He’ll Have To Get In Line
Pairing: Peeta Mellark x Reader
Synopsis: Peeta amps up the star crossed lovers act when Finnick takes a liking to you
Masterlist
As you waited to get into your chariot for your second tribute parade, you calmed your nerves by petting the horses. You kept your head down with a plan to stay away from the other tributes until you knew what you were dealing with. Your plan was tossed aside when one of the tributes, Finnick Odair, saw you by yourself and approached you. He was noisily munching on a sugar cube as he walked up to you, making you look up. You noticed his bare chest, and then perfect chiseled face before gulping.
“Sugar?” He asked you.
“What?” You asked, too distracted by his lack of apparel that you weren’t listening.
“Sugar cubes. They’re good.” He explained as he held up a sugar cube.
“No thank you. I think those are for the horses.”
“Eh, who cares. They get enough of them. And they’re not the ones headed into a death game, right?” He chuckled and popped another into his mouth. You weren’t expected him to make light of your situation since no one else ever really did so you faked a laugh along with him.
“That was a fake laugh. But I’ll forgive you since we’re friends now.” Finnick said as he popped another sugar cube into his mouth. You felt embarrassed that he caught on to your inauthenticity but he didn’t sound upset. He had a way of being very blunt in what he said but charismatic with how he said it.
“We’re friends? We don’t know anything about each other.” You pointed out.
“But we share two things in common. We won our games and we’re painfully good looking. Now, come on. Try a cube. They won’t have these in the area.” He said and held one out to you. You didn’t comment on him calling you good looking but took the cube from the palm of his hand with a coy smile.
“Taste it. It’s sweet.” He said with a debonair grin. You looked him in the eyes and bit into the cube, tasting a sweetness you had never known.
“You like it, don’t you?” He said and already knew your answer.
“I might.” You admitted as you popped the rest of the cube in your mouth.
“I knew you would. I saw you standing over here with the horses and said to myself, that girl likes it sweet. I just knew I had to offer you one.”
“Well, thank you. You were right.” You smiled and realized you had been smiling like a child the entire conversation so far. You quickly dropped your face and covered your mouth self consciously, but Finnick had already moved on.
“Oh my. Forgive me, I didn’t notice what you were wearing until now. Thats certainly a get up.” Finnick smirked as he looked you up and down.
“It’s for my district.” You said in embarrassment and covered yourself with your arms. The clothes Cinna had dressed you in were beautiful but far from something you’d pick for yourself.
“I know. I like it.” Finnick replied with a wink. You felt your breath hitch in your throat and the effortless charm he was just exuded and let your arms drop to your sides.
“Oh. Well, thank you. Cinna designed it.” You told him. The way Finnick was looking at you in the moment made you forget most things you knew, but nothing could make you forget to give credit to Cinna for his remarkable abilities.
“I should’ve known Cinna was behind this. He’s great. But it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. No one’s gonna be looking at your outfit.” Finnick shrugged and looked you up and down again.
“What makes you say that?” You frowned. Finnick smirked a little as he reached towards your face and tilted your chin up with his thumb. You sucked in a sharp breath and stayed perfectly still as he gazed into your eyes.
“That pretty face is gonna get all the attention. Who could look away?” Finnick asked.
“Pretty?” You asked in almost a whisper.
“Extremely. But I’m assuming there’s another name I can call you by. I’m Finnick. And you?”
“Y/n.”
“And so you are. Lovely name for a lovely girl.” Finnick said and shot you another wink.
You smiled at him and momentarily forgot all about the parade and your nerves. You were so focused on the handsome boy in front of you that you didn’t notice Peeta in the distance. He was staring daggers at Finnick and trying to figure out what would possibly warrant him needing to touch your face. When he saw you laugh at something Finnick had said in a louder laugh than he had ever heard from you, his jealousy got the better of him. He walked up to where you were and stood beside you.
“Oh, hi Peeta. This is Finnick.” You said and gestured to Finnick. Finnick gave Peeta a wink but it was different from the one he had given you. Peeta’s jaw clenched and he stood up a little straighter.
“The parade is gonna start soon. Shouldn’t you finish putting on your outfit?” Peeta asked Finnick.
“This is my outfit.” Finnick chuckled and gestured to his shirtless torso and skirt made of fishing net.
“Oh. Wow. It’s so….unique.” Peeta replied and made no effort to hide his sarcasm.
“I know. My stylist likes to play up the whole pretty boy Capital darling thing. He said wearing a shirt would dull my charm.” Finnick shrugged and flexed his arms a little. Peeta heard you gulp and felt white hot jealousy go through his veins.
“I think he’s right.” You said with a nervous laugh.
“Do you? So it’s working then? I’m charming you?” Finnick asked and took a step closer to you. Peeta couldn’t help but roll his eyes all the way to the ceiling.
“I don’t know if I’d call it charm. But you’re definitely evoking some emotion.” Peeta said with a tight smile. Finnicks eyes left yours for a second to clock Peeta. He looked him up and down and smirked a little.
“You know what I think? I think that you and I should train together. I’m sure we have a lot to teach each other.” Finnick said as he turned his attention back to you.
“Oh. Okay. Sure.” You shrugged.
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you out there.” Finnick gave you one last wink before walking away. You immediately smiled and waved to him as he left.
“See you!” You called after him. Peeta stepped in front of you once Finnick was gone to bring your attention back to earth.
“He was so nice. He probably heard about me and wants to learn archery.” You said with a smile.
“Bullshit.” Peeta mumbled.
“Woah. You need to put a coin in the swear jar for that one.” You laughed in surprise and folded your arms.
“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” Peeta said genuinely. He felt bad for popping your bubble just to ease his own jealousy.
“Hey, I’m just kidding. It was entertaining to hear you swear. I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“I had it in me. I have a lot of things in me.” Peeta insisted and suddenly worried if you saw him as less of a man now that you’d met the muscular and valorous Finnick.
“Like what?” You chuckled and raised and eyebrow.
“Nothing. Never mind. What else did you guys talk about?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I think I blacked out a little. But we talked about the horses. And sugar.”
“Really, that’s all? You guys were talking for a while.” Peeta frowned.
“Honestly, I didn’t do much talking. He came at me with so many compliments and I was stunned to silence.” You realized.
“Compliments? What did he say?” Peeta forced a laugh so he didn’t come off as jealous as he felt that another man was complimenting you. It wasn’t just that he complimented you, but that you clearly liked it.
“He said I was pretty.” You admitted with a shy smile on your face.
“That’s it?“ Peeta scoffed.
“Why? Do you think I’m not pretty?” You asked and touched your cheek insecurely.
“No! Of course I do.” Peeta quickly explained. “I think you’re so pretty. I just don’t touch your face to tell you that.”
“Yeah. I guess he was pretty friendly.” You agreed and kept your hand on your face as you replayed him touching your chin.
“If that’s your way of putting “handsy”, then yes. Very friendly.” Peeta mumbled.
“I don’t know why I even care what some boy thinks. I guess I’m just not used to the attention. I can’t even remember the last time someone told me I was pretty.” You admitted as you played with the frills on your outfit. Peeta felt bad for making little of what Finnick has said when it clearly meant something to you.
“Maybe people think it but just don’t tell you.” Peeta said in a soft voice.
“I doubt it.” You shrugged.
“Well, don’t. Because I happen to think that you’re-“
“Good luck out there, pretty girl.” Finnick called from his chariot across the room. You looked over at Finnick and waved to him.
“Thanks. You too.” You called after him.
“I’ll have my eye on you.” He winked at you as his horses pulled him out of the room. You didn’t know what to say to that so you have an half hearted thumbs up while Peeta rolled his eyes.
“So what do you think? Should we train with him?” You asked once he was gone.
“Absolutely not.” Peeta said immediately.
“Really? Why not? He was the youngest ever winner of the games. He’s gotta be good, right?”
“I’m sure he is. But he’s not someone we should keep around.” Peeta replied.
“What makes you say that?”
“Because he asked me once if you and I were really in love or just putting on a show. And judging by his tone, I’m guessing he knows the answer.” Peeta whispered to you.
“He did?”
“Yeah. Right before telling me there isn’t gonna be any sugar or flour in the area so I’ll be out of luck.” Peeta grumbled, making you laugh. Peeta felt his jealousy return when he heard you laugh at Finnicks joke.
“Sorry. He was trying to be mean but that’s kinda funny.” You admitted.
“You think he’s funny?” Peeta asked quietly.
“No. I mean, I don’t know. I only just met him.”
“Hm.” Peeta hummed and looked to the side.
“What?” You wondered.
“Nothing. I didn’t say anything.”
“I know. That’s why I’m asking. You always have something to say. Until now, mysteriously. Is everything okay?” You asked him and touched his shoulder. Peeta looked at where your hand had been and sighed before looking in your eyes.
“He’s been talking about you a lot lately. Like, a lot a lot.” Peeta admitted.
“Really?” You asked and didn’t hide how intrigued you were.
“One of the other tributes told me brings you up every chance he gets ever since we won the last games. He even said…” Peeta began but then trailed off.
“He said what?” You urged and shook his arm.
“He said he’s gonna have a hard time killing someone so pretty.” Peeta admitted. Your curiosity about Finnick quickly turned into fear.
“Was he joking?” You asked quietly.
“I think so. But I don’t find it funny.”
“Neither do I.” You agreed. You finally stopped thinking about Finnick long enough to look at what Peeta was wearing for the tribute parade. His shirt was made of the same material as your corset and bared his arms. You had never seen his arms exposed like that and wanted him to know you liked it.
“I like what Cinna put you in.” You changed the subject and nodded towards his outfit.
“Thanks. It’s cool and all but definitely not something I’d chose for myself.” Peeta laughed softly as he climbed into the chariot.
“Oh, I don’t know. I think you’ve been waiting to show off these arms for a while.” You teased him. He held out his hand and helped you climb up into the chariot.
“You really do look beautiful tonight.” He told you.
“Thank you. But I don’t really feel like me. I feel like I’m wearing someone else’s clothes. And their face.” You admitted as you pressed your fingertips into your cheeks and felt the layers of makeup you had on.
“I know the feeling. But it’s just for tonight. You can be you again tomorrow.” Peeta assured you.
“So can you.” You told him with a soft smile. He held out his hand and you held it the way you did the first time you rode in the tribute parade.
“We can be us.” He said.
Following the parade, you dismounted your chariot and let Peeta pick you up to help you off the platform. Once your feet were in the ground, Finnick came running over to you and pulled you into an unexpected hug.
“There she is. Great job out there today.” He said once he pulled away. Peeta was once again staring daggers at him and took a step closer to your side.
“Thank you. But I didn’t really do much. I just kinda stood there.” You shrugged.
“That’s all you need to do. And I swear, you were the only one I had my eyes on.” Finnick said and touched your chin again. Peeta cleared his throat and wrapped a protective arm around your waist. Finnick noticed this and looked into Peeta’s eyes with a cocky smirk.
“So, what will you do with the rest of your evening now that the whole world wants to sleep with you?” Finnick asked you, making yours and Peeta’s eyes go wide.
“I don’t know about that.” You laughed nervously.
“Hm. Maybe just me then.” Finnick said with a causal shrug. Peeta clenched his jaw and stepped forward to let Finnick know he needed to back off. Finnick laughed and held up his hands in defense.
“Ah, I’m only kidding Peeta. I wouldn’t try to steal your girl right in front of you.” Finnick assured him.
“Oh. Good.” Peeta relaxed a little when he heard Finnick refer to you as “his” girl.
“I’d wait until your back is turned.” Finnick quickly followed up, making you laugh in surprise.
“Come on. I’m joking.” Finnick grinned and patted Peeta’s shoulder.
“Aren’t jokes supposed to be funny?” Peeta asked with a tight smile.
“Hey, I’m just messing with you guys. I’m like this with everyone. I just like to have a little fun so don’t take it out on me in the games, okay?” Finnick said and patted Peeta’s arm again, making Peeta yank it back and give him a look.
“I’ll let you guys go. We have a lot of training to do tomorrow so don’t keep her up all night, all right Peeta?” Finnick laughed as he walked away.
“No promises.” Peeta grumpily called after him. You stepped in front of Peeta and folded your arms once Finnick was gone.
“You’re gonna keep me up all night, huh?” You teased him.
“Shut up. He started it.” Peeta grumbled.
“And you certainly ended it. Come on. Let’s go to bed.” You said and started walking towards the sleeping facilities. Peeta followed you to the girls ward and lingered outside your door.
“Can I stay with you tonight?” Peeta asked with a bit of a whine in his voice.
“You want to? I assumed your want the big fancy bed in your room all to yourself.”
“I just don’t want people to get suspicious if they see us sleeping in separate rooms. Since we’re madly in love and all that.” Peeta explained with a coy smile.
“Good point. Come in.” You playfully rolled your eyes at him and let him into your room. You slept on his chest like you usually did and he forgot all about Finnick.
In the morning, you and Peeta went downstairs join the rest of the tributes for a welcome breakfast. When you walked into the room together, Finnick was the first to greet you.
“Good morning, you two. I hope you got some sleep.” Finnick said with a suggestion wiggle of his eyebrows.
“Not much.” You said through a yawn. The other tributes at the table snickered and exchanged knowing looks with each other. You realized how that sounded and felt embarrassed.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” You whispered to Peeta.
“It’s okay. Roll with it. It helps our act.” He whispered back and gave your arm a squeeze.
“Here. I saved you a seat.” Finnick said and gestured to the two vacant seats beside him.
“Please, no. It’s too early for him.” Peeta leaned in to whine in your ear.
“We have to be polite. You’ll be okay.” You whispered back.
“Fine. But I’m not sitting next to him.”
“I’ll sit in the middle.” You assured him and took the seat right next to Finnick. Peeta watched the way you smiled at each other and realized he made the wrong move.
“How did you sleep?” You politely asked Finnick.
“Not great either so I got up early and went for a run around the garden.” Finnick told you.
“This place has a garden?”
“It does. Have you done any exploring of the facilities yet? I could give you a tour if you’d like. We can start in my room.” Finnick replied, making Peeta choke on the water he had sipped.
“She and I already looked around. We just didn’t find the garden.” Peeta cut in.
“Well the offer still stands. I could use the company.” Finnick said with a suave smile that made Peeta roll his eyes to the ceiling.
“I’ll think about it.” You answered to be polite. An awkward silence followed and you could sense that Peeta was upset. You picked a piece of bread from your plate and took a bite.
“What kind of bread is this? I’ve never seen this in 12.” You turned to ask Peeta. He stopped being grumpy and smiled at the question.
“It’s called challah. I’ve seen it in my recipe books but I never had the ingredients to make it.” He answered you.
“It’s good. It’s sweet.” You commented and took another bite.
“Here. Take mine.” Peeta said and put his bread on your plate. You smiled gratefully and moved the eggs from your plate onto his.
“I don’t like them anyway. And I know you do.” You explained.
“Thank you.” Peeta smiled at you.
“Gross.” Finnick snickered. “Get a room.”
“We will. But we need to eat first.” Peeta snapped, making you laugh in surprise.
“Good one.” You whispered to him. The rest of the meal went by without anymore comments from Finnick or Peeta.
Training began later that day. You and Peeta stayed close by each other and built up your weakest skills while keeping a close eye on the other tributes. Meanwhile, Finnick was having a gallant time showing off at the different training areas. He didn’t take anything to do with the games seriously anymore so he was just there to have fun. You and Peeta watched him hit targets with ease with his trident and bask in the applause. You then looked down at what you were doing, which was leaning how to paint your body to camouflage into the ground. Peeta was teaching you some simple painting techniques but you couldn’t help but get distracted by Finnick’s skills.
“Not for nothing, but should we consider being allies with Finnick?” You asked Peeta.
“I thought it was just gonna be me and you in there.” Peeta said without looking at you.
“Is that what you want?” You asked him.
“I want what you want.” He replied and looked into your eyes.
“I just wanted you. But if he asks us, it wouldn’t hurt to be his ally. He has been training for this his whole life. It would be better to have him on our side than hunting us.” You shrugged.
“That’s the thing. He doesn’t want me as an ally. He only wants you.” Peeta reminded you.
“Why just me? You’re stronger and can fight.”
“Because he’s in love with you.” Peeta said loud enough to draw the attention of several tributes, including Finnick. Peeta hung his head in disappointment as Finnick sauntered over to you.
“Uh oh. Talking about me, I hope.” Finnick said with a grin. “Come with me, Y/n. I want to show you how it tie a fisherman’s knot.”
“She already knows how to do that.” Peeta grumbled.
“Oh really? What about a sheep shank?” Finnick asked you.
“What’s that?” You asked.
“Follow me and I’ll show you.” Finnick offered and held out his hand. Peeta watched the way you took his hand to stand up and clenched his jaw. You started to follow Finnick until you heard a little groan from Peeta. You didn’t want to upset Peeta, but you did want to learn a new knot.
“Peeta should come too so that he can learn.” You stated.
“Peeta’s busy. Besides, I don’t think knots are really his thing. He’s more into arts and crafts, right Peeta?” Finnick asked and shot Peeta a wink. Peeta stayed silent as he glared at Finnick.
“I’ll be right back.” You told Peeta with an apologetic smile. Peeta tried to focus on his painting but could not stop looking up at you and Finnick. Finnick did the classic move of wrapping his arms around you to show you how to do something which made Peeta sick to his stomach.
“Wanna take me for a walk?” Finnick laughed as he wrapped a knot around his neck. You laughed as well and Peeta couldn’t take it anymore. That’s when he realized he didn’t have to take it. As far as everyone in the room was concerned, you and Peeta were supposedly in love. That meant he didn’t have to stand by and watch some guy flirt with his girl. Peeta marched up to you and spun you around by the waist before planting a kiss on your lips. You stumbled back in surprise before kissing him back. Finnick watched the kiss and chuckled softly, knowing exactly what Peeta was doing. You gave him a confused by pleased smile when he pulled away but he just kept his usual cheery smile on.
“Sorry. I just need to borrow my fiancé for a minute.” Peeta said to Finnick before pulling you aside.
“Go right ahead.” Finnick replied.
“What was that all about?” You whispered once you were out of earshot.
“Nothing. I just wanted to tell you that I��m gonna check out the poisonous berry catalog in case you’re looking for me.” Peeta said innocently.
“Okay. Thanks for telling me.” You said and narrowed your eyes suspiciously at him. Peeta pecked your lips again before going over to the catalog. You touched your buzzing lips before going back to Finnick.
“Well somebody’s jealous.” Finnick chuckled.
“Leave him alone. You’re antagonizing him.” You scolded playfully.
“I know. And it’s very fun.” Finnick insisted.
“Well knock it off. He’s a good guy.”
“I know he is. But I’m bored of the other tributes and you guys are fresh meat. Let me play a little, okay?”
“All right. But I think he’s playing too now.” You warned.
And that’s exactly what Peeta was doing. Now that he remembered his advantage over Finnick, he used it anytime he could. He started kissing you when entering or leaving any room and making sure it was always in Finnicks line of sight. His hands were often on your hips or arm when standing near each other and he always had a grip on your leg when sitting. Finnick would always chuckle and look away, knowing it mattered a lot more to Peeta than it did to him. Peeta’s need for your attention also increased and you found that he was always right by your side or lingering just around the corner. You didn’t mind since you were anxious about the upcoming games and having him around always calmed you. But you couldn’t help but be bothered by the way he checked to see if Finnick was watching each time he kissed or touched you.
You were talking to Finnick in the hallway one day when you felt two strong arms wrap around your shoulders. You knew it was Peeta without looking because of the amused look on Finnicks face.
“There you are. I’ve been looking for you.” Peeta said and pecked your lips.
“Hello Peeta.” Finnick said curtly.
“Hello Finnick. Were you unable to find your wardrobe? I could loan you some shirts, if you’d like.” Peeta offered when he noticed that once again, Finnicks chest was bare. You clocked the sarcasm underneath Peeta’s kind tone and turned your head to laugh.
“That’s okay. I prefer it this way. It lets me move my arms more freely.” Finnick said and flexed his arms to prove his point. Peeta saw your eyes go wide and clenched his jaw.
“You must be really strong, Finnick.” You noted as your eyes stayed glued to his arms.
“I do a lot of heavy lifting back home. Go on, feel them.” Finnick said as he stared right into Peeta’s eyes.
“Oh, uh…” You laughed nervously and gripped Finnicks bicep like he asked. You didn’t want to deny the offer and seem rude, and you seriously wanted to feel his muscles, so Peeta was gonna have to take one for the team.
“Wow.” You gasped. “I’ve never felt anything like that.”
“I bet you haven’t.” Finnick grinned and shot a smug look at Peeta. Peeta could do nothing but watch with jealousy brewing in his eyes, and that was all Finnick needed.
“Well, I should get some rest. We have another big day tomorrow. But I’ll be looking forward to when my eyes can see yours again.” Finnick said and nudged your cheek. You smiled timidly while Peeta rolled his eyes up to the ceiling.
“See you around, Peet.” Finnicks chuckled and clapped Peeta on the back. Once you were alone, Peeta let out a sigh.
“Did you really have to touch his arm?” He whined.
“I guess not. But I wanted to. We are facing death right now and I’ll probably never get another chance to feel like a normal girl my age so I’m just trying to have some fun. You should try it sometime.” You said and came off just as annoyed as you felt. Peeta was surprised your tone and gulped.
“I can’t have fun when he’s lingering around you all the time like a hawk.” He mumbled.
“Who cares what he’s doing?” You groaned.
“I care.” Peeta snapped. You raised your eyebrows at him and he immediately felt bad.
“I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you.” Peeta apologized. “It’s just that guy. I can’t stand him. I thought he was trying to get into your head to psych you out before the games but he’s gotten into mine instead. He drives me crazy.”
“Oh, I get it. So that’s why you’ve been kissing me so much lately? You wanted to get back at Finnick?” You asked with a sad smile.
“I just wanted to remind him that you and I are a team. Not that he seems to care.” Peeta sighed.
“I care.” You said and put your hand on his shoulder. Peeta put his hand over yours and looked into your eyes apologetically.
“But I also don’t like you using me to get ahead in your little competition with Finnick. I’m not a trophy, you know. I’m a person.” You reminded him.
“You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry. I should’ve have rubbed our relationship in his face like that. Especially not without asking you first.”
“Thank you for apologizing. And it’s not that I didn’t like all the kissing. I just didn’t like that you were only doing it to bother Finnick.”
“I mean, that’s not the only reason I was kissing you. I happen to like kissing you. Annoying Finnick was just a pleasant side effect.” Peeta admitted as a blush covered his cheeks. You smiled at him admitting it and took a step closer to him.
“Well then it’s a good thing we’re on the same page, then.” You said as you toyed with the buttons on his shirt.
“We are?”
“We are. But no more fighting with Finnick. We really need him as an ally so you’ll have to learn to be civil.”
“If he can learn to keep his hands to himself then I can learn to be civil.” Peeta mumbled.
“Peeta.” You said warningly.
“Fine. Yes. You’re right. I can be civil.” Peeta said begrudgingly. You were pleased with his answer and kissed his cheek to thank him for listening. A rosy blush covered Peeta’s face and he smiled fondly at you.
“But I guess I can’t really blame him. Because I’ve had a hard time keeping my hands to myself around you too.” He said and took your chin between his fingers the way Finnick often did.
“That,” you smiled, “I’m okay with.”
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