Chapter 1

Katniss doesn't know what is wrong with her. She has been feeling so tired lately and just a little unwell. Peeta has been hovering over her, but she just tells him she is fine and not to worry. It's been 3 months since her return to District 12 and two months since Peeta came home. They have taken this time to rebuild their relationship and Katniss feels so much more at peace now with Peeta by her side. He is her rock and she is not afraid to admit it, at least to herself, anymore.

The phone starts to ring and Katniss races down the stairs to answer it. They don't get calls very often so she doesn't want to miss this one. It has to be from someone outside of District 12 because people just don't phone each other here.

"Katniss!"

It is Annie, Finnick's wife.

"Hi, Annie. How are you and baby Finn?"

"We're fine. We were hoping you could come down and visit with us for a few days. Peeta thinks you need a break. He says you have been feeling tired and thought a bit of female company might be just what you need".

Peeta had that right! Between him and Haymitch there wasn't much conversation that a woman could enjoy. Of course, Katniss was fine with the boys as she could match them in almost anything. Admittedly, she never tried to compete with Peeta when it came to baking though. He was the expert and she loved all the goodies he produced and brought home for them to share. Still, Katniss was surprised and a little annoyed that Peeta had put her on the spot like that. She never liked to seem weak and, if it had been anyone else but Annie, Katniss would have marched right over to the bakery to tell him so!

"That sounds great, Annie. I'd love to come. Peeta shouldn't worry about me so much, but he is probably right. It would be great to have some female company for a change".

So, it was settled. Katniss would travel to District 4 for a few days to visit with Annie and she was even more excited at the idea of seeing baby Finn when she got there. It had been a while since she had been around children, so few had returned to District 12 since the rebellion.

Peeta walks in and looks for Katniss. He has brought some loaves for their lunch and wants to have a chat with her about taking a break. He is becoming quite concerned that she is looking somewhat pale and has been feeling tired lately. With no sign of Katniss downstairs, he calls out her name and bounds up the stairs to see if he can find her there. She is packing a bag in their room and he suddenly becomes concerned.

"Going somewhere?" he says.

"It was your idea" says Katniss.

Peeta doesn't know what she means, so he asks her again.

"Why are you packing a bag, Katniss?"

"Annie phoned me and asked if I would like to come and visit for a few days. She said you had been talking to her about me".

Katniss sounds annoyed and Peeta knows that he has probably stepped over the line by talking to Annie and telling her how he is worried about Katniss.

"I was just concerned, Katniss. You haven't been yourself lately and I thought the company would do you good. You know, another woman to talk to instead of being around us men all the time".

"You're right" she says. "I really want to see little Finn and it will be good to see how Annie is doing as well, after everything she's been through".

Peeta starts to wonder now if the trip will be too much for Katniss. She is still recovering from the aftermath of the Games and the Rebellion. There is a good chance all she needs is more rest and now she would be thinking of others again instead of herself.

"Katniss, if you would rather stay and rest, that's fine. I don't want you to wear yourself out".

Peeta begins to feel the old dread and longing that always came with allowing Katniss out of his sight. This hasn't really happened since their return to District 12. They are never more than a short walk away from each other and that's the way Peeta likes it. Even though he knows things are safe again in the Districts and in the Capitol, he just always wants to keep her close and make sure she is OK.

"No, Peeta. It's fine. You have been working a lot lately and sometimes I feel you need a break, especially with me keeping you up at night with my bad dreams".

Last night Katniss had been very restless in her sleep. Peeta heard her call out for Prim and then start whimpering while she clawed at her arms and body. Peeta imagined she might be clawing at her bandages, the ones that covered her burns after she was injured in the explosion. The shock of Prim's death had nearly driven her mad with grief. That grief had turned into rage. A new, cold rage that Katniss had directed at the Capitol. Specifically, President Alma Coin. He knew that killing others would never assuage the grief Katniss felt over Prim. There was only one thing, and that was time.

"Katniss, I don't need a break from you or your dreams. If anyone can understand what that must be like, it's me. More likely, I won't be able to sleep without you by my side".

Katniss knows he is telling the truth. Neither of them sleep as well without the other. Their most exquisite moment of coming together was thanks to the Capitol, and the nightmares the Games had produced. Katniss, unable to sleep that night, had crept into Peeta's room hoping to find him still awake. When she found him sleeping, she tried not to disturb him as she climbed into the bed beside him. This is what they had often done in the past, but it was the first time she had felt comfortable enough to be this close to him since his return to District 12.

Katniss remembers how tenderly Peeta had held her that night when he said to her "You love me, real or not real?". "Real" she had replied. Peeta had then taken her in his arms and kissed her. Softly at first, then more passionately, a passion she quickly matched with her own. Giving herself completely to him, Katniss had experienced something deep in her soul. She could not remember desiring anyone, or their touch, so much. From then on, the two of them had become inseparable.

Somehow their relationship was different to her past friendship with Gale. He and Katniss had shared a fierce loyalty, but Gale did not excite her senses the way Peeta did. Their passion had been for their families, and hunting together was a part of that. What Katniss felt for Peeta was new and unique. Peeta felt it, too and Katniss knew he had been feeling this way about her for a long time. Katniss realised how patient Peeta had been with her and how hurt he must have been when she put up her defences again after the first Games. Snow had seen how conflicted she was. What was it he had said about indifference? No wonder the Capitol had taken the opportunity to use Peeta's pain to turn him against her. If only she had not pushed him away then.

"Katniss" Peeta calls her out of her reverie.

"Peeta, it will be good for both of us I am sure. It is only for a few days and I will call you every day if you like. In fact, I want to! I don't know if I can trust you and Haymitch to behave while I am away".

Peeta laughs and grabs Katniss around the waist. She has been eating well lately and he loves the feeling of her thick waist when he grabs her. He begins to kiss her and knows he will miss her badly while she is gone. A small sigh escapes her lips as she says "Peeta".

Peeta decides he is not going to let her go just yet.