Sadly holidays are over for me now. So I have less time to write and publish new stories even though I have a few ideas in mind. Don't worry, I have already written the end of this one. There are 5 chapters but I'm not totally satisfied with it. I think it's too simple. And so I need your help : what do you think is going to happen ? what twists would you like to read ? Maybe I could add something to the story thanks to your ideas.

Thank you so much for all your nice reviews ! It means so much to me that you liked the first chapter. I hope you'll like this new one as well.

Chapter Two

I don't know how long I have been sitting on the floor, my back against the wall. I have lost track of the time. I'm too focused on my breathing and on calming the shaking. I only come back to reality when the oven rings. At the unexpected sound, a scream escapes my mouth. It's just the oven, I repeat myself.

I stand and stumble toward the oven. I turn it off and open the door. The smell of cheese rolls invades the whole room and brings new fresh tears in my eyes. I manage to reach a chair and sit on it before I burst into tears. What's just happened ? How could things have turned so badly ? Where is Peeta ?

Where is Peeta ? This question echoes in my mind. I have to find him. He must not be alone after what has just happened.

There are only two places where he can be. I eliminate the bakery when I find the keys in the pocket of Peeta's jacket.

I stride toward Haymitch's house and knock hastily at the door.

"Open Haymitch, it's me Katniss," I cry out.

When he opens the door, I instantly know that he knows what has happened and that Peeta is here.

"I want to see him," I say.

"I don't think that's a good idea Sweetheart."

"I couldn't care less of what you think. Let me see him."

I push past him and to my surprise, he doesn't try to stop me. I enter the living room and relief overflows me as soon as I see him.

"You should go home Katniss" says Peeta harshly, without looking at me.

He stands against the opposite wall of the room and I can't stand the distance between us. From the corner of my eye, I see that Haymitch have found a seat and a bottle of beer. I'm vaguely surprised by the weak alcohol he has chosen but right now, I have others priorities.

"I won't go home without you" I answer Peeta.

He doesn't reply. He just signs and looks at Haymitch : "Why have you let her in ? I told you not to."

"This is my house, kid. I let whoever I want in." Wow Haymitch is on my side. That must be a first.

"It was not your fault," I tell Peeta.

"I tried to kill you," he whispers in answer.

"You weren't yourself."

"I tried to kill you," he repeats fiercely. "Don't make it sounds as if it was nothing."

I take a deep breath and say : "It wasn't nothing. However I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have hurt me. You would have come back before…"

"Look at your neck and tell me again that I wouldn't have hurt you. I already have."

I'm shocked by his coldness. It's as if he was still this other person. Only the desperation in his eyes proves me that he is really himself.

I don't know what to answer to that. So I simply say : "Come back home."

And he simply answers : "No."

"What ?" I ask in a small voice.

"I'm staying here. Haymitch has already said I could."

"You can't stay here."

"I have to."

"You can't," I'm now yelling. "You can't let me alone. I'm freaking pregnant !"

"Exactly, you're pregnant." Peeta's voice stays even. I can tell he has thought it through. "I represent a danger for you and for the baby. I can't live under the same roof than you anymore. I'm going to stay here."

I do my best to choke back tears and fail. At the sign of my tears, some of Peeta's coldness wears off. He takes a small step in my direction but stops himself from going further.

"It won't happen again," I manage to say. "Not any time soon, anyway. There had been 9 months between the last episode and this one. The gap between each becomes more and more important."

"Maybe but it has been the more violent since the end of the war." I was wrong, Peeta's coldness is still as effective. "I can't take the risk."

"I'm with Peeta on that." I'm surprised to hear Haymitch's voice and I ignore it :

"And what about after ? Once I won't be pregnant anymore and that the baby will be born ?"

"I don't know." I can barely hear Peeta's words.

"I'll live alone with her ? Will her daughter know her father ?" My voice is louder and louder as I get angrier. I know it's not fair but I can't help myself. I want him back.

"I don't know," he repeats louder this time. His eyes are filled with tears.

I can't stand the distance between us anymore. I rush toward him. He takes a step back but a wall prevents him to go any farther. I think he tells me to stop but I don't listen to him. I crush into him, my arms around his neck, holding him tight.

First Peeta's body is tense, he doesn't hold me back. I start sobbing and slowly, he relaxes and his arms encircle my waist.

We don't move for several minutes. I take deep breathes to calm my tears. The simple scent of Peeta makes me feel better.

"I love you," I whisper in his ear.

"I love you too," he whispers back. His voice is back to normal. Sweet and tender. Full of love.

It's over, I tell myself full of hope. "Come back. Come back to me."

Peeta doesn't answer right away and my hope shatters in pieces. Finally he says : "I can't." And this time, I know his mind is settled. There is nothing I could say or do to make him change his mind.

I slowly release my grip around his neck. My hands slide to each side of his face. I look deep into his eyes and beg : "Don't leave us alone."

Peeta's eyes widen slightly at my use of the same pronoun for me and the baby, then close. It's the first time I have said such a thing. So I guess it's a big step for me and all. Too bad I had to take it in such an awful moment.

"Take the time you need, okay ?" I start. "Think it through, clear your mind. And when it's done, come back. I just wish it won't take you too long. I need you."

A little grin appears on Peeta's face : "Since when I have become so understanding ?"

I laugh, relieved that he is still able to tease me and answer sincerely : "Since I live with you."

My hands are still on his face, his on my waist. I slowly lean in, giving him time to understand what I'm about to do. Finally our lips are touching. It's a short bittersweet kiss. I already miss him.

I pull back and turn my heel. My eyes lock with Haymitch and he nods to me. Yes, he will take care of Peeta while I can't.

Without another word, without another glance, I leave the house.