Disclaimer: I do not own the beautiful Hunger Games trilogy, sadly. That's all Suzanne Collins.
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to read this! This is my first story ever, so I apologize if there are grammar/spelling mistakes. I did this out of my absolute love for the Hunger Games and for entertainment purposes only. And as you can see, I love Peeta and wanted to share his story. Enjoy and review!
Chapter 1: Trouble in Paradise
As the gleaming sun above me blurs my vision, I try to make out where I am. Dandelions and posies are dispersed within the everlasting lush of the forest green. Butterflies are perched among the newly blossoming flowers, and I can hear the singing of the mockingjays farther away in the depth of the wilderness. I am in the meadow of District 12, just ahead of the fence that prevents anyone from escaping the darkness and poverty of this district, this captivity of life dominated by the relentless Capitol. That is if the fence was ever sparked to electrocute whichever object came its way. At times I have thought about running away from this cruel place that is supposed to be my home. Actually, I think about that possibility more than once a day, seeing the children so limp and fragile as if they were slowly withering away from the pangs of hunger, about to crack in a matter of seconds. Seeing the adults strive to maintain hope that one day, children will be able to live in a place where starvation was almost nonexistent, where the Capitol didn't take the privilege of one's rights and one's ability to live without fear of being pulled into the horrendous claws of the Hunger Games. Suddenly, I heard someone humming with the most angelic voice I had ever been privileged to hear. And I knew it could only be one person among billions to sing in such a mesmerizing way. Katniss Everdeen.
Turning back, I see a stunning figure that could only be perceived in heavenly dreams. She was wearing a short green sundress with white sandals, waves engulfing her hair as it stretched down to her waist, grey eyes piercing through the bright sunlight, and a slight smile in sight. Could it be? No, Katniss always wore her hunting jacket, cargo pants and boots along with her signature braid, it couldn't be. I was convinced that it was a hallucination until I heard her voice. "Peeta", her enchanted voice teased. "Katniss!" I ran over to her. Without saying a word, she pulled me close, colliding our bodies together. She wrapped her arms around my neck as I picked her up and swung her in circles, causing a giggle to formulate from her mouth. I put her down after a couple of minutes. "I need your help" she stated urgently, her giggly state and beautiful smile disappearing. My heart's pumping fast and my mind is overflowed with dilemmas. "What is it?" I whispered. "I-".
Before she even could continue her sentence, the earth shook turbulently. Massive trees fell, the mockingjays and harmless wildlife escaping the vicinity. The previous dandelions and posies that gave a peaceful presence to the meadow were crushed by the trees. Snapping out of my sedimentary state of thought, I grabbed Katniss' hand never daring to let go. We ran away from the falling trees and destruction from the earthquake, hoping to find silence and solace elsewhere. But the ground continued to tremble more violent than ever. We saw a glowing light ahead and nature preceding our path. Once we entered this new premises, we realized that this was no ordinary meadow. The silence was eery and not normal. "Peeta, where are we?" Katniss uttered, her body now approaching closer to mine. As I was observing the coniferous trees and the obscure temperature, sunlight, and lack of wildlife among the scene, I felt a hand entwine in mine. Not even this could snap me out of the state I was in. I recognized this place somewhere but could not recall where it was. Until I saw a golden glow reflected from the sunlight in the corner of my eye. I turned and realized where we were when I saw the unmistakable Cornucopia with numerous weapons, food supply, backpacks, and water contained within the arc. "Katniss, we have to go NOW!" I yelled, not even sure where to go in the first place. The arena blocked any escape that we could possibly make. "Why? What's happening?" she said with wide eyes of worry in her countenance. "The Cornucopia. We're in the arena. Katniss, we are in the Hunger Games."
Realization sunk in her face when she heard my desperate and quick words. She started sprinting towards the trees, dragging me along with her to whatever atrocious things hid in its nature. I saw a rustle in the trees, knowing that a mere animal could not make that noise. It was a human, a tribute. And they were hidden, waiting to attack us, to taste our blood and to taste a vicarious victory. But most importantly, they were after Katniss, the love of my life, and the only thing worth living for in this miserable place called Panem. If she died, I died as well. And I would never be able to live with myself having her life taken in front of my eyes, not being able to do anything about it. Guilt and heartbreak for the rest of my years, knowing I could've saved her. Something I could not live with. The tribute uncovered their previous hiding place, approaching us with a collection of knives, a sword, a mace, and a spear. "Katniss, run! NOW! Whatever you do just leave. For me." I shrilled, my heartbeat racing at a dangerous level. "No, Peeta! I could never leave you!" I looked at her with desperate eyes, trying to convince her to leave so that I will be able to die knowing that I saved her. That she was by my side for the last moments of my life and although those moments were quick, they had been the best in my lifespan. She looked away to the tribute with a stern and determined face, who which was now getting closer to us. Wait. I've seen the bland, brown hair and strong figure running towards us. As if reading my thoughts, Katniss says the name of the tribute before I can muster the recognition. "Gale?"
When she notices that Gale hasn't stopped sprinting towards us, she loses her steadiness which once was there. "Gale, it's me Katniss! Peeta's with me! We don't want to hurt you!" She screeches in an impatient manner almost losing her breath. Even with this, Gale doesn't even attempt to stop. "Damnit, Gale! Can't you see it's me? Katniss? Stop right now!" At this point, tears are brimming in her eyes, in danger of falling at a fast pace. My patience is gone and I am getting furious. Doesn't Gale know that we mean no harm? Katniss is his best friend for God's sake! Maybe even more, who knows? His gaze remains on me, with a sharp determination, fire in his eyes almost as if seeking revenge. Shock hits me when I realize that Gale has no intention in hurting Katniss in any way. His goal is to kill me only.
But it's too late to escape this fate. Katniss also notices this by the time I come to this conclusion. "Gale, don't hurt him! Stop, he's my friend! What have you become?" Gale is now a foot away, sword in hand; ready to meet contact with my heart. I close my eyes and only have time to say one thing to Katniss before my time is up. "Katniss, I want you to know that I've always loved you. Stay safe and protect yourself for me. You deserve the best happiness, you deserve the world. Live the life I wasn't able to. Goodbye my love, I will always love you. Even in my death." I open my eyes, turn to her and she's sobbing unstoppably, screaming "No" repetitively, shaking her head as if trying to escape a nightmare. Gale's sword is on the verge of piercing my body when Katniss jumps in front of me, the sword coursing through her petite and delicate frame. Before I could let out a scream, she was dead, gone from this world forever. The treacherous fate decreed by her own best friend. The lifeless body of what used to be Katniss Everdeen, lay in my trembling hands, now being stained by my tears.