On the night I feel that thing again, the hunger that overtook me on the beach, I know this would have happened anyway. That what I need to survive is not Gale's fire, kindled with rage and hatred. I have plenty of fire myself. What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our losses. That it can be good again. And only Peeta can give me that.
So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?"
I tell him, "Real."
He holds me tight for the rest of the night. I like to trace the patches of skin on his arms, it reminds me of all the struggles and losses we've been through together. All the things that has brought us together without even realization. He needs me and I need him. I have a reason to smile again. I have Peeta again.
After around six months he kisses me, an unsure and light kiss. His lips are warm and smooth and it feels like mine belong next to his. I kiss him back, It turns into more that night. After, he holds me, he doesn't want to let go, and I dont either. Day by day we take it. Me, helping him when a flash back come on, and him waking me up and speaking smoothly when I have my nightmares. We're not healed from the past, but we've found a way to cope.
We keep going as we were, even 2 and a half years later. We moved in together and are entirly in love. Buttercup is also like the child that Peeta always wanted. He really does love him, and nowadays he lays at the foot of our bed protecting us. I love my family even if it's just a family of me and Peeta.
Three years have passed since the revolution ended and me and Peeta have come a long way. Were sitting in our living room, eating dinner like we do everynight. But something is different, it feels strange. " I can't believe I really got you" Peeta says. This makes me smile, though he often talks about how lucky he feels to finally have me, I still often feel like I don't deserve him. I can't give him the things he wants, I promised my sixteen year old self I wouldn't. but then again, would it really be bad with no more games? "You've always had me" "And I always want to keep you" he said as he stares at me like he can't get enough of me. Peeta stands up and comes towards me, I expect this to be a very intense kiss. Instead he gets down on one knee. All of a sudden I can't feel my toes, is he really going to do what I think? I still don't know if I can give him what he want's, but I can give him my love.
"Katniss, I can say we've been through a lot. A lot of tears and sarrow, but through all that I got to get even closer to you then I ever dreamed of. I love you more than life it's self and I think I've proven that to you. I know you say that you can't give me what I want and that you dont deserve me, but what I want and deserve so badly is you. I love you Katniss and no words could ever describe what you mean to me."
He pulls out a small simple diamond ring and says, "Katniss Everdeen will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?" I can't breath, there is no longer any blood going to my head. I don't know that I can give Peeta what he want's but if he wants me then I think he deserves that happiness. Tears swell up in my eyes. I have no words all I can do is cry and nod my head, I really do love him and he deserves to be happy, and if he thinks that I can give it to him then I wont let him down..