Try to Stay Alive
My breathing slowed as I realised I was in the train carriage. My neck was gleaming shiny with moist droplets of sweat, and my parched throat cringed at the futile taste of saliva. Snow, tearing open the door, leaping towards me, dagger in hand, then transforming into Haymitch who was mourning for the death of Peeta, and my whole world black. I have these haunting nightmares, clouding my very presence like a thick shroud that would not rip, no matter how much I struggled. Suddenly, I detected the creak of a door hinge and the thud of footsteps, racing toward my door. One thought raced to my mind: Snow! Dammit, I hadn't even bothered to shut my door before I fell asleep! Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I sprung off my lavish bed and trapped the door firmly shut.
"Oww! Katniss! Are you okay? Katniss! Answer me! Katniss!" a familiar, caring voice echoed to my room as a wave of relief flooded through me.
"Peeta!" my voice cracked as I unlatched the hook and let him in. In my terrified state, he was my saviour. It was easing to just to see his face.
He sidled in, his eyes never leaving me. His clear, trustworthy, forgiving eyes.
I thought about how much I owe him – for keeping me alive, for being there when I needed him the most and most of all- for just being him. I knew I was cold-shouldered and cruel sometimes, but that was no excuse for what I constantly do. But he deserved someone much, much better than me. I am grumpy, selfish and inconsiderate. I am not that pretty either, a moderately beautiful girl, if I say so myself. He is higher than me, so much more opening and caring, with his firm baker's boy hands and thick, blond eyelashes.
" Katniss? Are you feeling alright? What happened? ," he exclaimed.
"Uhh… nothing, it's just… um… yes, I mean no! I am not feeling that well – just some nightmares, from back in the – arena," I managed to stutter. My eyes drifted to the gash deepened in his right, muscular arm, and then refused to meet his gaze.
Peeta relaxed. I could see his face relaxing, his mouth twisting into a small, rueful smile.
" It's okay, Katniss. Listen to me. You are not in the arena. You are here, in the train, with me. You are safe," he soothed. I felt like I was being coddled. I did not want to be treated like a frightened child. But I put up with it just this once, for some reason I can't apprehend.
"Ok, okay, " I calmed myself.
"Does my fair damsel in distress need a heroic knight on a white steed to come and rescue her ever so bravely?"Peeta teased. I wondered what it would be like having money to buy unnecessary books to learn all those quotes. I knew that quotes like these would make other girls swoon at school, but I was above that. Although it did make my head dizzy for a few seconds before I refocused, I was above that.
"O, my fair knight would have to prove his bravery and loyalty before winning the delicate heart of one so distressed," I shot back at him. It was quite humorous, the two of us laughing like idiots despite my previously frozen state. It was comforting, for now.