A/N: Hello my darlings!

Actually, you guys barely reviewed last chapter :( That makes me sad D:

I'm not STARVING for reviews, but they are nice and supportive. Thanks to QueenBrooke for reviewing!

Anyways, I know my chapters are short, and I know my writing isn't up to its usual standard, but really, reviews, whether they are good OR bad, make people's day.

Anyways this one will hopefully be longer. Based on the song Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. These kids at my school performed a cover of that song- and I loved it!

Please Read and REVIEW!

Dedicated to yet another one of my best friends, nicknamed HappyMeels, for her humor, laughs, and loudness. I'll never get tired of watching her dance :D

-Redwaves9-

Katniss sprinted into the open arms of the forest. Her legs ached after not moving them for so long, but for the first time in months, she felt free. Free as a bird taking flight. Free as a baby doe. She knew Peeta wouldn't catch her, though it was amusing to watch him try. She crouched down, hiding in the bracken, as Peeta limped across the woods, huffing and puffing, his prosthetic leg making soft creaking noises.

"Katniss," he called in a singsong voice, "Come out come out wherever you are!"

She leaped out of her hiding spot like a cobra, "Boo!" she squealed.

His eyes widened in fright, and he back pedaled a few steps, but then a small smile crept onto his face.

"What was that for?"

"I don't know. I was feeling spontaneous," Katniss panted.

"I thought Katniss Everdeen always has a plan," Peeta joked.

Katniss brushed the dead leaves off her pants, and he pulled her up. He offered his hand, though she was reluctant to take it. She slipped it into his reluctantly. Their gait is slow and leisurely.

As they walked, Katniss couldn't help but let a small giggle escape her lips.

"You know, I like it when you laugh," Peeta said wistfully, as he stopped in his tracks, "I wish you would more often."

Katniss nodded, "For the first time, I actually feel hap-"

Peeta interrupted, "Shh. Don't say it. Enjoy it while it lasts."

Katniss smiled. The pale orange sun set, falling slowly like an autumn leaf. Katniss remembered that Peeta liked sunsets.

"You once told me that your favorite color was orange, like the sunset," Katniss whispered.

Peeta sighed heavily, "It is my favorite color. I don't remember why. I don't even remember your favorite color," Peeta said sadly, frustrated with himself.

"Green. Forest green. Like the new leaves in the Spring." She said nostalgically. She remembered the first time they had exchanged their favorite colors- before the Quarter Quell. Suddenly, blood and howling monkeys clouded her vision. The forest faded away, and Peeta's heart stopped. She watched lightning strike the tree, and felt her scars open up.

"Katniss?" Peeta said, his voice filled with worry.

"I'm fine. It's not real. I'm fine," Katniss reassured him.

He didn't question her as they walked back towards the outskirts of town The tall pine trees turned into the large mansions of Victor's Village, as the two neared their houses. Along the path stood a stumbling, smelly pig, otherwise known as Haymitch Abernathy. Katniss wrinkled her nose in disgust and rolled her eyes. Peeta dropped her hand nervously.

"Haymitch," Peeta chided, "Why are you out here?"

Haymitch let out an angry grunt. Katniss knew he'd had more than a bit too much to drink that morning.

He let out a jumbled grunt and stared at his feet. Peeta pushed him steadily back towards his house. Katniss followed slowly. She opened the door to the junkyard that Haymitch called his own. Broken bottles lay sprawled on the walls, dirty laundry stood in towering heaps, and unwashed dishes let out wavering fumes.

"When was the last time you ate?" Peeta demanded.

"Donno," grumbled Haymitch as he fumbled with his hairy hands nervously.

"Haymitch, you are cordially invited to dinner at my house. Katniss can come along if she wants," Peeta said calmly.

"Will you 'ave drinks?" Haymitch mumbled.

"Certainly not. Just real food," Peeta said harshly.

Haymitch shrugged and muttered under his breath.

"So is that a yes?" Peeta said.

Haymitch nodded slightly, and they followed Peeta back towards his house. Peeta and Haymitch's house were like night and day. Peeta's was organized and cleaned, plus the tempting aroma of bread lingered in the air.

"Sit," commanded Peeta as he pointed at a round table in the kitchen. Haymitch slumped down into a chair grudgingly.

Katniss stirred a pot of chicken soup, and Peeta kneaded a lump of dough. They made small talk with Haymitch, though he only gave terse answers. Katniss found out that they were building more stores in town, and that Peeta might be able to receive a permit to build a new bakery.

Once the bread had baked, the two sat down to eat alongside their former mentor. Katniss slurped her soup hungrily. Peeta tore pieces of squishy bread and ate them. Haymitch nibbled on the soggy carrots Katniss had made.

Haymitch grumbled a halfhearted thank you and slammed the door on them.

"So," Katniss said nervously, "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Peeta grinned, "I thought you'd never ask."

A/N: A bit fluffier :)

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