I stare across the lake and can't help but feel melancholy as I reflect on how much has changed since I first gazed out at these waters as a child. I used to find solace in the crisp water, mirroring my actions as I would hunt with Gale. But Gale is gone now and District 12 is a wasteland that is beyond recognition. The only constant in my life now is Peeta. Peeta, the boy with the bread, who has now come to mean so much more. I suddenly shiver thinking of his past hatred towards me and the lasting effects of the venom the Capitol injected into him. I can't help but feel guilty as I know that he's a victim simply because of his love for me. But thankfully we have begun to grow and mend together. Rather than succeeding in making Peeta hate me, it has allowed us instead to cultivate a deep love for each other. A love that I am very grateful to have.
I suddenly hear a crunch of leaves behind me and I freeze, reaching for my bow in a swift action. As I turn to face the intruder I see an anxious expression under blonde hair. Peeta.
I quickly place my bow away, silently thanking myself that I didn't fire impulsively.
"Peeta" , I say simply, confused by his sudden presence.
"I'm sorry I followed you here, I got nervous..it's late.." He trailed off, his face reddening as he looked at his feet.
I walk over to him smiling, "Don't be sorry, let's go home. I've had enough thinking for one day."
With Peeta's presence I instantly feel calmed. I still marvel at his ability to craft my emotions with a look or quiet phrase. Living with Peeta has allowed me to quell my nightmares and raging thoughts as returning to daily life is still a struggle after the Rebellion, a struggle we both face.
Peeta and I walk in companionably silecnce, content to be in the other's prescence. Peeta and I both allow each other space when the grief of the Games engulfs us. It's what makes us fit together for we are both broken, healing each other. Peeta suddenly grasps my hand in his and I revel in the warmth. My relationship with Peeta relies heavily on our physical connection. Sleeping with Peeta before the second Games offered me a new peace I had yet to experience. Now, as our touches and kisses linger longer than ever I glimpse not only peace but happiness as well.
When we finally reach our small house I instantly smell the bread Peeta must have baked in my absence, and all thoughts of Prim, Gale, and the Games vanish.
Peeta notices my hungry expression and laughs. "I'm starting to realize there's nothing cheese buns can't cure"
I'd like to argue with him but my salivating mouth would disagree.
"Thank you Peeta"
He smiles in return, always grateful to offer me happiness.
Just as we sit down to eat there's a sharp rapping at our door. Peeta and I both freeze. We live in silence, undisturbed since the Rebellion. Peeta is the first to rise and quickly strides to the door, a determined expression across his face.
The door flies open with a hefty thud to reveal a disheveled and clearly drunk Haymitch.
"Finally!", he slurs. "What are you two doing here? Don't you know what's about to happen?"
Peeta and I share a quizzical look just as Haymitch hurries to the table and launches into a harried speech.
"I found something…."