KATNISS

It's been 2 years since the last time Peeta kissed me.

Not that I were counting or anything nor do I miss it. I'm just glad that he has finally rid himself of that. Finally, things are back to normal. The comfort and constancy of our friendship is all I'll ever need and want.

I should have known better not to run in the rain. But it felt good after my practice. Now I'm stuck at home feverish and with the bad case of headache and colds.

Peeta dropped by early in the morning as usual to walk with me to school but as I was sick I told him I'm staying in. He told me he'd pick up my assignments for me and share his notes so I won't miss a day of school. That was nice of him actually, I was usually the one taking down notes for the both of us.

By late afternoon, I was a little better but the headache and nasal congestion makes eating hard. My parents haven't arrived yet and I was feeling a little down that no one's at home to take care of me.

Just then, a knock came on the door and I was surprised to see who it was.

"Hey Peeta, you're early!" I was surprised and pleased at the same time, letting him in the house.

"I cut the last subject. The teacher was absent anyway. We just sat around doing nothing so I figured I'd come here." He explained.

"You didn't have to. What if you get in trouble?" I asked, worried.

"Nah! No one noticed. Here are your assignments and copies of the lectures" he said, handing them to me.

"Thank you." I said.

"It's no big deal. Besides, who's going to take care of you?" he asked.

I was touched by his care and concern for me. My thank you seemed inadequate, so I came to him and hugged him. It was the first time I was ever this close to him like this. Sure he'd occasionally hold my hand to assist me or he'd drape his arm over my shoulders sometimes when we're walking but hugging was never our thing. He seemed to understand what I couldn't say and let his hands run through my hair.

"You're worth it." I thought I heard him murmur.

Just then my stomach made itself known by growling viciously. I would have been terribly embarrassed if not for Peeta's look of concern when he broke our hug to look at me.

"Haven't you eaten yet?" he asked, though it was rather obvious.

"I don't have the appetite. I wanted soup but my parents aren't home yet and I couldn't cook with a headache."

"Okay, you could sit in the kitchen counter while I do the cooking." He said.

"Really? You know how to cook?" I asked, unaware that he could.

"I'm astounded how little faith you have in me!" he said, feigning hurt.

"You, I trust. It's your cooking that has yet to convince me." I replied back.

"Just wait and be prepared to be amazed" he said.

It was after my second bowl of his beef soup that I was thoroughly satisfied and pleased.

I looked up to him smiling.

"I know. You don't have to say it. I'm good aren't I?" he said.

"The best!" I said. "Where did you learn how to cook?"

"Food network. You sit around and watch TV and you learn a few things."

He cleaned up after I finished eating and I was watching him move easily in the kitchen. Now with a full stomach, I was getting sleepy and Peeta must have noticed.

"Come on, I'll get you to bed" he said. Before I could say anything, he lifted me and carried me to my room and deposited me in bed.

I didn't know how Peeta became this strong but I shouldn't be surprised as how I felt his body was bigger when I hugged him earlier.

He let me drink my medicine on my bedside table and tucked me in bed.

He brushed my hair from my forehead with his hands and leaned in.

I thought he was going to kiss me again, not that I was hoping for any, but I was bracing myself.

He kissed me gently on my forehead.

"Sleep well, Katniss. Hope you get well soon." He said as he left my room.

It wasn't the usual kiss he gave me, thank goodness, but it was not entirely unwelcome either. In fact this kiss seemed more intimate than the first two. It was a kiss that speaks of familiarity just like how my father did when he used to put me to bed. I felt safe and comforted.

I closed my eyes, the drug finally kicking in and dreamt of hugs and kisses on my forehead.

I wake up physically refreshed but mentally ambivalent.

Maybe not all kisses were bad.

PEETA

As we grew up, we grew closer. I have never felt the need to look at other girls and I'm sure other guys are not bothering to come close to her because of me. Still, I didn't make a move on her.

One time she got sick after getting caught in the rain. I wanted to skip class too but I know she wouldn't let me so I told her I'd get her assignments and notes. I decided to cut class early when I found out the teacher was absent so I could check on her right away.

She was surprised of my visit but I know she was glad of my presence and not just for the notes and stuff.

I was surprised that she came to me and hugged me. It was the closest physical contact we had in a while. And I know she was doing it because she was feeling vulnerable and thankful. I let my hands run through her hair which still smelled like strawberries, letting her know I'll always be here and murmured "You're worth it."

Then her stomach grumbled and I found out she hasn't eaten yet so I offered to cook for her.

Turns out she loved my cooking and I felt proud of it.

Then she became sleepy so I offered to carry her upstairs and laid her on the bed. I let her drink her medicine and tucked her in.

I brushed the hair from her forehead, hesitating at first but then I leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

I wished her well before leaving her room. "Sleep well, Katniss. Hope you get well soon."

I wanted to kiss her badly even if she was sick and I chastised myself for even thinking about it. Not yet, I thought to myself.