Katniss and Peeta:

I do not own HG

Chapter One;

I awoke once again from a particularly horrifying nightmare. It was always the same… Joanna screaming from her horrible tortures while I listen from the other room, then the nightmare will change and on that nightmare it was Katniss being killed by mutts. I remained lying down clearing my head of the horrible dream.

I know Katniss was safe at her house keeping to herself as usual. After a few minutes I got up and walked to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face and stared at the mirror, I don't like the look I saw on my reflection. My eyes are sunken with dark circle around them, even my cheeks are hollowed and I know I've lost too much weight. Wanting to force the horrible dream from my system I pulled on a clean shirt and went downstairs. When I looked out the window the sun is shining brightly even though there are frosts on the ground and I know that it's going to be a nice day, so I put my boots on and walked outside deciding to go to town.

As I walked past her house I'd notice how lonely and neglected it look, her front yard needs a little trimming. I will have to come by again to tend to the flowers I had put a few a months ago after I came back from District 13; they are now beginning to wilt because of the cold. I was almost at the gate of the Victor's Village when I saw her emerged from the woods, bow and arrow in hand and two dead squirrels. Katniss stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted me. I stop and waved at her but; she walked briskly away without so much as a second glance. I sighed and continue my walk.

I felt so stupid running away from him like that. We haven't or rather I haven't spoken to Peeta since that day when he tended the garden and planted the primrose. I'm afraid to even acknowledge him fearing that I might breakdown in front of him. I hate myself for treating him like so but, despite my very unsocial skills he stills comes every other day to tend to the bushes and the yard, and always leaves a fresh loaf of bread at the kitchen back door. Peeta's presence always comforts me every time I hear him in the garden; even if we don't speak or rather I don't speak to him. I know I'm being mean and stupid but, after all the things I've put through that boy I don't have a heart to hurt him more than he needs to right now.

Greasy Sae asked me how Katniss was and I told her as much as I possibly know but, knowing her she probably doesn't believe everything I say as she look at me suspiciously.

"Katniss is a hard headed and strong young woman. But, she will come around. She has spunk, that one," Greasy Sae said, smiling. I look at her and nodded not knowing what to say so I thank her with the stuff I purchased and left. After I said hello to everyone I know. I headed back home carrying the two bags of stuff for the dinner I'm planning to prepare tonight.

I make my way towards home feeling light hearted as if seeing everyone in the town district lessens the pain I had from the nightmare the night before. At Victor's Village I turned and make my way towards Katniss' house. I knocked three times but, no one seems to be home, so I started to turn and leave. I was already on the gate when I heard her call my name. Trying the surprise from showing my face, I turn and face her.

"Peeta…wait!" Katniss called, half running to me.

"Peeta…" she said again, this time her voice sounds hoarse.

"Hello Katniss," I say a little breathlessly as I adjusted the two bags I was holding.

"Here, let me help you." As she took the other bag from my hand our fingers touched and I felt the same electric current I usually feel every time I touch her.

"Thanks. I came by to ask you if you want to have dinner with me…and Haymitch," I ask.

"Dinner…with Haymitch?" Katniss ask confused. She frowns and pursed her lips. I know she and Haymitch doesn't really get along but, they both respect each other in a weird kind of way.

"That is if you don't have any other plans," I added, looking hopeful. She nodded her head before offering me a smile. I was elated when she accepts the offer but, I feel guilty for asking her because I'm not sure if she is ready to mingle with others again especially with Haymitch. I hope I'm doing the right thing, heaven knows we've all been through a lot.

Peeta's house looks much like mine on the outside but, the comparisons end there. His house feels more like a home, mine is not, it's like mine is only there for me to have a roof under my head. His walls are decorated with paintings and a large picture frame of his family, my walls are barren, no sentimental value that I need to put out there for everyone to see… for me to see and remind me of the people I lost. Sitting at his kitchen table is an odd experience too. He seems really familiar with the kitchen and all the gadgets that come with it.

He cooks really well, just like he bakes really well. Me I don't cook nor bake, what I know is how to provide meals for my family which I don't have anymore. I look around and saw pots and pans and stray baking ingredients and the dinner that he will prepare on the marble counter tops. The kitchen and the house as a whole, feels like Peeta, warm and comforting. As for me, I feel hollow and cold inside.

I look up and saw that he was watching me with intensity, his blue eyes have a hint of sadness but when he saw me smile he brightens up and handed me a cookie. "Would you like to taste it before Haymitch come and gobble up every single of them?" Peeta ask, laughing. I know it's his attempt to socialize with me again and to break the ice that seems to be coming between us.

Trying not to ruin his effort and his evening, I reach out and take the cookie from him. "It looks good," I said and break off a tiny piece and pop it in my mouth. I moaned unexpectedly at the goodness I tasted, it is still warm and very yummy. "This is amazing Peeta," I said as I shoved the last of the remaining crumb into my mouth taking another one.

His face lights up at my compliments and my heart constrict with emotion and a little pain. It's so easy to please him, my boy with the bread, especially when that compliments comes from me.

"This is going to be a nice dinner," Peeta said, smiling. Then the door to the kitchen opens and Haymitch comes in. I mumble to myself that it's going to be a long night.

The dinner turns out good after all even when Haymitch starting to bother me. I watch Peeta and Haymitch banter at each other good-naturedly. For the first time I heard him laugh, really laugh and it hurts me to see a very good young, loving man lost everything because of a stupid war. My eyes water and my throat feel thick at the thought, I have to bite my lip to keep my emotions under control but, I know both men saw my expression. That's when Haymitch say his goodbye. Before he leaves he patted me on the shoulder letting me know he understands. After Haymitch was gone Peeta took me in his arms and told me that everything's going to be alright. I cling to him and cry like I've never cry before. I can't remember how good it is to be in his arm.