Peeta was sleeping as I walked inside his bedroom with my light guiding the way. He was a light sleeper-the both of us were-ever since our first Hunger Games. The nightmares woke us up all too often. This evening, I had been struggling to sleep, as usual. Peeta had moved in with me, even though he had his own victor's cottage. I'd asked him to and he'd obliged easily-just like the old Peeta I…

I saw him sleeping peacefully and almost felt bad for interrupting him. We never slept in the same bed. He was still as uncertain of me, as I used to be of him. Uncertain of how I felt, about everything. And I couldn't blame him. I had, after all, called him a capitol mutt when he joined us during the battle. It gave him every reason to be uncertain.

I didn't hesitate, however, when I crawled into bed next to him. Peeta opened his eyes as soon as he felt the bed creak. He willingly opened his arm to me and I snuggled into him. His warmth was something no pillow or blanket could provide. We lay in silence and I was about to close my eyes when he asked me a question: "You love me? Real or not real?" I smiled into his chest and whispered, "Real." He was quiet as he stroked my hair and I sighed in contentment. I knew he loved me and I knew he didn't need to voice it but he finally did anyway, "You know I still love you. I still loved you even when I was a mutt." I winced at his wording-which was actually my wording and shook my head against his chest, "Peeta, you were never a mutt. Those were those…things in the underground. You were different. You fought them." Peeta shook his head and sighed, "I was one of them, only a human version." I shook my head in defiance and whispered, "You are Peeta Mellark. From district 12. And I love you because you're you."

Peeta smiled down at me and I stared at his face. It had changed so much because of the torture he'd endured from the capitol, but yet I could still see traces of the old Peeta, the Peeta I had fallen in love with. He still had moments when he was doubtful about what was real and what wasn't. But, I was always there to help him. And he was always there to help me. Instead of just protecting each other nowadays, we helped each other. I took his hand in mine and kissed it. We fell asleep and I wasn't surprised when I didn't have any nightmares that night.

The following morning, I woke up to find Peeta gone. My heart stopped for a moment, fearing the worst. Then I saw a scribbled letter beside my bed saying, "Dear Katniss. I've gone to go and fetch more primroses. Just take the day off and do what you feel like doing. I'll see you soon. All my love, Peeta." I smiled lazily at the note and stretched my arms. I'd been so relieved to find him in the garden yesterday, when I got mad at the cat. He'd been my savior then. I couldn't have survived here all alone, with just Haymitch. I needed Peeta. I'd also received a note from my mother yesterday, telling me about how she was the one who insisted on sending Peeta, or how he'd insisted on coming to live with me in 12. She'd supported his decision thoroughly. As far as I knew, it was the first time she'd fully supported any decision anyone had made.

I went back to my room and reread the letter Gale had sent to me:

Dear Katniss

I can't apologize enough for my actions. I never wanted to hurt any of you. My job was always to protect you and your family, and I couldn't do it. I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself and I will never forgive myself for it either. I don't expect you to forgive me and you shouldn't have to either. I still love you though, nothing will ever change that-no matter who I end up with. I'm just sorry I couldn't ever be a better friend to you either.

You deserve to be with Peeta. I've always been jealous of him, and he's never been of me. He's far better for you than I am, clearly. He would never have followed through with Coin's plan. I wish the both of you every happiness.

Lots of love

Gale

I shook my head again, no quite sure how I should take this letter. I loved him, but I would never be able to forgive him-maybe someday, but nowhere in the near future. I walked down the stairs to the kitchen, and decided to try and make breakfast. There wasn't anything in the fridge so I frowned and went over to Haymitch's house. His fridge was empty too.

I decided to write a letter to Effie, although I wasn't sure how I'd get it to her. The trains were still operating, so maybe that way? I sat down at the long desk and wrote:

Dear Effie

Peeta and I are doing ok. We've finally got each other to ourselves, with no-one to intervene or rip us apart! It's such a relief and I can't thank you enough for all of your help! I know we will miss you, but I'm sure when the time is right, we will come and visit everyone in the capitol.

I just have one request to make: please could you send us some food? I can shoot my own of course, but it does help to have the essentials.
Thank you for your endless support during, before and after The Hunger Games, and the war. Peeta and I will always remember our team fondly.

With all my love

Katniss

I walked to the train station and gave it to the commander. He seemed surprised to see me there, as I'd returned on a victor's carriage. He bowed low to me and said, "Miss Everdeen, the trains are not in operation today-due to the end of the war, but for you I will drive into the capitol. We thank you for everything you have done!"
I nodded and smiled as she handed him the letter with Effie's name on it. I then walked back to the victor's village and smiled when I saw Peeta planting primroses. He turned to see me and she ran to him and embraced him firmly. I was still wearing my nightgown but I didn't care. He murmured against my neck, "I thought you'd still be sleeping." I shook my head and whispered, "Nope. I sent a letter to Effie to ask for necessary food supplies. I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
Peeta shook his head against my neck, "She won't mind at all. In fact, she will probably send you every source of food she can find!" I laughed a little and pulled back to kiss him. I couldn't help but remember the time when I would kiss him for the cameras, and not because I wanted to. I sighed, knowing now that I was kissing him with good intentions and good reason. I loved him, and he loved me, and that was all we needed, for now...

A/N: So this is my first fanfic for The Hunger Games. I haven't really read many in this fandom so these are all of my own ideas-although they may be similar to other people's, I'm not entirely sure. This chapter starts off once at the very end of the movies/ book when Peeta Katniss if she loves him, real or not real? (Hence the title of the story.) I read the books a while ago and after seeing Mockingjay Part 2 last night I thought I'd give it a bash! Please let me know what you think?
P:S There is more if you want more...

P.P.S: I've changed this chapter so it's all in the first person!