READERS: This story takes place instead of the epilogue, so at the time Peeta and Katniss are not married with kids. It takes place only 2 years after the Rebellion ends and Gale returns hoping to win Katniss "back." The point of view will change during some of the chapters. Any reviews would be great, especially on grammar or spelling if I made any mistakes. Suggestions are also welcome, for I have a general plot but I'm writing it as it comes to me. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games.

A/N : As you may be able to see, the personalities in the characters have changed slightly. This is because it is 2 years after the Rebellion, and they are also older. Just clearing that up for a few people. Sorry if the constant POV changes are confusing, and I promise the chapters will be longer!

Chapter 2

Katniss' POV

The party is a smaller version of a Capitol celebration: loud music, lots of people, and tables upon tables of food. Peeta set our contributions down and I left Peeta to talk to some of his old friends while I searched for Madge. The party is inside the Mayor's old house, and I climbed the stairs, hoping to find Madge in her old room. I stepped in and gasped, taken aback by her beauty. What was once a little girl who I sat with at lunch, is now a grown up and beautiful woman. Her long pink silk dress touches the bottom of her knee and the top sparkles with hundreds of silver jewels. She turns around and I laugh softly, bringing her in for a tight hug.

I grinned and said sarcastically, "Have you seen my friend Madge? She should be here somewhere…" I hugged her once again and exclaimed, "You look so beautiful!"

Her cheeks darkened slightly as she replied, "Katniss, it's so great to see you! Thank you for agreeing to walk down with me, I'm so nervous! Are you ready?"

"There is nothing to be afraid of, everyone loves you. Now, let's get down and celebrate." I watched as she headed for the door, stopping briefly to grab a purse, and I followed her down the stairs. The chandelier at the top of the stairs cast down a bright light that momentarily blinded me, but then I felt Madge standing beside me. I glanced over at her and gave her a quick nod before a voice announced her presence and we began our descent.

Beaded sweat gathered on my forehead and I tried not to brush it off as I felt everyone's eyes on Madge and me, well mainly Madge. I swept my eyes across the audience of peeping eyes, hoping to find Peeta, and almost fell down the stairs when I noticed him. And he's staring right back at me.

~ GR ~

Gale's POV

Walking up to Madge's house, I noticed the door wide open and I stepped inside. The music hit me as soon as I walked in, startling me, although I could hear it a few blocks back. Excited faces stared at me as they recognized who I was, and I nodded curtly to everyone I saw.

"Gale!" One of my old friends, Miles, waved and before I knew it, his arm was around me and patting my back. Hugs, how I try to avoid them. As he pulled away we began to talk about life here since everyone returned. He mentioned the grave, the fence they removed, and other small projects they are working on in the district. But I really just want to know about Katniss, and I was growing impatient. I want to find her and kiss her again, and tell her how sorry I am.

I opened my mouth to excuse myself and at the same moment the music stopped. I raised an eyebrow at Miles and he mouthed the word "Madge." I nodded and looked up, awaiting the entrance of the new Mayor. A smirk spread across my face, however, when I saw the appearance of two people instead of one. I watched her body as she walked down the stairs, her dress form-fitting but elegant, and the train catching on each stair as she descended. I slowly lifted my eyes up to gaze at her face, her eyes were dancing around the room. My smile spread across my face as I took in her beauty; she is the girl next door all dressed up. I began travelling towards the stairs and glanced up once again, and our gazes locked. I nodded and smiled genuinely at her, before continuing to the bottom of the stairs.

At once I saw blonde wavy hair awaiting her arrival at the bottom, and I strode straight to the front of the stairs, holding my hand out for her to take. Since this was a very public event, and Katniss hates to embarrass herself, I knew she would take it. And she did. A frown appeared for a moment and she looked behind me, then turned towards me. I tugged her gently and begin walking away from the large group of people, and into a room near the back of the house.

She refused to look at me while we walked, but I spun her around and took both her hands in mine. "Katniss, I've missed you. How are you?" My smile was sincere but hers was not. She immediately pulled her hands away in disgust, before turning away and steadying herself by placing her hands on a wall.

"What are you doing back here? You have a job in District 2, a life. Why have you come back?" She growled with tears springing into her eyes, the thought of Prim's death clearly still on her mind.

I swallowed and hesitated, not knowing what to say or if it will upset her. I finally settle for the truth, her. I came back for her: to love her, to be with her, to cherish her. "I came back because I miss my old life, and I miss the friendship we had." Okay so I may not have told her everything. But at that, she stalked out of the room. I watched her solemnly as she left, and inhaled deeply to clear my head. Now was not the time to be hurt.

I searched the crowded house for Madge and congratulated her. I kissed her cheek and smiled, before excusing myself from the party, claiming I was tired from just arriving today. She understood and wrapped her arms around me in a hug, which I partially returned, then headed out the door. I sighed. Hugs.

~ GR ~

KPOV

I stormed out of the room, almost running and knocking people aside as I searched for Peeta. To my surprise, I found him sulking in the corner by the large assortment of food. I apologized with my eyes before grabbing his wrist and practically dragging him to the door. Once outside, I ran with him in tow until we reached his house. Entering slowly, I turned to gaze at his sunken expression, pain evident in his eyes.

"Peeta, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to see him again; I didn't even know he was here!" I burst out, shutting my eyes tightly and taking a few deep breaths. Despite my efforts, my words became choked, "He was in District 2...I never wanted to see him again..." My voice trailed off as I crumpled to the ground, my resolve shattering.

The next thing I noticed was the warmth of his strong arms encircling me, lifting me off the ground and into his arms. His hands began to rub across my arms and lower back, in soothing circles, in an attempt to calm my nerves. The sight of Gale brought back memories; consisting of love, hate, and death. Prim. Images of my younger sister usually haunted me, but it brought comfort to think of her smiling face before the bomb went off and she was lost forever. I know Gale had not done it on purpose, but the loss of my sister I fought so hard to protect was weighing heavily on me.

I gazed up into the bright blue irises that showed concern and pain, instantly regretting that I was involved in causing it. I rested my hand on his cheek, brushing my thumb across it as I regain control of my emotions. "I never thought he would come back, I thought he was gone forever…" I began to trail off. Taking a deep breath, I regained focused and finished, "I'm so sorry Peeta."

"It's fine, sweetheart, I'm here. I'm always here," he replied softly. My heart skipped in my chest and my stomach fluttered quickly, sending a slight tinge of pink to my cheeks.

"Let's go to bed, Peeta. It's been a tiring day." I led him up the stairs, aiding him, before opening the door to "our" bedroom. Even though it has been about two years, climbing the stairs can still be a challenge with his fake leg. He took it off of his leg, or what remained of it, and began undressing. I walked over to the shower and turned it on. I left the room before I could see him naked, and headed back down the stairs for a small glass of water.

I grabbed the glass from the cabinet and filled it to the brim. My mind began to wander to the events of the day, including the reappearance of the one and only Gale Hawthorne. His chiseled jaw, tan skin, and dark eyes burned holes into my skin where he looked at me. He was as handsome as I remembered. A banging on the door interrupted me from my thoughts. I strode over and whisked the door open.

Speak of the devil.

"Gale." It was almost a whisper as I stood at Peeta's door in shock.

He held out his hands, drawing my attention away from his smoldering eyes and onto the plump red strawberries he carried in a basket. "I figured you could use some fresh strawberries, not the ones shipped from District 11… I just picked these today." He stumbled through the words, looking slightly uncomfortable. I watched as my arms reached out, by their own accord, and grabbed the basket.

"Um yeah, thanks Gale," I managed to say. I was about to step back and close the door when his hand reached out and grabbed my wrist.

"Erm… I was…um…" He closed his eyes briefly before the words rushed out of his mouth, "Iwaswonderingifyouwantedtogohuntingagain." He paused and I had a sharp intake of breath, my mouth frozen shut in shock. Well I was not expecting that.

I nodded my head leisurely, keeping my eyes locked with his. "Sure. Tomorrow?"

"Sounds great. See you then."

"Goodnight."

And with that, I closed the door.

"Who was that?" Unaware of the water stopping, or the light thump of his fake leg, I glanced up to see a knowing face.

I swallowed. "Gale. We're going hunting." I paused to gage his reaction; nothing. "To give to Greasy Sae. So she can make food for everyone at the center." Peeta smiled slightly and nodded. The center was started to help those who lost their homes or families in the bombings and the mass number of people flocking to District 12.

~ GR ~

I slid the covers up to my shoulders, only reaching part of Peeta's chest. His blonde hair was tousled and messy from the lack of a combing after his shower. His eyes were closed and his breathing began to slow, but his arm remained wrapped protectively around my waist. I smiled. Always the protector.

Shifting slightly so I was closer to him, I soaked in his warmth as my eyes started to become heavy. Closing them gently, I smiled to myself. Perfect.