Always
It's the night before we rebel. We are in the forest outside of District 12. My old home. It brings back horrible memories, being here. It's just me, Katniss, Athena, and Snow. We are wrapped in blankets from the Emergency Survival Kits in our hovercraft. Snow made Athena sleep on the other side of the craft with him, because he still thinks we're Avoxes. We're not anymore, though. As always, Athena fixed that.
Athena fixes everything. She's saved my life twice already. I look across the craft at her. Her eyes are shut, her long, brown hair scattered. I can hear her even breathing. Just her breath reflects her patience and kindness. One eye opens as she looks beside her at her grandfather. Once she knows he's asleep, she gets up and leaves the craft. I sit up, about to go after her.
"Don't," Katniss whispers suddenly. "She needs her alone time. This is a lot for a thirteen-year-old to take in. Give her time."
"Promise me something, Katniss," I whisper. "If one of us doesn't make it, the other one of us needs to take care of her and make sure nothing happens to her. I doubt we'll succeed. We just need to make sure there are no repercussions for her."
"You love her, don't you, Peeta?" I nod, not taking my eyes off the door she left through.
"She loves you, too," she continues. "I love her like a sister. Between us, we can protect her."
"I'm so grateful to her..."
It was true. She was doing this, risking her life (again) to help me. She's rising against her grandfather who could smite her in an instant. For me. For us.
She comes back in. I feign sleep, as does Katniss. Athena walks over to me and kisses my temple.
"No matter what happens, Peeta," she whispers. "I will always love you."
My eyes are shut, but the corners of my mouth curve up. You know we won't win, Athena. But I'll protect you. I promise. Because I love you.
And I always will.