Saving Grace

Prologue

Peeta

Everyone has a story.

I know that sounds like a really cliché thing for someone to say, but hey, it's the truth. Everyone has a past trailing behind them of people and experiences that have shaped who are for better of for worse, filled with grief and joy, failure and ambition, and betrayal and love. And if you take the time to just listen, they'll gladly share it with you.

That's part of the reason why I first became interested in psychology I think: learning people's stories. For one thing, I'm a huge people person, and I'll never turn down the opportunity to make new friends wherever I go. But beyond that is my fascination in how intricately different people are from one another. The way we act, think, or behave in a certain way…why do we do what we do… who people were before, and what shaped them to be into who they are now. It's incredible.

And another great thing is that it never gets old; just when you think you've figured people out, you meet another who completely rearranges you entire perspective. So I am always very fulfilled in my career as a grief counselor. Alright, now before you say it—I can't count how many times I have heard someone say, "Why would anyone want to be a grief therapist?! That's sounds so depressing…"—I just need to clarify that I love my job, and can't imagine having any other occupation. Second to being a parent, being a counselor is the most fulfilling profession that a human being could dream of having. Just the complacency of knowing that you make a difference in and help others rediscover the will to go is enough for me to want to do my job for free. But of course, I am allowed to be biased.

And I learn a lot from my patients, and their stories of pain and suffering have helped me grow as a person. Now, by this point you must be wondering what's my story, right? Good question. Alright, alright, you've broken me down. If you really want to hear it, I will tell you. But first, I want to say something, which is to hope that you do not judge me because of the nature of the things I will say. It's like that saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover; you might miss out on a great story."

I also want to make a point in adding that great story is nothing without a lesson paired with it. My story is one as old as time; two people who were never supposed to fall in love, but did so against all the odds. But regardless, it's like I said before; everyone has a story to tell, and needs a person to listen. Sometimes, believe it or not, having someone just listen is enough to heal you, and perhaps the listener as well. So listen to my story and see for yourself. I am living proof to say that in life, you can be surprised by what has the ability to repair you...

AN:: Just a quick note I wanted to make. In this story the perspective switches from Peeta and Katniss, so technically it's both of their stories that are being told. I'll also just add that this is an AU story.

Anyways, I'm posting the first chapter shortly. Please let me know what you think :D