A/N: .Gosh. I am sooo sorry for this super late update. That little head cold turned into something more and after I recovered I was busy with school, and blah, blah, blah. But, we all make mistakes…so I hope I am forgiven. Thanks again for all the story alerts and favorites! I love getting those e-mails! Please keep reviewing as well. I GOTTA KNOW IF YOU LIKE WHAT I BE WRITIN! Haha, but seriously please do review if you can. Onto chapter 4…
CHAPTER 4
Katniss POV
After what felt literally like crying my eyes out, I knew that I had to leave. Going from not speaking to Peeta in years to staying over his house in one night just didn't make sense to me; no matter how upset I was. I leaned back from the current embrace Peeta had entrapped me in. Meeting his eyes, I expected a look that was going to fight me wanting leave. Instead, he gave me an understanding look. Getting up from the couch, I stretched my arms above my head. Then, Peeta walked me to his front door.
Just as I had opened up the door a crack, Peeta tried to ask me a question, "Katniss, are you-"
"Peeta, I'll be fine." I replied. And for the first time in a long time I saw the truth in that statement.
I hadn't walked down this cobbled road in months, yet it didn't feel foreign; it felt like home. I walked as my legs carried me down the street to my old house. As it came closer into view, I got a better look at it.
Well, it had been awhile.
The front yard resembled more a jungle than a yard; the grass easily came up to my knees. Leaves were also everywhere, including the jungle, the gutters, and the front porch. The mailbox looked a little run-down, it was somewhat crooked and the paint had begun to peel. Overall, it wasn't very welcoming, yet it was still home, the only one I had. The last time I had been here was a tough time, but looking past that I was determined to make new, better memories now.
Struggling slightly to get to the front door, I ascended the small flight of steps and turned the knob of the door with familiarity. The interior of the house was as every much as dark as the outside. Ignoring this for now, though, I made my way to my bedroom upstairs. Not even bothering to change, I pull back the sheets to my bed and climb in. Though very tired considering the past few hours, I still considered the fact that I could do this. I could attempt to live a life without Gale, and leave that life behind. I could accept the facts, as they are, and deal with them. The last thing I remember thinking before drifting off into slumber was how much I liked the stronger me.
Peeta POV
To try and describe any of the vast emotions I had when she told me would be impossible. To try and explain the extremity of the emotions I felt would be impossible. To detail how much I wanted to kill Gale Hawthorne is immeasurable. But, the same could be said at the joy I feel of having her back, holding her in my arms, and maybe even building a relationship with her.
Katniss.
The only women I know that could make me feel possibly every emotion imaginable, at one time.
Now, I know what you may be thinking. The love of your life just came back, to you, and you're just going to let her be alone? My answer to that is yes. If Katniss wanted to be alone, then that is what I will give her. She's like a little bunny, I a non-weird way: you can't make any sudden movements to scare them. So, if that means taking things slow, God knows I will.
Coming back to reality, I watch Katniss walk home for a few more moments before, closing the door. Fuck! That hurt! Looking down at my hand I now remember about that wall I punched. Glancing at the hole while walking toward the cabinet I make a mental note to fix it later. Downing some advil, I make my way to my bedroom, exhaustion finally coming over me.
Lying in bed, I recollect on the past hours, awed at how so much has changed. As my mind fights on whether to be incredibly angry or impossibly happy, dreams of Katniss overcome me.
I awake to the sun trying to peak through a clump of gray clouds, hearing a soft breeze rustling the leaves on the ground outside. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I go into the bathroom to shower before I begin breakfast.
Letting the hot water trickle down my body, I try to wipe away the feeling of being in a dream. Is it really true Katniss is back? Obviously yes, but the thought still confounds me. Then, I start thinking about her. Her eyes, her hair, her voice….her body…Make that a cold shower.
Less than an hour later, I am downstairs pulling a tray of sweet-smelling cinnamon buns out of the oven. I'll bring some over to Katniss' house later I think. Sitting down at the table, a take a bite out of one of the treats and my mouth explodes with the delicious flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Yep, cinnamon buns are definitely my favorite.
Yesterday, when Katniss told me about her abusive relationship with Gale, one of the first things that came to my mind is how he should be punished. And not just by me, but by the law. No one should ever be allowed to lay a finger on any women menacingly and get away with it.
But, I knew this would be no ordinary situation, as if any are. Gale was a public figure, a mayor. A generally well-liked mayor from what I had heard on the news. Why would anyone believe he was abusive to his loving wife? We all know how close-minded the citizens of the Capitol can be, and they would be the real ones who could help Katniss get justice. Here in the districts, we don't have any courts, there's only one and it is in the Capitol. And, set aside how the jury would react, but how do I even put someone on trial? Since previously district citizens had no rights, we never had to worry about this kind of thing. Yet now, we do have those rights. Clearly, I had a lot or research to do and a lot of bullshit to put up with. But, I did know one thing that I had to do. And that was to call Katniss.
A/N: Ok, so I know this is sort of a filler chapter and shorter but I need it to help build the main plot. How do you feel about the possibility of a trial? Obviously it's kind of where I am leading: I think it's different to consider that side of The Hunger Games world. But, more importantly, let me know what you think! REVIEW!
With love,
Anna