I do not own The Hunger Games
Chapter 2- Caught in the middle
(Peeta)
Katniss fell asleep curled up on my shoulders, so I scooped her up into my arms and carried her upstairs. I could tell she was half awake, but sleep was slowly taking over. I put her down on the bed and kissed her forehead. I could do this now without nightmares rushing, it was a sure sign that someday I would know everything that is true apart from everything that is false. But as for right now, I was caught in the middle. I turned to leave hoping that Katniss wouldn't ask me to stay with her, I hated to say no, but when I started to slip into sleep I couldn't control my thoughts as well. As always she snatched my hand with hers before I could fully turn around.
"Stay with me." She asked as she sat up.
"Katniss…" I didn't want to have this conversation again.
"I trust you."
"But how? How do you know I won't hurt you? I need to go home Katniss. Goodnight."
"No Peeta. It's because your afraid of hurting me that I know you won't. Please stay."
My shoulders sag in defeat and I walk over and sit on the edge of her bed.
"Only till you fall asleep."
"Good enough."
It's obvious that she isn't entirely happy with me. But I'd rather have her upset with me than dead. Then just as I think she is going to settle into bed and fall asleep she does the opposite. Katniss gets out form under the covers and presses her lips to mine. I tighten my fists bracing myself for the nightmares, but instead nothing comes besides pleasure and warmth. I lift my hand up and graze her cheek just before she pulls away and puts her head in my lap. I smile, and play with her hair for a few minutes. I think through all the happy memories with Katniss I have restored to their original context, and sigh when I think about the time we discussed our favorite colors. She opens her eyes and we kind of just look at each other, she presses her hand to my face it feels warm and I smile a little bit more. That's when I get tired, and distorted thoughts run though my head. I get confused, memories of Katniss and I in the first and second hunger games swarm into my head.
"In the Hunger Games, you kissed me just for the cameras. Real or not real?" I ask
"Real, but mainly in the first hunger games, and even in that one I…it's hard to explain. In the second one, it wasn't really for the cameras; I mean I wanted to kiss you. I wanted you to kiss me…I..I..can't explain it. I did kiss you for the cameras but-"
"Stop Katniss, you're confusing me even more." But I almost feel like I understand what she's saying, if I remembering the right thing, then there were two maybe only one, where she acted differently. So I ask,
"We have shared kisses that meant something to you before I was hijacked, real or not real?"
"Real." She said as she gave one of her little half smiles. She hasn't fully smiled for a long, long time. I doubt she will anytime soon, but maybe someday.
"Good. I remember them too. Well I'm starting to at least. Go to sleep Katniss."
I take her hand in mine and she grips even tighter. After a few minutes she drifts into sleep, and I readjust her back to being under the covers and I walk downstairs. But I don't go home; I fall asleep on the couch that night.
Thanks for reading! Please leave a review; I would love to hear what you thought! The next chapter will be up soon. Sorry if there is any grammar or spelling mistakes! Happy New Year!
