her face is calm and no longer drawn and wrought with stress. Her head rests against the crook where his shoulder and chest meet, but she tilts it just so, to look at his face. She doesn't have too much to say, really. ] I want to thank you for helping him, too. [ While she wasn't here to protect him. ] And for making sure we could find each other.



[He runs his free hand over her hair affectionately. This time, he doesn't look towards the device on his wrist as he speaks, instead keeping eye contact with her.]

Hey, you don't have to worry about that. No matter what world, I would have made sure to find you if you were there.

[Then, after a pause, there's sudden motion as he sits up, sliding the NV off his arm and setting it on the bed, positioning it so the two are still in view of the feed.]

Actually, Katniss, about that...

[ Katniss will never admit out loud how comforting and soothing it is when he does that. But it is. And having him here, in this strange place which she's still not entirely sure isn't something of the Capitol's doing, is a relief. Seeing Rue is a relief. In a way, some of the greeters she met were right; it's almost like a vacation. But the Muttations at night - or the monsters, as they call them here - don't offer her any solace whatsoever, and she still needs a lot of convincing. Luckily, Peeta's here to help her weather it. ] You know I'd do the same for you.

[ Katniss shifts to allow him to raise, and gives him a quizzical look. She sits up, leaning on one arm, and cants her head slightly to the side. ] What is it? Is something wrong?

[He scoots off the bed, appearing somewhat stressed - even though they'd planned and discussed this beforehand, it was important to pretend that it was spontaneous. So he runs a hand through his own hair, pushing it away from his face with a nervous chuckle.]

I know we've already been through this at home, before, but now that we're here, maybe it doesn't have to be different. We don't know how long it's going to last. And I don't want to wait until we get sent back, either. I love you, Katniss, I...

[Looking down for a moment, he smiles before he gets down on one knee.]

[ Katniss watches him carefully, feigning her own surprise and confusion at his actions, acting as if she finds them strange, and surprising... ]

... Peeta? [ He drops to his knee, and her shock grows substantially - ] Do you mean it? Even here?

No matter what world, I will always love you. Will you—

[Clumsily, his hand shaking a bit, he reaches for her own hand to pull off the ring he'd given her previously, only to hold it out to her once more.]

Katniss Everdeen, will you marry me?

[ And her shock becomes the most pure look of joy any person can fake. Katniss is as good an actress as any, these days, and she lights up like a sky full of stars on a summer's eve. ]

-- Peeta... [ She lets emotions overflow, as awkwardly as it may appear, as realistically as she can. ] - Yes. Yes, I'll marry you.

[He blinks, giving that a moment to process, before he exhales and his grin grows exponentially. Fumbling, he slips the ring back onto her finger in a rush before taking hold of her waist, picking her up for a moment before pulling her into a fierce hug, still in the view of the camera.]

I love you. I love you so much, never forget that. [His tone is warm, impossibly elated.]

[ And deep down, some part of her feels the same about him. She has to pull that part up, and out, to the surface. And she has to show it. And so she does. ] I couldn't forget it. Not ever. Not after everything. I owe you my life, my family's life... You've always looked out for me. [ It sounds much more selfish than it is. But it's heartfelt and true. ]

[The part of him speaking, on the other hand, is surprisingly natural; even if the engagement was for convenience and safety, he can't deny that the feelings he's expressing are legitimate. His next words are soft, but he makes sure they're loud enough that the NV can pick them up.]

I will never let anything hurt you. Not here or there, Katniss. [Then he pulls away, though the warm smile remains. He looks towards the camera, taking a deep, relieved breath.]

I guess there's a lot to prepare for. I'd really rather not have to bake my own wedding cake. [With a laugh, he reaches to the device to turn it off.]

[ooc:This is Katniss and this color's Peeta!]

Comments

Text.

[crowsicle]

congrats i guess but uh
how old are you even

Text.

[safeguarded]

17. It's legal. Already checked.

Text.

[empowers]

Seventeen. And thank you.

[text]

[deductives]

An elaborate display.

[text]

[empowers]

He's a romantic.

[text]

[safeguarded]

[He's tempted to pause to think of a way to respond, but that could seem unnatural.]

She's more than worth it.

[That, at least, is honest.]

[Action]

[treehopping]

[KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK PENNY PEETA AND KATNISS.]

[Action]

[empowers]

[ Oh hello who could this be? GASP! WHY IT'S RUE! ] Hello, Rue!

[littlepinksuitcase]

[Huh. Seems a little personal to put all this on the network, but some people are like that, she thinks.]

My goodness. Congratulations, you two.

video;

[safeguarded]

[He already announced that he loved her on national television. For him, at least, privacy isn't as important as safety.]

Thank you, ma'am.

[empowers]

Thank you very much. [ Smile. Fake as fuck but a smile anyway. ]

[Video]

[the_final_word]

What is it like to be in love?

[Video]

[safeguarded]

[He pauses for a moment, trying to think of an adequate and honest way to describe it.]

I don't think there's a good way to describe it, but it's... You want them to be safe and happy, no matter what. Even if everything they do isn't wonderful, the wonderful things make up for it. More than make up for it. And they make you complete, more than anything else could.

not here;

[empowers]

[ Welp. Katniss doesn't ... actually know at this point. Oops. ]

text;

[vestalvogue]

Wait What Is Married
I Assume I Should Be Congratulating You Since This Looks To Be A Romantic Culmination But Er I Am Not That Well Versed In Human Culture

text;

[safeguarded]

A marriage is a ceremony where you commit to spend the rest of your life with the person you proposed to.

[ video ]

[hostage]

Ain't you two like, uh... way too young?

[ video ]

[safeguarded]

We're both seventeen, so there shouldn't be a problem.

Permavideo. (AND this is only because it's marriage, which he holds sacred.)

[mister_foppish]

. . .

[Normally he'd be elated. He loves things that are romantic! He got married when he was 17, himself. But, there's something considerably off about this performance. Something....remarkably...fake. He knows what a real proposal looks like and while it would fool an average person it was a little strained. A little too...rehearsed. How utterly suspicious. And pretentious.]

Congratulations.

Permavideo

[safeguarded]

[The amiable smile holds, and it's certainly more genuine than the proposal itself.]

Thank you, sir.

Video

[tea_lover64]

[He does notice something is off. His brother and niece were both incredible good liars, able to convince most that their feelings were genuine. Whatever the reason for this, he does not know, but it would be rude to point out.]

Congratulations are in order. I wish you both great happiness and prosperity.

[Whatever misgivings he might have about that, his expression is genuine, and caring. He did hope they would find happiness and prosperity]

Video

[safeguarded]

Thank you, sir. I've got a feeling we can manage that.

[video]

[plum_that_snaps]

Oh my goodness, congratulations! If you want any help with the preparations, I'd be glad to offer.

[video]

[safeguarded]

Thank you. We'll be sure to remember that. Did you have something in mind?

video.

[brushy]

[ ahhh. ahhh, this is precious and gorgeous and kjdhks

-- young love! love in general! oh she can just kiss you both! does she seem excited? perhaps a bit-- she was happy for the two! for now she'll settle with a content "ruff", tail thumping behind her. ]

video.

[safeguarded]

[Oh, huh. Look at that. Someone's pet, maybe? He smiles nonetheless.]

Get a hold of an NV somehow, did you? Smart move. [In the tone of someone talking to an animal they think won't understand.]

[video]

[faustianism]

So beautiful, such young ones finding true love. [Smiles.]

[video]

[safeguarded]

I'd have to agree with you there, but I'm sure I'm more than a little biased.

[video]

[rapturescreed]

As a member of Lion's Gate, of course, you can have whatever help you may need. The only thing I ask is that you don't get married this month, we're completely booked. As you may know already, from all the wedding cakes you have requisitioned to make.

[video]

[safeguarded]

That's generous of you.

Neither of us would want it that quickly, of course, so that isn't a problem. Thank you, sir.

audio;

[reginagloriae]

Huh. Congratulations...

audio;

[safeguarded]

Thank you, Miss...?