He went hunting every day. He knew he didn't need to, but he couldn't bring himself to live off the food bought with the victor money. Every time he did he remembered how they had the money in the first place. But he'd never spoken to Katniss about this. No, instead, he told her he did it to clear his mind. To get back to normalcy. But deep down inside he knew why. It was because of how they got it. How she got it. How they got it together. His wife, and the Boy with the Bread.
Peeta Mellark walked back from work to his house, covered in paint. He'd been commissioned to do a portrait of a family in 13. It took a lot of time and effort on his part, but he didn't charge much, the people of 13 wouldn't be able to afford it then. Besides, they didn't know it, but they were doing him a favour. Painting kept him busy. Stopped him from thinking of all that he had left behind in 12. And less thinking meant there was less chance of an episode. He couldn't remember the last time he had had one. But that wasn't the only reason he lived in 13. The people were different. New. They didn't know him, he didn't know them. They had no special connection, no memories. And with no memories to think of, he created new ones. Ones he knew for definite were real. In District 12, he had always felt like he was living on the edge, just slightly out of it. And some days, it would get too much and he would snap. So Peeta moved. Left everything behind. And with all his family dead, there wasn't much to leave. Except one girl.
Gale Hawthorne walked into the house, purse full, game bag containing some of the squirrel he hadn't sold so that he and Katniss could have a nice dinner.
'Katniss?' he called. 'Honey, I'm home.'
He walked into their kitchen and dropped his game bag in the corner. Their kitchen was large since they lived in Katniss' Victor's House. Yet another thing obtained through Peeta Mellark. He hated it. He turned around and on the table, was a large roll of cheesy bread. It seemed like someone had decided to mock him today, and he was not enjoying it at all. He'd asked her once, why she liked the cheesy bread so much. She'd just said it was her favourite. He couldn't help but wonder if he meant the bread or the boy who had introduced it to her.
'Gale?' Katniss asked sweetly, leaning against the doorway. She picked up Gale's game bag.
'Ahh, Squirrel. We can make a nice stew with that. Should go well with the bread I bought.'
'We can't afford cheesy bread, Catnip.' Gale said, trying to hide his flash of anger at what the bread symbolised.
Katniss smiled. 'Yes we can. You know that. Now sit down and I'll make you some dinner.' She walked over to give him a quick kiss, they set of to cook the squirrel.
Gale did as he was told. He took of his boots and rested his feet on one of the chairs opposite him. 'He's gone.' He told himself. 'Mellark's gone. She married you. Get over yourself and enjoy it.'
'Peeta?' a messenger boy called for him.
'Yes?'
'Peeta Mellark? Message for you.' Said the messenger boy, handing over a small piece of paper.
Peeta took it from the boy, and opened it.
'Dear Mr Mellark,
This year marks the 5th year since the terrible bombing of District 12, and the loss of so many lives. As everyone well knows, you and Miss Katniss Everdeen, were central in making sure that their deaths were not in vain.
On this 5th anniversary, we would like to remember their deaths and remember all the District 12 has had to overcome, by holding a special ceremony. We feel it is only right that you and Miss Everdeen speak at this ceremony, especially as you both lost members of your family during the bombings. The ceremony will take place in two week's time. We do hope you can make it.
Many Thanks,
The Head Peacemaker of District 12.'
Back to District 12. Back to the nightmares and the episodes. Back to Katniss. He wasn't sure he could do it. And it was clear that the look on his face was displaying his exact thoughts to the world.
'I know I shouldn't have read it.' The messenger boy said. It was only then that Peeta realized he was still there. 'But I know who you are. And when I saw that you had something from District 12, I was intrigued. You should go. If you don't, I guarantee you will regret it. This won't be the only time you want to go back to District 12. You can't hide forever'
Peeta thought about what the boy said. 'You were right. You shouldn't have read it.'
'Dear Mrs Everdeen,
This year marks the 5th year since the terrible bombing of District 12, and the loss of so many lives. As everyone well knows, you and Mr Peeta Mellark, were central in making sure that their deaths were not in vain.
On this 5th anniversary, we would like to remember their deaths and remember all the District 12 has had to overcome, by holding a special ceremony. We fell it is only right that you and Mr Mellark speak at this ceremony, especially as you both lost members of your family during the bombings. The ceremony would take place in two week's time. We do hope you can make it.
Many Thanks,
The Head Peacemaker of District 12.'
Mr Mellark. She twirled her wedding ring around on her finger. Mr Mellark. Peeta's coming back.
Mr Mellark. He'd studied Katniss, to see the look on her face as she took in the information. Usually she was an open book, but right now he couldn't read a thing. Mr Mellark. He twirled his wedding ring around on his finger. Mr Mellark. Peeta's coming back.