Peeta's POV – 13 years old.

Over the years my love has grown for her even though I thought that was never possible. Katniss has changed a lot since last year after her father died. She is responsible for her family and I cannot express in words how proud I am of her. Many people think of Katniss as indifferent or rude but I find her selfless because she pretty much lives her life for her sister. I know how hard it must be to live without a support of a parent but Katniss's support is her sister. I have so many times seen that Prim has her lunch but Katniss doesn't. She has put her sister's life in front of her own and a person like that surely cannot be rude or cold.

Katniss sits beside me in class and my heart skips a beat even at the slightest contact with her. When our hands brush past each other sometimes while writing. Or times like when Katniss asks me questions regarding a math problem and I can honestly never answer them with stuttering my words.

"Peeta help me with question number 14" she asks but the voice doesn't reflect that chirpy nine year old Katniss who took me to the Meadow.

"yeah sure" I lean in and help her out. Her smell is like a perfume. She smells like the fresh green leaves.

How badly I want to go to the forest with her. To hold her hand and protect her from any danger that comes her way. She goes with guy named Gale and mostly talks or laughs with him. I admit it does make me jealous but I am not Katniss's boyfriend to have an objection with her slipping into the woods everyday with another boy.

"I still don't get it," she says frowning.

I chuckle and explain the steps of the answer again trying a different method.

"oooooohhhhh…. I get it. I get it," she says with a smile. I swear her smile will one day kill me. "wow its complicated. I don't even get the point of math"

"yup. So do I. its not like algebra is going to help me with baking"

"I know right. Its entirely stupid," she says laughing.

I just had a conversation with her. Oh my god. What is wrong with me? Why do I get hyper with even the smallest conversation with her? She is nowhere rude or cold. Sure she doesn't going around making a conversation with everybody but if once you get to know her, its impossible to forget her.

I was so lost in thoughts once again that I realize that I haven't finished my worksheet and its time to hand it in. I look to Katniss who also hasn't also finished it. She laughs and says, "well I think we will screw up this worksheet together."

Together. The word pleases me. Together. Where Katniss and I belong.