I had the locket in my hands. The one Peeta had given me so long ago. It sat at the bottom of a drawer, next to the book of edible plants, and some clothes from when we lived in 13. A silver parachute wrapped around a spile set next to it. My heart ached at the memory. I looked down at the locket, feeling the cold metal in my palms. I couldn't have weighed more than a few ounces, but to me, it weighed two tons.
I dreaded opening it, fully aware of what was inside. A picture of my mother, Prim . . . and Gale. I swallowed hard. No, I had not forgiven him for that day so long ago. As long as I can see the scars from the burns, I never will. The ache may dull, but it will never truly fade.
My eyes flick to the dresser. On it, there were several photographs. Surely Peeta wouldn't notice one picture missing from the pile. I open the locket, and pull out Gale's picture. I put it underneath the book of plants. I won't deal with that pain now. I pick up another picture and slide it in the empty slot. I snap the locket shut, and put it around my neck.
Peeta walks in, to find me staring at the photos. "Katniss?"
I turn to face him, and greet him with a smile. I waste no time getting to his arms, to his comfort, knowing they would drive the last bit of ache I have away from the pit of my stomach. He holds me, but then steps back. He examines the locket. I smile reassuringly.
"Open it," I urge.
His hands fall over it, as if it physically hurt. Apprehensively, he picked it up, taking it as far as it could go, while on my neck. I swore he cursed before he opened it. I saw his face change from ready for the worst news, to the happiest I've seen him in years.
He looks up at me. "Where did you get this?"
"I found it in the pile. It will do a lot more good in here, rather than collecting dust." I smile again.
He gives me a big kiss, and saunters down the stairs.
I play with the locket, then open it, to stare at the new picture.
Yes, the three people I loved the most were staring at me. My mother, Prim, and now Peeta.
For the first time since I heard Prim's name called at the reaping, the fear in me subsides.