CHAPTER 2:
"We can't let this happen, Katniss," Peeta said softly. "You know that. Think of the kids."
"I am thinking of them." she snapped. "What part of that do you not understand? I want them safe. With the both of us."
Her eyes revealed all the fear she'd been keeping. Peeta understood. She was scared of losing him. Peeta wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace. She shut her eyes tight, refusing to give in, refusing to accept comfort.
"You're never losing me, sweetheart." Peeta whispered to her ear. She sighed in frustration.
"A promise could be compromised." Katniss murmured. "Let's just stay here. They can handle this."
"This time it'll be different. We'll be strategists. We'll stay in the stronghold." Peeta said. "Which reminds me, we have to double our peacekeepers. We need to secure the District. I've told the other mayors the same. We don't know how strong their forces are but it's good that we're ready."
"Gale told me that their spy reported of a planned assault on one of the districts. The spy didn't know which one." Katniss said. Peeta kissed the side of her neck.
"I'll set up an evacuation exercise. We can be safe inside the woods. By the lake, like before." he murmured into her skin.
"Yeah.." she trailed off. Peeta was good at distracting her, which somehow frustrated her. "Peeta, this is serious." she said. But even her own words didn't stop her from accepting his lips. She kissed him and her hands trailed on his chest, her breathing becoming fast, exhilarated. The feeling never dimmed down, from that very fist touch to now, she still felt the same stirrings. Her fingers dug through his hair and his hand drifted to her back, pulling her closer. Peeta pulled away for air and smiled at her while she craved for more.
A light knock broke them apart. Katniss frowned, irritated. Peeta cleared his throat and wiped smudged lipstick off his face and opened the door. "Yes?" he asked.
"Sir, there's a phone call for you. They say it's urgent. And dinner's ready." Cornelia, their helper, told him.
"Thank you, Cornelia. Can you tell the kids to come down?" he asked.
"Already did." she said with a smile.
"Thanks." Peeta told her sincerely.
Katniss has always been distant with their helper. She acted odd. No, she was odd. She was from the Capitol and Katniss was stunned that a girl like her would come to the farthest district and get a job as a helper. Cornelia was beautiful. A girl who was obviously pampered throughout her life yet she came here. She'd miraculously stumbled on their doorstep with a heartbreaking story Katniss never believed. Yet Peeta insisted and if she was from the Capitol, Katniss had the mind to keep an eye on her. Although, all she'd found out was that Cornelia was fond of her husband.
"Like I said to you before," Katniss whispered as Cornelia went away and they headed downstairs. "You've always had an eye for beautiful things."
"No wonder I have it bad for you." he said, smirking. Katniss smiled and blushed and gave her husband a kiss as she made her way into the dining room while he headed for the study.
"Peeta Mellark speaking," he said into the receiver.
"Peeta, it's Gale." Gale said. "You're in trouble."