Chapter 1 Amor Vincit Omnia

I do not own Hunger Games or the Characters within it

Belong to Suzanne Collins

Latin: Amor Vincit Omnia: Love Conquers All

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever."-Alfred Tennyson

Its been a month since Peeta and Katniss finally became a couple and many things have happened since then. Under the New Panem, the government has taken many steps to create a new nation. Reconstruction has begun throughout all the districts and a new public transportation plan has been set so the districts are more easily accessible to one another. New train lines and train stations are starting to be built in each district so everyone can travel more freely. Additionally to the train stations, there are plans for airports that house civil hovercrafts in each district to increase the movement of travelers to districts, but for the time being there are only makeshift airports that are just dirt clearings to give hovercrafts access to land in every district. The New Panem promotes travel between districts because it provides more variety of citizens and a new reinvigorated workforce that promotes a better economy. These civil projects are just a small number of projects aimed to better Panem as a whole. Another such civil project is the development of new forms of energy used by District 13 and the rebuilding District 5. The two districts combine their energy forms to better supply the nation with power, though the majority of the power is from nuclear energy supplied by District 13. Other districts have already begun to rebuild their infrastructure and actually start to expand with more and more people seeking new homes.

District 12 has lost the mines do to the Capital bombings during the war, but the district quickly converted its main production to medicine. The district is quickly rebuilding with more residence moving in to give an extra hand. More and better houses are being built, a larger market flourished at the old square, an airport and new train tracks are being built, plans for farm land are being set, and the Justice building has begun to be renovated. Just in a month the District has changed drastically and the New Panem has already started off with a bright start.

Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark Residence, Victors Village, District 12

Katniss kicked herself awake screaming and crying as she threw the blankets off her body. She quickly sat up and clenched her chest and cried to herself as the cold sweats from the dream ran down her body, causing her black long sleeve shirt and black sweats to become damp. Peeta instantly sat up next to Katniss and embraced her and spoke in a soft gentle tone, "you're okay, you're okay. You're safe. You're home with me, it was only a dream." He spoke in calm and gentle tone to try and calm her down. His white short sleeve shirt and blue sweats were a little damp from the tears and sweat his girlfriend let out in her sleep. He didn't blame her because he had violent nightmares too.

At the sound of Peeta's gentle voice, Katniss slowly returned back to consciousness and fully woke up from her bad dream. She controlled her breathing and continued to slowly cry as she clenched her chest. The scenes of Finnick being mutilated and Prim disappearing in a bright orange ball of flame, flashed in her eyes. Slowly her dark bedroom finally came into focus in her eyes. She felt a pair of gentle lips kiss her shoulder then her cheek and heard Peeta's strong gentle voice in her ears, "I know, I know it hurts. But, you're safe now You're home." Katniss looked at Peeta in the dark and slowly touched his face with a gentle touch as if she needed to check that he was really here with her. He smiled warmly at her, "Its me. I'm home with you." He let go of her and rubbed her back affectionately.

Katniss leaned into Peeta and rested her head under the crook of his neck. She spoke softly, "I'm sorry…. I'm sorry." She said as tears continued to fall slowly down her cheeks. In part of being frightened from her dream, she also felt bad for waking up Peeta. She always seemed to be waking him up…

"There's nothing to be sorry about, my angel." He kissed the top of her head then gave a sad smile, "I get them too." Peeta's nightmares were far worse than Katniss' and she knew that. Weeks and months of Capital torture destroyed him psychologically and plagued his dreams. Peeta is the only one who truly understands her and actually understands the pain that she carries.

Katniss hugged him tightly, "Don't leave me." She said in almost desperation. She sounded like he would disappear in any second.

Peeta wrapped an arm around her, "I'll never let you go." He kissed the top of her head, "I'll stay by your side… Okay?" He said softly to comfort her, "Forever… and always."

Katniss calmed down and actually gave a small smile. She held him tightly, "I love you...Peeta." She kissed his chest and closed her eyes.

"Did that help?" Peeta spoke in a mere whisper.

Katniss sniffled and nodded, "Much." She took a deep breath.

Peeta rubbed her back, "No one can hurt you now. Just close your eyes and don't let go…"

"Never letting go." Katniss responded softly.

Peeta smiled, "You and I will be safe. Just remember I'm here." He hugged her tightly and brought her back down to the bed with him. They slowly drifted back into sleep.

The early morning sun rose high above the mountains overlooking the growing District. The sky was clear so the sun was able to drape her light and warmth over the good people of District 12. With the early morning sun shining high above the mountains, the birds started to sing and chirp amongst themselves as they began their morning routines in the vast trees and mountains. The sun peered into Katniss' and Peeta's room and draped the couple who were still cuddled together and fast asleep under the messy dark blue bed sheets on their bed. Katniss' and Peeta's clothes were dry and no longer damp from the cold sweats and tears from the night. They remained in the same position all night with Peeta holding her with an arm wrapped around her back, and Katniss sleeping soundly on his chest with her arm draped over his torso.

The sun peered into Peeta's eyes causing him to slowly open his eyes to the early morning. He yawned quietly and gently stretched his free arm. As soon as he lifted his arm off his body, Katniss automatically grabbed his hand and laced her fingers with his. Peeta smiled at his beautiful girlfriend and kissed the top of her head. She looked so calm and peaceful in her sleep, like nothing has ever bothered her. But he remembered last night when Katniss shot up awake from a bad dream. That's why they're like this right now, because the cuddling and sleeping in each others arms helps them deal with the bad dreams during the night. Indeed it did, since they started sleeping in the same bed together it has become easier to handle the nightmares in the middle of the night. Just being in the same presence as one another is quick to ease the nerves.

Peeta kissed the top of her head again then gently stroked her long dark hair. At the feeling of gentle lips and touch to her hair, Katniss shuttered in response and let out a warm smile. She tightened her grip on his hand and hummed in content. Without opening her eyes she softly hummed, "Good morning lover."

Peeta smiled at Katniss, "Good morning Angel." He responded softly, "You okay?"

Katniss slowly opened her eyes and kissed his chest, "Yeah… yeah I'm okay." She gripped his hand with hers and sighed, "It's the same… same things that keep playing in my head."

Peeta continued to stroke her hair, "You don't have to talk about them now, Katniss."

"I want to…" She sighed, "It's the same thing. Rue, Finnick, the games, the war, Prim, and even you…" She shook her head while still laying on his chest, "losing you hurts just as much as Prim…" Peeta stopped stroking her hair and held her tightly. Katniss again griped their intertwined hands as if to check he was actually here with her.

Peeta whispered, "I'm here. I'm real." He said like he read her mind.

Katniss smiled. She propped herself up on her elbow and gazed upon Peeta, "I still don't know how you do it. How you can sleep so calmly and peacefully." She shook her head, "I'm sick of these dreams, these nightmares…. I'm afraid to go to sleep…"

Peeta nodded at her, "Believe me. I get bad dreams too… I still do, and I even wake up from them just like you."

Katniss nodded sadly, "I know, but you rarely wake me up… but most of the time you look so calm, and you rarely wake up thrashing. I'm always the one who does."

Peeta smiled at her, "You know that little remedy I do. That list." Katniss nodded. Truthfully she hasn't used it yet because she was unsure if it would work for her. He brought their hands up to her eyelevel. He extracted his hand from her grip and instead pressed his palm to hers with their fingers resting against each other. He began to repeat his remedy by gently pushing her thumb, "First list the things that make you, who you are." He gently pushed her index finger, "List the things that you did." He then gently pushed her middle, ring, and pinky fingers in slow succession as he slowly listed the remedy, "Past experiences, wrong things, and right things." He then intertwined their fingers together again and gripped her hand, "Then list the people you love to remind you that its okay to live." Katniss brought their hands to her lips and she kissed his fingers gently. She smiled a genuine warm loving smile at Peeta. He nodded, "It takes time. But slowly you'll be able to counteract the pain…"

Katniss nodded, "What do you do when it fails?" She asked knowing that it wasn't always a perfect remedy.

"I look at you." He smiled, "I look at you and I know I'm home."

Katniss smiled then slowly leaned down and kissed his lips. They deepened the kiss but after a while the need for air overtook them. They separated and gazed into each other's eyes. Katniss looked away from Peeta, "Why are you so good to me?"

Peeta smiled warmly, "Because I love you…And I always have and always will." Katniss looked back up at him.

Katniss gave a sad smile and let out a small laugh, "Even after everything I did and said to you. Those times I hurt you and those walls I put up." She looked down, "I turned my back on you. I didn't comfort you when you needed me most…"

Peeta shrugged, "You realize I strangled you once… and tried killing your multiple times."

Katniss laughed and shook her head, "But you were under Capital hijacking. Those don't count." She continued on in a serious tone, "even after everything…"

Peeta spoke gently, "I have seen you at your best and seen you at your worst …" He gave a warm and gentle smile, "I will always love you, in your best and in your worst." He gripped her hand, "Because, even when you think you are at your worst, I will always root for you because you are the best." He spoke gently yet seriously, "Know that I can never forget you… because I'm lost in you. I do not want you to worry or feel guilty of the pain you thought you have caused me." He locked eyes with Katniss, "You are the first love and my last. You have only made my life better…"

Katniss smiled the biggest smile she could give then kissed him gently, "I love you so completely, Peeta Mellark." She smiled, "Sorry it took me so long."

"No apologies." Peeta smiled. Katniss let go of his hand so she could touch his cheek. She again leaned down and kissed him again.

There was a knock on the door causing them to separate and look at each other with curiosity. Peeta smiled, "I'll get it." He kissed her then extracted himself from her grasp.

Katniss propped her head up with one hand and smiled, "Hurry back." Peeta smiled then walked out the door.

Peeta opened the front door and saw Haymitch wearing a plain beige short sleeve shirt and black long pants standing next to another man. The other man is a tall fair skinned man with messy dark brown hair. He wore dark blue construction overalls with a green fluorescent safety vest, a bulky tool belt around his hip, and thick gloves on his hands, and under his left arm is his yellow construction helmet. Peeta looked at them curiously, "What can I do for you?" He looked at Haymitch, "You're up surprisingly early."

Haymitch nodded at Peeta, "Very funny. We'll talk about that later." He turned to the stranger accompanying him, "This is… I forgot his name. Anyway, he's the lead Capital construction… pawn…Uh…" he shook his head, "…He's the one in charge of the reconstruction of District 12 sent from the capital… lets just leave it at that."

Peeta chuckled, "Nice, Haymitch."

"Its too early for this!" Haymitch pinched the bridge of his nose, "You said it yourself."

The other man chuckled, "In short yeah… I'm the Capital Construction pawn." Peeta nodded, he did have a good attitude to Haymitch's explanation. The man stuck out his right hand, "Raleigh Burke. Construction."

Peeta shook his hand, "What can I do for you, Mr. Burke. I'm…" Raleigh didn't sound like he's from the Capital, didn't look like he was from the Capital, and didn't speak like he's from the Capital. Instead he looked and spoke like he was from District 6. A sign of change in the New Panem.

"You're, Peeta Mellark… one of the winners of the 74th Hunger Game, and a hero." Raleigh spoke in almost total admiration. Haymitch just kept quiet, not wanting to add or say anything.

Peeta gave a slight smile uncomfortable smile, "Well, there aren't really winners in the Games." Haymitch gave a proud half smile and a gentle nod to Peeta. Peeta shrugged, "And there aren't Games anymore." He shook his head, "Also…I'm not the hero…"

Raleigh smiled, "But you are a hero. There are stories about you and Katniss Everdeen all over. Like even when you were being tortured to appear on Capital propaganda videos you still managed to save lives in expense to your own safety."

Peeta nodded, "I guess. Thanks. So what can I do for you?"

"Oh right. You're the baker right?" Raleigh quickly responded. He turned to Haymitch, "Mr. Abernathy said you are."

"Yes, I am." Peeta said with a nod.

"Well. We wanted your opinion on the new bakery we're building in the Merchant Section of the District."

Peeta gave a genuine smile, "I'd like to check it out."

Raleigh nodded, "Feel free to come by at any time to see if it suits you." He smiled, "If you want to help with construction, we wouldn't say no. The majority of the people are helping out." He chuckled, "We can use a hand."

"Sure thing." Peeta smiled genuinely.

"Thank you for your time sir." Raleigh said as he put his construction helmet on. He turned and shook Haymitch's hand with a smile then left.

As soon as the man left, Peeta nodded at Haymitch, "So… how does that guy know you. You don't even leave your house."

Haymitch rolled his eyes, "Hey, you and Katniss don't leave your house much either okay." He chuckled, "I was cleaning out my house when he saw me outside with garbage bags and he introduced himself to me and asked me a few questions."

Peeta nodded at the explanation then changed the subject. He laughed, "I'll have you know that I go outside to plant, paint, and draw. Katniss goes out and hunts all the time." Haymitch looked defeated. Peeta chuckled at his reaction, "So… do you want to tell me why you're up so early in the first place?"

Haymitch sighed. As he was about to speak he heard Katniss calling from upstairs, "Peeta? Who's at the door?"

Haymitch chuckled and whispered to Peeta, "Have you two done it yet?" He said while wiggling his brow.

Peeta quickly turned around and called back, "Haymitch is here!" He turned back to Haymitch and whispered, "No. And I don't think we're ready for that yet…and why do you care?" Peeta clearly look flustered from the question.

Katniss walked down the steps then walked to the door. She wrapped an arm around Peeta and smiled a warm smile to Haymitch, "Haymitch, you're up early."

Haymitch looked at Peeta with a fake hurt look, "Why does everyone keep telling me that?"

Peeta shrugged, "Cause you're never up this early." Katniss chuckled and leaned into Peeta.

Haymitch noticed and leaned toward Peeta, speaking in a low roar, "You sure you haven't?"

Before Peeta can answer, Katniss interrupted curiously, "Haven't what?"

Peeta quickly changed the subject, "SO Haymitch... You were telling me why you're up so early. Why?"

Haymitch sighed, "Fine…" He sighed again, "I quit drinking. I'm going sober."

Peeta chuckled, "Really?" He and Katniss shared a look.

"Yeah. It's a new start and a new beginning for everyone." He nodded, "Figured, becoming sober is a hell of a way to start from scratch."

Peeta smiled, "That's great, Haymitch!"

Katniss chuckled, "So… you're telling me that you're going to start using those expensive Capital drugs now?"

Haymitch shook his head, "No! Give me some credit sweetheart. I'm really trying now."

Peeta laughed, "I kind of believe you. There's got to be something else." He pretended to think, "Something more than just a new start."

Katniss nodded, "Who's the girl?"

Haymitch appeared flustered, "What? I didn't say anything about a girl."

Katniss nodded, "No. But your body language says something different."

Peeta nodded agreeing with Katniss, "She's got a point."

Haymitch sighed and turned around, "I'm going into town. I'll see you around there." Both Peeta and Katniss laughed as he left. As he was leaving he called out to Peeta, "Peeta, you tell me when it happens okay?"

Katniss shot a curious look at Peeta, "What is he talking about?"

Peeta shook his head quickly, "Not a clue." He lied and looked just as flustered as Haymitch.

Katniss laughed, she knew he was lying, "Whatever you say my love." She kissed his cheek then turned around and headed for the kitchen. Peeta sighed in relief then closed the door.

Peeta walked in the kitchen following Katniss. Katniss walked to the sink and turned around to lean on the edge, "Want breakfast? I'll cook."

Peeta smiled, "Breakfast sounds great. Want some help?" He said as he walked to Katniss.

Katniss smiled shook her head, "No, I got it this time. You're always cooking, let a girl have some fun with it too."

Peeta stopped in front then smiled, "Aright." He kissed her gently but Katniss deepened the kiss. She brought his body close to hers as she caressed his cheek. After a moment Peeta withdrew, "…So…when's breakfast." He chuckled.

Katniss smiled, "I'll get it going."

"I'll be at the table drawing." Peeta kissed her cheek then turned for the table. Katniss ran a hand through her soft hair then went to go tie her hair up in a high loose ponytail leaving her bangs to the side. She brushed her loose side bangs away from her eyes as she gathered the materials to cook. Peeta sat down at the table then remembered something, "Oh, a construction worker came with Haymitch earlier."

Katniss turned on the stove and heated the pan, "Oh yeah?" She asked curiously.

"Yeah. Truthfully, I haven't really been in town much nor helped in the construction like everyone else." He shrugged, "Anyway… The guy wants me to go check out the bakery they're making to see if it meets my expectations."

Katniss chuckled, "So it looks like you're taking up the baker position in the district."

Peeta nodded, "Looks like it."

Katniss hummed with a smile, "Hm. I can smell the fresh bread and pastries already."

"That's the life right there." Peeta laughed. "So, you want to come with me? I plan to help out in the construction a little bit because we haven't really been in town that much."

Katniss nodded while she broke a few eggs, "I'd love to…" She nodded, "I think its time I finally spend some time out there." She said with a bit of hesitation.

Peeta looked at her, "Hey, if you don't want to, you don't have to. If you…"

Katniss stopped cooking and turned around to face Peeta, "That's what I love about you, Peeta."

Peeta looked at her curiously, "What?"

"Always caring." She smiled. She took a deep breath, "I have to go out there eventually and actually come to terms with everything. See the new faces and the old. Might hurt a bit, but..." She chuckled, "As Haymitch said, it's a new start. I know its going to be hard, so I want to go with you." Truthfully she hasn't spent a lot of time in the main areas of the district since she got home. Old memories and old wounds is the problem she faced every time she thinks about it. She rarely goes to the market or the square, but when she does, its to see Greasy Sae and to quickly pick up some provisions for the house.

Peeta nodded, "alright. We'll go after breakfast." He chuckled, "Speaking of breakfast, I think your overcooking the eggs."

Katniss gasped and turned around to fix the eggs, "Oh!" Peeta laughed.

New Merchant Section

By the time Katniss and Peeta finished eating and changing to leave to go help out, it was already noon. Peeta wore a dark red short sleeve shirt, dark grey jeans, and black work boots. Katniss tied her long hair in her usual classic braid and she wore a dark green ¾ sleeve shirt, tight dark brown pants, and leather boots. They walked toward the New Merchant Section holding hands and saw from the distance what it looks like now. Now all the old bombed out buildings were torn down and new unfinished structures, scaffoldings, and large construction machines took their place. The majority of the bombed out buildings were still upright the last time either of them were last there. From the distance they could see hundreds of workers and people helping build up the new buildings in the section. In fact the old bombed out district has been replaced with new construction buildings.

When they entered the New Merchant Section, to their surprise, there were no applauses, no photos being taken, and no cheers. Everyone knew who Katniss and Peeta are, but workers and people simply gave them happy smiles, waves, and happy greetings like they were one of them. That made Peeta and Katniss feel better because they never wanted to be labeled as above the rest. A good sign of change.

The New Merchant Section was relatively loud with construction equipment, large dozers and trucks, power tools, and the sound of heavy equipment. Workers and citizens were all mostly busy with construction, and the citizens who couldn't help in the construction set up small booths to sell food, drinks, and other products. Katniss turned to Peeta, "What was it you said a while ago?"

"Hm?" Peeta hummed in question.

Katniss smiled, "You once said it'll be a different world." She looked around to see the construction, "And you're right."

Peeta chuckled, "Whole new world." Katniss smiled.

A familiar voice to Peeta called his name. It was Raleigh, "Mr. Mellark! Over here!" Both Peeta and Katniss turned to the direction of the voice. Raleigh had his helmet on as he waved at Katniss and Peeta. He was surrounded by other construction workers building a wide one story building.

Peeta gripped Katniss' hand and headed toward Raleigh. Katniss asked curiously, "Who's that?"

Peeta smiled, "The construction worker building the bakery I think."

Once the couple reached Raleigh, he spoke professionally to Peeta, "Well, what do you think?"

Peeta looked at the large unfinished bakery. It was one floor but it was wide and offered lots of room for a counters, storage, ovens, large kitchen, dish washing, tables, refrigeration, tables, a dining area, and other major bakery items. Peeta smiled, "Looks great." Katniss looked at the unfinished building then smiled at Peeta.

Raleigh turned to the building, "We'll ship the ovens and refrigeration stores from the Capital when we get further along with the building."

Peeta smiled, "Sounds great."

Raleigh turned to Peeta, "The Bakery is under your name. Once its done, this building and business is yours." Peeta smiled. Raleigh nodded, "Feel free to help with construction anywhere." He said as he went back to work with his fellow workers.

Katniss smiled at Peeta, "Peeta, this is great!"

Peeta chuckled, "I thought you were hesitant to come here."

"I was. But I don't even recognize it anymore." She nodded, "Its all brand new. I even see more new faces than old." She squeezed his hand, "Come on. Let's go help out." Peeta laughed and followed her.

Katniss and Peeta stayed close by each other but were working on different construction areas through out the day. Katniss witnessed people helping each other build a new start for District 12. She saw smiling faces, hard work, and kindness as the hard labor of construction continued during the day. She saw a young man teach an old lady how to safely use a brand new power tool on the work bench. The young man had a warm smile as he gently guided the hands of the old lady to use the new tool over the work bench. Katniss even witnessed an older gentlemen, who didn't look like a dedicated construction worker, kindly teach a young girl how to saw a block of wood. Witnessing small gestures like these slowly calmed her soul. She slowly began to realize that kindness and love can ease pain and grief. But it will take some time for her to fully heal what she feels.

It was late in the afternoon when Katniss paused with her work on a building to smile at Peeta carrying a large heavy bag of concrete over his shoulder to an unfinished building across the path. She heard a familiar whirling noise getting louder and louder behind her causing her to turn around. She looked up and saw two grey sleek hover craft flying slowly over head with the New Panem flag painted on the wings. At the corner of her eye she saw Peeta suddenly drop the heavy bag of concrete onto the ground. She quickly looked at Peeta's direction and saw him slowly fall to his knees. "Peeta!" She called as she stopped with her work then ran to go get him.

A worker near Peeta called out, "What happened?" He slowly approached him, "Sir, are you alright?" Peeta didn't respond and instead shook his head and put his head into the palm of his hands.

Katniss waved off the approaching worker, "Stop!" She yelled as she stopped running when she reached Peeta. Peeta shook his head and closed his eyes shut, he wasn't hearing anything or anyone.

The worker shrugged in question, "What happened?"

Katniss walked to the worker and said in a low voice, "He's suffering from torture the old Capital did on him during the war."

The worker turned sad, "I'm sorry. I didn't know… I."

Katniss nodded, "I'll talk to him. Thank you." She turned around and slowly walked back to Peeta and said in a gentle tone, "Peeta? Can you hear me?" Everyone in the immediate area stopped what they were doing to see what was happening. Peeta started to sweat profusely then started to clench his fists next to his head. Katniss slowly approached, "Peeta. Its me."

Peeta held out a shaking hand to signal her to stay away. He said as gently as he could, "Stay…"

"Peeta…" Katniss responded in a worried tone.

Peeta shook his head with his eyes closed, "Please. I don't want to hurt you on accident…" He grunted, "I am Peeta Mellark. I am a baker; I am a painter…" He began to slowly do his remedy.

Katniss didn't want to wait for his remedy so she quickly crouched down in front of him and cupped his face in her hands and kissed him gently, pouring in as much passion as she could. After a moment she broke the kiss and whispered, "Hush. Its okay. I'm here…"

Peeta slowly opened his eyes, "Katniss…." He began to calm down very slowly.

Katniss whispered, "You're not going to hurt me." She spoke gently, "You said it helps to look at me. So look at me." Peeta made eye contact with her and he slowly calmed down but he was still shaking. "I know you won't hurt me because you love me." Katniss responded with a warm smile. She rested her forehead against his, "And I love you. So stay with me."

Peeta gently put his hands on her shoulders. He slowly responded, "Always." They brought their lips together again. He calmed down and his internal demons left by the Capital faded once again. They broke the kiss then rested their foreheads together again.

Raleigh slowly approached the couple with a bottle of water in his hand. He slowly placed it next to Peeta, "Here Drink this Mr. Mellark." It got awkwardly quiet for a construction site.

Peeta nodded silently. Katniss nodded at Raleigh, "Thank you." She took the bottle of water and brought it to Peeta's lips so he could drink it.

Haymitch appeared from a group of concerned people watching with concerned eyes. He called out, "Carry on ladies and gentlemen! Nothing to see here." He stopped by his friends, "The boy has gone through a lot. Give him some privacy." The crowd watching nodded in understanding then went back to their work. Some didn't and continued to watch with concern.

Katniss placed the bottle of water down and helped Peeta stand up. She looked at Haymitch, "Thanks Haymitch. Wha…"

Before she could finish Haymitch spoke, "It had to be from those hover crafts. It must have triggered him."

Peeta whispered, "I'm sorry."

Katniss smiled and held his hand, "There's nothing to be sorry for." She kissed his cheek.

Haymitch nodded, "Take him home. I'll finish your work."

Katniss smiled, "Thanks Haymitch." She let go of Peeta's hand and wrapped an arm around him and slowly walked back to their house.

Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark Residence, Victors Village, District 12

After a quiet evening and dinner, it was now late at night and time for Katniss and Peeta to get ready to sleep. Katniss wore a dark grey sleep tank top and light grey sweats; she ran a hand through her long dark wet hair as she walked out of the bathroom after her warm refreshing shower. She stopped in her tracks when she realized Peeta was sitting at the foot of the bed and staring blankly at their dresser. He wore a white t-shirt and black sweats.

She gave a warm smile, "Hey." She greeted as she walked over to the foot of the bed to sit next to Peeta.

Peeta returned to reality and turned to look at Katniss, "Hey, my Angel." He said with a warm smile as he tried to forget what happened earlier.

Katniss sat down next to him then linked her arm with his. She gave a concerned look, "You okay?"

Peeta nodded, "Yeah. Just running through what happened earlier." He chuckled, "its funny. You had a bad dream this morning and I snapped back to the Capital torture in the afternoon."

Katniss leaned into him, "Its only fair. You comforted me this morning and its my turn to comfort you."

Peeta looked at Katniss and whispered, "I'm home…" Katniss smiled then kissed his lips.

Katniss broke the kiss and whispered, "I think I still owe you for the times I haven't comforted you when you needed me most." She chuckled, "You were there for me, its my turn to be there for you."

Peeta whispered, "You already have."

Katniss stood up and smiled, "lets go to bed." Peeta nodded.

They went under the covers and cuddled up to one another like always. Katniss rested on Peeta's chest and intertwined her fingers with his as he wrapped an arm around her back. Katniss whispered, "No one can hurt you now. Just close your eyes and don't let go. You and I will be safe." She closed her eyes as she repeated the phrase he said to her after her nightmare.

Peeta replied, "You're all I need."

"And you're the reason why I smile." Katniss replied with a whisper.

"I love you."

"I love you too." With that the two of them drifted off into sleep. The new beginning has already started, but to them it feels like that today was the actual start.

Here's to a New Start

New Panem needs to have new system of doing things that is drastically different from the previous government