Chapter 4 – One Step Closer…

AN: This chapter will contains Peeta, Prim and Katniss' POV. Hunger Games belong to Suzanne Collins. Rating: R for foul language and implied violence.


Peeta POV –

The large clump of bread dough felt good in my hand as the smell of yeast permeated the air. I always found baking soothing despite my mother hovering and complaining about the mess I made whenever I decorated the cakes and cookies. I managed to tune her out each time as I concentrated on my work.

My thoughts wandered back to my visit at Haymitch's home. How long has Darius been relaying messages and warnings to Haymitch? Is he the MockingJay? How did he know about my 'hobby?' No one knew except Dad, Prim, and Katniss.

Katniss.

I sighed in melancholy. My only two encounters with her left me…discouraged and disappointed. Should I keep hoping and wait patiently as my Dad advised? I've adored her since I was five years old. Was there any point in trying since all she did was snap at me? Why does she not like me?

I shook my head of any thoughts of Katniss and concentrated on my priority. Where am I going to hide my paints, supplies and canvases? Since the announcement, I had been too busy preparing dessert and the cake for Friday's celebration. The only reprieve I had was sneaking out of the house and visiting Haymitch's home. Did he know that I commandeered one of his rooms and kept my paints there? It wasn't as if he wandered in his house cleaning after himself. He only occupied the kitchen, living room and dining area. I can't think about the bathrooms. Blech, they're disgusting. Everywhere else he ignored and never bothered to occupy. I managed to clean out his guestroom and set up my painting equipment in the corner of the room. Shit, he's going to kill me if he ever found out. Oh, God. What about my paint supplies? How am I going to explain who had been supplying my paint? I don't want this person to get in trouble.

My thoughts are interrupted when I felt a blow to the back of my head. "Stop daydreaming," my mother's voice entered my mind. She knew better than to hit me with a rolling pin as she rarely abused me these days. However, things have been tense since we were to supply the dessert and bake the cake for the party on Friday. She said everything had to be perfect as if I wanted something horrible to come out of our bakery. Our reputation and name was at stake even I knew that.

When Peacekeeper Cray asked what we needed for the party, we told him we needed bushels of apple, strawberries, peaches and whatever fruit was available. The next day we meet the train and packed frozen fruit in our measly freezer. Little by little the frozen fruit were replaced as the unbaked pies needed to be refrigerated. They were to be baked the day before the event. It was daunting task. The four-tier cake was the last to be prepared and decorated to make sure it wasn't spoiled. That was to be done on Thursday night.

"You have to finish the cream pies," she hollered reminding me of my task. We opted to bake pies instead of cookies, and cupcakes. If we did, I'd missed school for the rest of the week since I'm the head decorator in the family. In order to make sure everyone got dessert, we would have to bake a thousand cookies and cupcakes. I'd be up to my ears in frosting and sprinkles. So fifty pies and a four-tier cake was what we decided. I would only miss one day of school, as I was needed to help out the day before for the last minute designs or baking.

I sighed in relief. Preparing pies was a reprieve as my hands felt cramped from kneading pie dough and the daily supply of bread for the past 2 days. I turned to the pies and lined them up after I placed frosting inside a several piping bags. This was too easy I could do in my sleep. The rest of the pies would be baked all day tomorrow. We've never made so many strawberries, blueberries, peach and cherry pies before. I remind myself to take a slice each on the night of the event.

"Peeta, why don't you take a break?" Dad said. "You've been working non-stop since you came home from school." I glanced at the clock and noticed it was 6:50 pm. School ended at 2:30. "Here, take this." He handed me a cheese bun with two slices of ham in between the bread. "Take a dinner break for 20 minutes."

I nodded my head, grabbed the sandwich and walk outside to the back patio. While eating my dinner the evening breeze cooled my heated skin. I hadn't realized what time it was. I did my errand, then ran straight home and started working in the bakery once the final bell rang in school. Much to my dismay, I wouldn't have any spare time to sneak out this evening once I'm done working since I still had homework to do. I sighed in disappointment, as I wanted to sneak out and remove my paints and supplies out Haymitch's home. Where would I hide them? I thought of going to the meadow and hide them there. Thinking of the meadow brought my thoughts back to Katniss. The Seam girl I've adored since I was five-years old. She never wandered from my mind.

If the rebellion happened, would the new world abolish the divide in the Districts? Would Merchant and Seam let go of their prejudice and bias with each other?

Suddenly, a loud piercing scream echoed in the alley. I jumped and ran towards the noise. I gasped in shock and anger. In between two shops I found a young dark haired girl, fighting off a Peacekeeper who had her pinned against a wall as his right leg was wedged between her legs. I was enraged. I reacted without any concern for my safety.

"Don't scream or I'll––" I pulled him off her. She looked scared as she stared at Peacekeeper and myself. The top of her dress was torn and her bra ripped in two.

"What the hell," the Peacekeeper cursed at me. I recognized him as the same Peacekeeper who had harassed Katniss the day before. "You should mind your own business, boy. We were just having a bit of fun, weren't we sweetheart." He leered at her causing my stomach to lurch in disgust.

"Go home," I instructed her. "Now." She took off, hands on her chest covering herself.

"What we were doing was none of your business, boy."

"I think forcing a girl when she obviously was not interested is my business," I shouted back. When I saw what he was doing, my heart froze. I reacted before I realized what I was doing. Anger simmered inside me and when I'm angry I lose my stutter. It was a few times that I'm ever angry, but for some reason my stuttering disappeared.

"Do you know who I am?" He straightened himself. He was four inches taller than me but I've taken down taller opponents in my wrestling matches. He was a bully in armor plating. I hated bullies of any type. I noticed his hand hovering over his holster.

"Someone who likes to hurt girls." My anger grew as I saw red. No one deserved to be treated that way.

"I wasn't hurting her but having a bit of fun." He patted his groin with his other hand as he pushed his hips forward in a thrusting gesture.

"I don't care who you are. You don't treat women that way." I flinched in disgust.

"You should care," he spat back. "My uncle is Head Peacekeeper Cray." I gulped in revulsion. Pigs must run in their family. Everyone hated Cray even some of the Peacekeepers under his command hated him. He was a brute to everyone.

"So I guess being an asshole runs in the family." I sneered back. The words fell from my mouth with ease. I knew I was provoking him.

"Watch you mouth boy." He gritted his teeth.

"I didn't say anything that wasn't true," I replied back. "Since you're his nephew I wonder how he'd feel if I went to him and told him what you've been doing?"

"Go ahead, tell him. He'll just pat me on the back. Girls like that flirting with you, teasing you…they were asking for it. Besides, what it's to you since I know that you don't mingle with her kind."

"I don't know what you mean with her kind?"

"You know, since you're a Merchant and all. Why would you care if I have my way with her?" He sent me a lecherous smile. His yellow stained teeth disgusted me as his crooked mouth made me want to punch in the face. I wanted to wipe that lecherous smile off his face. His greasy long hair was pulled back in a ponytail. What girl in her right mind would want him? He was vile as he needed a bath, a haircut and disinfectant.

I frowned. "I don't understand what you mean about her 'kind.' But what I do know is that she didn't appreciate your advances."

"She doesn't know what she wants so I'm 'educating' her."

"You're sick and perverted. She was screaming for you to stop. I think anyone with a brain can figure that out."

"You're going to be sorry for interrupting me." He palmed his revolver in his hand. I waited for him to make a move. We were in the alley so my chances for any to see us were slim. Any help or assistance was non-existent. I was on my own.

"What you're going to shoot me? Can't fight me on your own. You're a big man standing there shooting an defenseless man."

"I can't beat you without it, boy." He removed his gun from his holster throwing it away from us. "I'm going to enjoying beating the life out of you." He propelled himself forward but I dodged him causing him to stumble on his clumsy feet.

He took a swung at my face; I grabbed his wrist and turned my back. The momentum gave me enough inertia to swing his body over my shoulder. He landed with a big loud thump on the ground. He groaned in pain as I kept my hand on his wrist. I twisted his arm in 45 degree pinching his skin with my nails. I made sure to leave half moon marks on his skin.

"Argh," he yelled in pain. Quickly I placed a foot on to his chest flattening my feet on his sternum. "You're breaking my arm."

"You leave the girls alone," I threatened him. "When a girl says 'no' she means no. Understand?" He whimpered. "Nod your head so I know you understand me."

"Fuck you." There were tears in his eyes. I sniffed and looked down to find his pants soaking wet with his urine. I could have said something to add more insult to injury but I wasn't that cruel. He was humiliated enough.

"I'll get you for this Merchant boy."

"Go ahead and I'll tell everyone. And I'll tell everyone you were attacking a young defenseless 14 year-old girl. You're about what 22-23?"

"They won't believe you," he winced.

"This is my home. You're the stranger causing trouble in my district," I reminded him. "You were sent here to direct order and peace. You're uncle may be head of the Peacekeepers stationed here but he would not…he would not tolerate any trouble whether it was a citizen or his own Peacekeeper. Even if that Peacekeeper was his own nephew."

"Let go of me."

"I will as long as you stay away from the girls here. If you even dare to…" I couldn't finish the thought as I remembered his interaction with Katniss. I'm not a violet person. My experience with my mother taught me to avoid violence and any form of abuse whether it be physical or verbal. She was best in abusing my brothers and I with both words and her hands.

But if he ever hurt Katniss, God help me?

"I'm going to let you go." I tugged on his arm for emphasis causing him to yelp in pain. "You and I are done." I released his hand as I wiped my hand on my trousers. As I turned and walked away he tackled me from behind. With years of experience as a wrestler, I pinned his body face down with his arm pulled back. "I said we're done." He nodded his head once more and his body went slack in defeat.

I released him and stepped back. He stayed on the ground for a few seconds. I could hear him breathing hard and fast. "Peeta, what's going on?" I turned around quick as I heard my father's voice behind me.

"Nothings goi…going on, Dad," I muttered under my breath. "It was just a mi…mis…misunderstanding." I took a deep breath as my heart pounded in my chest. Damnit my stutter returned causing me to feel helpless and stupid. He looked between the two of us.

"Go home, Peeta," Dad ordered me. As I walked back to the bakery Ivan had to have the last word.

"This is far from over, Bread Boy," he yelled. I froze in my tracks. A chill fluttered up my spine. "You and me, we're done when I say we're done."

"Ivan, go back to the barracks and clean after yourself," Dad said to him. "You wouldn't want anyone to see you like that."

"Fuck you old man," he sneered back. I turned around to see him walk away.

Back in the bakery Dad confronted me. "What was that all about Peeta?"

"He…he was atta…attacking a young girl in the alley. I st…stopped him."

"Geez, Peeta," Dad sighed. "You shouldn't have done that."

"What? I…I wasn't going to st…stand there and do nothing," I defended myself. How could he say something like that? Did really expect me to do nothing as Ivan assaulted the young girl?

"No, what I meant to say was that you should have called for help. You shouldn't have confronted him alone. What if you got hurt?"

"I took care of it fine on my own," I blurted in anger. "I handled it."

"I'm not saying that you couldn't handled it on your own. I just..." He closed his eyes.

"Then what did I do wrong?" I asked him, heat rose to my face. "He was about to…" I couldn't complete the thought. "I did nothing wrong."

"Peet, just don't tell anyone what happened, okay?" I nodded my head. 'Why would I?' I asked myself as I scowled back. "Just don't provoke him. He's Cray's nephew."

"I don't care who he is. He had no right…I didn't––"

"I don't want you to get hurt, son."

I narrowed my eyes. Dad was taller than me just as Graham and Rye took after him. I was slim and lean in comparison to my brothers and father. I hated that they viewed me weaker than them. "I can take care of myself, Dad," I said in frustration. I'll be turning 17 after this year and I only have one year left before I passed reaping age.

"Peeta!" he cried out in frustration. I turned around and went back to work. All evening I avoided and ignored my Dad. His look of disapproval and worry weighed heavily on me. I looked up to him despite the fact that he allowed my mother's tirade and behavior to continue. I hated guys like Ivan, bullies who preyed on the weak especially women. I didn't care if he was Cray's nephew. He was hurting someone weak and defenseless having his way with her.

The next day I kept an eye out for those who were especially important to me. Everyone knew what was happening. Ivan was terrorizing the women folk but no one did anything. When the whole district found out about Celia I had hoped for some reaction. Nothing, people just kept their children and women close to them. I was disgusted that no one stood up to him.

After school I stayed behind and watched Katniss and Prim walk home making sure they reached the edge of the Seam safely. Everyday I came back to the bakery 20 minutes late and my mother punished me with the back of her hand to my head. I didn't care as long as I knew they were safe, she could beat me for all I cared.

The night of the party I took a hot shower making sure the smell of bread and yeast was stripped from my skin. I had hoped to get a haircut but I was busy preparing for the party and Delly was assisting us. I fussed with it for a few minutes then gave up. I wished Delly had time to cut my hair.

My future sister in law was a godsend since I hated the way my mother butchered my hair. I earned a few nicks and scars on my scalp from all the years she trimmed it. Delly was always gentle with a pair of sheers. Rye was lucky to have her. She was sweet, good natured and gentle.

I ran to the center of town and gazed at the decorations and work that had been done all week. There was a large rectangular wooden dance floor surrounded by tables on the left and right side with a large video monitor in the center. Two large candles were lit on each of the tables giving the space an ethereal glow. The scent of food permeated the air as the food tables were set with stainless steel containers and wooden ladles. The drink and alcohol tables were situated near the end of dance floor. It was a sight I've never seen before. The culmination of work done by the men and women of District 12 working together in celebration for a child we'll never see or care about was in a word, impressive. Snow was leaving his legacy to the next generation by continuing the games. 'Welcome to Panem, Atticus Cornelius Snow. It was sickening to know that you're next in line to murder children as a part of your inheritance and legacy.'

I arrived in time to watch Katniss and her family settled in as they occupied a table with the rest of the Seam. The Hawthornes weren't far behind then. I shook my head realizing that the social divide would always be there. The Merchant sat in one side while the Seam at the opposite end never mingling.

The Everdeen family were dressed in their finest clothes. As usual I was drawn to Katniss. She was beautiful without any makeup and accessories. Prim caught my eye and waved hello as Katniss assisted her mother making sure that her father was comfortable. He was a lucky man to have three women love and care for him.

There were Peacekeepers everywhere surrounding the perimeter of the venue. I knew the others where busy elsewhere searching our homes. We pretended to be oblivious thanks to Daruis' warning.

I had finally snuck back to Haymitch's home and collected all my paints and supplies the night before. It was late by the time I hid them in the woods behind the bakery. I hoped that I would be back to painting soon since it was the only thing in my life that was my own; something that no one could take away from me. Painting was not just a hobby but also a lifesaver.

Through the course of the evening I had Katniss and Prim in my line of sight. I knew that this was the only time I had a chance to speak to her. Our two encounters made her feel uneasy. I didn't know why acted the way she did, but I had to try. Dad said to give her time to get to know me not as the Merchant boy, but to see me for whom I was. If I couldn't have her for a girlfriend I still wanted to get to know her as a friend. That's if she would allow it. Despite her reluctance for any kind of friendship I wasn't about to give up my friendship her little sister, Prim. I had always wanted a sister. With her blond hair and blue eyes, she could pass for a Mellark.

At the edge of the dance floor Katniss watched as people dance around her. To my confusion, I couldn't understand why she was alone. Shouldn't she be with her boyfriend? Where was Gale? I looked around to find his arms around another girl. They looked cozy and intimate. Why would he be with her instead of Katniss?

She looked beautiful with her hair cascading down her shoulders. The dark red dress accentuated her curves and the length displayed her long, strong calves. I imagined her legs wrapped around my waist as she… I shook my head of my fantasy. It was not the time or place to fantasize about her with people around me least I gave away my desire for her. That would have been embarrassing. I sighed in melancholy and longing.

"Peeta," my Dad's voice brought me back to reality. "Why don't you ask your girl to dance with you?"

"She's not my girl." I blushed and felt heat rise to my face.

"She's not going to just fall into you arms if you don't talk to her, you know." He teased me. "Ask her to dance." The suggestion unnerved me. I was horrible a dancer. It was a well-known fact I discovered at my brother Graham's wedding reception. I lost count of the times I stepped on the Maid of Honor's feet. The most embarrassing part of it was that she was also my new my sister-in-law, Sonja's 15 year-old sister, Katja.

"She has a bo…boyfriend, Dad," I told him. My heart sunk at the reminder. No matter how long I've known her; she was always at a distance never revolving in my hemisphere. Katniss was unattainable as far as I was concern. She made sure to let me know that fact when I thought back to our encounters. Dad turned his head to find Gale with another girl. They were arguing. I shrugged my head.

"Doesn't look like it to me, Peet." He nodded his head. "Go." I balked and became flustered as he gave me a little shove. "Just remember, Peet. You're too young to be a father so remember to have protection with you at all times." He cackled to himself as he enjoyed torturing me. I could only wish.

"Dad," I gasped in embarrassment and horror. I felt my cock stiffen at the mere suggestion of fatherhood and condoms. That would mean I was having sex with Katniss. 'She a friend, she's a friend,' I muttered to myself. 'She doesn't think of you that way.'

My feet felt like lead, my stomach churned as I felt sweat drip down my neck. Grabbing the handkerchief from my pocket, I wiped my neck. The cool evening air brushed my skin. I felt relieved for a second. As I got closer to her, I felt my heart beat against my chest. My hands were sweaty. I gritted my teeth in anticipation. I couldn't feel my tongue. I was a mess. 'Sheesh, it was sad how she affected me in a such a pitiful way.'

"Atta boy, Peeta," Rye yelled startling me. "Go get her." He and Delly smiled, encouraging me. Rye had known my crush for Katniss since I was 5. One day Rye caught me drawing a picture of her. He had never let me forget it. I remembered his reaction, his face shocked and worried.

"Don't ever let mom see that, Peeta," he warned me. On the day I found out who sang the Valley Song on my first day of school, I came home and announced that I was going to marry Katniss Everdeen to my whole family during dinner. Utensils crashed on a plate and a loud gasp followed. I'll never forget the look of horror and anger on my mother's face. She proceeded to yank me off my seat, spank my bottom hard and told me to go to my room. I was banished to my room without dinner. Later that evening, Dad snuck food to me when everyone was fast asleep.

I don't recall ever crying so hard that day. Not even when she first struck me with her hand or when she 'accidently' brushed a hot pan on my arms. Since then I had never mentioned her name ever again. Dad and my brother knew that my crush grew over the years. They were not surprised when they found out that I still wanted and desired her. Even my soon to be sister in law, Delly encouraged me to hope against hope.

The distance between Katniss and I grew shorter as I walked towards her, her back was turned to me. I smelled a whiff of pine and lavender in the air. It was intoxicating in comparison to the sweet sickly smell of roses or flowers other girls wore.

My presence was met unnoticed as her eyes were glued to the dancers on the dance floor. I chased down a ball of saliva down my throat as I planted my feet firmly on the ground. My knees wobbled. I hid my hands in my pockets.

I said 'Hi, Katniss' and it all went to hell after my greeting. My attempt to talk to her was embarrassing and humiliating. Her words and reaction reverberated in my head as I walked away from her.

"Leave me alone."

"Why do you keep bothering me?"

"I don't need your help. I'm fine."

"Don't just stand there? Why are you even talking to me?"

"Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"I'll leave you alone for now on," I muttered as I walked away from her. Her rejection stung. I didn't know what I did wrong. I held back the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes. I couldn't let anyone see how hurt I was. An ache radiated in my chest, my legs felt wobbly. My shoulders drooped, my head down as I watched my feet step walked away from her. I'll never wear this shirt and pants again. I felt smothered from pain and sadness.

For the rest of evening I stayed away from her. My heart was broken. I couldn't enjoy the rest of the evening even after we passed the cake to guests. Everyone congratulated me telling me how beautiful it was. I wondered if Katniss noticed the top tier designed with orange katniss flowers. It wouldn't have matter since she hated me. I wallowed with self-pity sitting by myself when a figure appeared in front of me.

"Hey, Peeta," Prim spoke. I looked up to find the Katniss' little sister looking at me with sadness. I opened my mouth and sent her a sad smile.

"Hi, Prim," I greeted her. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes. How about you?"

"I'm good." Our conversation was strained and awkward. I wondered…

"Everything was delicious especially all the pies." She paused then continued. "The cake was beautiful, Peeta," she gushed. "Everyone knows that you were the one who had designed it. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"Thanks, I'm glad you liked it." She looked uneasy.

"I saw what happened," she winced in admission. "With Katniss." My face grew hot from embarrassment. Did everyone see Katniss rejecting me? How humiliating.

"Nothing happ…happened." I said in a soft tone.

"I don't know why she's…" She stopped not knowing how to continue.

"Not nice to me?" She nodded her head as she looked over my shoulder. Katniss was in Gale's arms dancing on the dance floor. I removed my handkerchief from my pocket and blew my nose. "It's okay, Prim. No harm done. I tried, you know. Besides, I don't think Gale would appreciate me making friends with his girlfriend."

"Whatever you think is going on with Gale, it's not true. They're not together," she explained. I shook my head not believing her. "She's not with him. She told me."

"It's none of my bus…business, Prim," I smiled back. "She doesn't want an..any..anything to do with m…m…me. I'm just too…I don't know…"

"Just don't give up on her, please."

"There nothing to gi…give up. She was never mi…mine to begin with," I said, the truth of it struck me hard. Whatever fantasy I had of being more to Katniss was unrealistic. It wasn't as if she was interested in me to begin with. I had set myself up to fail from the start.

"She told me to leave her alone." And with a deep breath I resigned myself to leave her be. I couldn't keep hoping that she would…be with me. It was too painful to even try again knowing that she would reject me. Friendship was definitely out of the question. I gave up.

"Peeta, don't––" She took a step forward and placed a hand on my arm when suddenly she was propelled backward as she was tugged from behind.

"Prim, what are you doing with him?" Gale's younger brother, Rory stepped forward. 'Shit, this is all I needed. To have Hawthorne's brother in my face,' His tone spoke volumes of derision and hatred in his voice.

"I'm talking to my friend Peeta, Rory," she explained with a tinge of frustration and annoyance in her tone. She was adorable as her brow furrowed, her cheeks red. Prim may be diminutive in size but she held her own standing against six foot Rory. Her strength in personality and mind made her ten foot tall in my eyes. She was just like her sister in that respect.

"We don't make friends with…Merchants," he barked back. I was sick and tired of the division that the citizen of district 12 enforced. The color of our hair, eyes and skin shouldn't matter. We all suffered the same fate under Snow's subjugation. We all were reaped each year. It didn't matter if you were blond or brunette, blue or gray eyes. Red is the color of the blood that bleed in the arena.

"I don't care. Peeta is my friend, Rory. We were having a conversation before you interrupted us."

"You shouldn't be talking to him."

"And why shouldn't I be talking to my friend?" she returned, her hands on her hips.

"He's your friend?" Rory scoffed. "Gale said––"

"I don't give a shit what Gale said," Prim seethed in return. "I was just talking to a friend of mine and if you can't be civil, then you need to leave." Rory was shocked at Prim's behavior. What Rory failed to remember was that she was also half Merchant. It was hypocritical of him being friends with Prim if he hated Merchants.

"Well, he's not going to be happy if he sees you talking to Mellark."

"I don't care what he thinks––"

"It's okay, Prim. I think I sh…should go," my throat ached. "I got to go." My whole night was a bust. Whatever I thought to accomplish was futile. Katniss hated me more than ever and I didn't even know what I did wrong.

"Peeta, wait––" she shouted after me.

Suddenly, I looked to find Gale walking back from the town. His eyes were filled with anger. Where was Katniss? I thought he was with her. Weren't they just on the dance floor the last time I saw them? She was nowhere to be seen. I looked around for Ivan. He too was missing. "Where's Katniss?" I asked him as I blocked his way.

"What's it to you bread boy?" he slurred. His breath smelled of liquor. I scrunched my nose in disgust. "I left her over there––"

"Are you out of your mind to leave her alone. Ivan is ––"

"I know you. You've been staring at Katniss for years. Everyone knows you have a crush on her," he taunted me. I ignored his jab needing to find Katniss.

"She doesn't need or want you. She can take care of herself. She wants to be left alone." He gestured with his fingers air quoting his digits. "So I left her alone. She's a big girl who can handle herself."

"You're a fucking idiot." I moved to run past him.

"Hey watch your mouth. Who do think you are?" he barked back as he grabbed my arm. I didn't see the punch coming as his fist connected with my jaw. The blow fazed me for a few seconds. Knowing that Gale was too intoxicated, it wasn't worth fighting him so I shoved him hard. He landed on his ass with a loud grunt but he quickly recovered and tackled me around my waist. I grappled with him with a few seconds. He landed another punch onto my left eye. I didn't have time for this so I kicked him on the groin as hard as I could. "You shouldn't have left her alone, Gale."

He groaned in pain. I didn't wait to see if he was okay. Katniss, she was all I was concerned about. Gale left her alone. I ran in panic state. My mind raced with images of her… I couldn't find Katniss anywhere. I ran down the alleys behind the stores. I was so scared that I failed to notice fireworks exploding above me. "Katniss," I screamed out her name. 'Please be okay, please be okay,' my mind repeated hoping it was true.

"Shit, Katniss. Where are you?" I muttered to myself. Suddenly, in the midst of the explosion and cackling sounds of fireworks in the air, I heard screams. I followed it as best I could under the circumstances. I was relieved that the fireworks provided enough light for me to search for her. The rest of the town was deserted since everyone was at the celebration. Most of the Peacekeepers returned from their search. They congregated at the party.

I turned the corner to find Ivan…he had Katniss pinned to the side of a store. Her hands were above her head as he trapped her with his body pressing himself to her tiny form. My anger grew as she continued to yell for him to stop. He didn't. I shouted but the noise blended with my screams. I ran closer hoping to get to her in time before he…

Raged filled me when I saw the top of her dress ripped to her waist. His filthy hand was under her skirt. What I felt was beyond fury and anguish. How dare he touch her as she struggled to fight him? I saw red.

With all the strength I could muster, I grabbed his rifle that was harnessed on his back. He grunted in response as he landed on his butt but quickly raised himself to his feet. Before he could turn around I kicked him on the back of his calves causing to land on his knees. I braced an arm around his neck and grabbed his left arm shoving it behind his back. He screamed in pain.

"Let go of me." I looked up to find a look of fear and relief on Katniss' face. Her torn dressed revealed a light cotton camisole she wore under her dress. She had the back of her hand covering her mouth as tears tracked down her flushed cheeks.

"Katniss, are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he?" I had resolved to leave her alone as she had asked me to, but no matter how hurt or disappointed I was I still cared for her. "Please tell me he didn't hurt you?" She remained mute and flustered.

"Get off of me asshole," Ivan yelled as he struggled against me.

"Run, Katniss," I screamed as fireworks exploded above us. She looked confused for a second. "Run, Katniss, run. Go!" Ivan continued to struggle against me.

"I'm going to kill whoever you are, you prick," he wheezed, his words fell between his clenched teeth. I had a difficult time holding on to him as his rifle was wedged between us. I was scared to let go knowing he would use it.

I shouted, "Katniss, run." She shook her head.

"No," she spoke. I was out of options thinking of her safety only. If I let go, he would surely fight back. So I squeezed my arms tightening my hold around Ivan's neck. His right hand grabbed at my arm as his nails bit into my skin.

"Peeta, Peeta." Her voice barely registered as I concentrated on Ivan who choked and struggled to breath. My arms grew tired but I couldn't stop as he continued to fight against my hold around his neck. I only saw Katniss scared and crying as Ivan violated her. The image sickened me. I didn't know how much time has passed as I concentrated on Ivan that I didn't realize that both Prim and Rory was at Katniss' side.

"Stop fighting me," I yelled.

"I'm going, going to kill…you once I get…my hands...on you," he threatened.

"You were hurting Katniss," I screamed at the top of my lungs. The image resurfaced in my mind. His hands under her skirt as his mouth latched on her neck. The image flashed in my mind fueling my anger and my loss of control.

"The bitch was asking for it," he muttered between gasps as my arm tightened around his scrawny neck.

"My uncle…my uncle…you're dead…"

With a final gasp, Ivan's body went slack in my arms. He dropped onto the floor with a loud crunch his arms and legs starfish and his body face down.

"Peeta!" Katniss' screams filtered into my head as I focused my eyes. She was in tears as she and Prim held onto each other. Rory's mouth was opened in shock.

"Oh, shit," he voiced. "Oh, shit. Shit. Is he dead?"

"Peeta?" I heard Prim mutter. "Peeta?" I was frozen in place as I stared down at Ivan's limp body. A hand caressed my cheek.

"Peeta?" I blinked my eyes as Katniss' face focused in my haze. Her body shook from relief and fear. I didn't think she was aware that she was shivering. I looked around making sure no one saw us as the reality of the situation materialized in my mind. I stepped back and quickly removed my shirt draping it over her shoulders. She looked into my eyes. Her eyes were gray like the color of steel that shifted in colors depending upon her mood. Tonight, there was torment and anguish behind them. I longed to comfort her but I knew I was not the one she needed or wanted.

"You need to leave," I instructed her.

"What?" She looked confused. "Peeta, I can't just––"

"You need to leave now?" I blurted back. She had to leave before someone saw us hovering over Ivan's body.

"Peeta. You saved my life." I couldn't handle her gratitude knowing that I might have killed Ivan to save her.

"Prim, you and Katniss need to leave. Now!" I raised my voice.

"But Peeta," she replied back. "What about––"

"Rory, take Prim and Katniss home now." He nodded his head in acknowledgement. "I'll take care of Ivan." Katniss turned with great reluctance but at the last minute she wrapped her arms around my neck hugging me close. I was too numb to appreciate it. In a different circumstance I would have relished holding her in arms. Now was not the moment or with my luck, I never had the chance. We lost that moment forever.

"I'm sorry, Peeta. I'm sorry," she whispered. Her breath grazed my ear as her scent assaulted my nose. I closed my eyes as I tried to focus.

"Come on, Katniss. Let's go." Rory interrupted us. She turned making sure she avoided looking back at Ivan.

I watched them leave as Katniss turned her head to look back at me. Her hand grasped the front of the shirt as her other hand was clenched around Prim's. I took one deep cleansing breath and knelt down beside Ivan. Peering down his limp body, I placed two fingers on his neck to feel for a pulse. My heart raced as I felt nothing. Without any hesitation I picked him up and placed him over my shoulder. He was heavy but I was used to carrying bags of flour in the bakery. I carried him over to the edge of the woods as fear and adrenaline fueled me. I covered his body with leaves, branches and anything I could find then made sure l left no trace of evidence behind me.

The moon above guided me back home. I was out of breathe and scared out of my wits. What have I done? 'I killed Ivan,' the words echoed in my head. I tried to look deep in side me. He didn't deserve to die but what he did or was about to do to Katniss, I could never regret it. I just wished that I didn't resort to killing him.

"Peeta, where have you been?" Dad questioned me his voice shook. "I've been looking all over the place for you." He hugged me. I held onto him for comfort. I opened my mouth but no words…my thoughts were jumbled. "You scared me, son. Where did you run off to?"

My mind spun back to Ivan, where I laid his body covered with leaves and…

"Sorry, Dad. I…I…needed to get away for a moment," I said to him as bile rose from my stomach.

"Are you okay? You look... What happened, Peeta?" He reached over and traced a finger over my upper lip. I didn't realize that Gale had busted my lip as I flinched from his touch. "Who did this to you?" I dodged his hand, as he was about to touch my eye.

"No one, Dad." I didn't want him to worry or suspect anything.

"You didn't get a black eye and a busted lip from no one. Tell me who did this to you?"

"Why do you want to know? So you could do what? Nothing," I spat back. In all the years Mom had abused me, he never confronted or stopped her. He flinched back, hurt from my outburst. I was too numb to care. 'I had just killed someone and I hid his body in the woods, Dad,' my mind echoed. 'Right, like that would go well.' I would have to disclose why I did it. I would have to reveal that I was protecting Katniss from the pig, who was assaulting her. I didn't want her to get involved. Cray hated us but he hated the Seam more. If I was going to go down for killing Ivan I would go down alone and not bring Katniss with me. My life was over anyway once I got involved with him a few days prior.

I looked into my father's eyes as I saw love and concern on his face. Could I tell him what I have done? What I did to protect Katniss. "Are you feeling sick?" Before I could answer I vomited whatever dinner I had left in my stomach. I felt faint, dizzy as the world spun before my eyes. I must have lost consciousness as everything around me turned black.


Prim POV ––

Katniss shivered beside me as we waited for Rory at the edge of town. He went to tell our parents that she was not feeling well and he was walking us back home. As we waited for him, she begged me not to tell Mom or Dad.

"Prim, please. We can't tell them or get them involved," Katniss pleaded her case. Her hands shook as she clutched onto Peeta's dress shirt around her neck. I noticed red marks on her skin.

"Katniss, we have tell them," I implored her. She couldn't keep this from them.

"No we don't. Nothing happened. Peeta saved me. Mom and Dad don't need to know." Her voice shook as she fought to speak. Tears brimmed her eyes. I've never seen her like this scared and broken.

"But Katniss––" This was too much. The enormity of the situation was too hard to handle on our own. I couldn't understand why she wanted to hide it from Mom and Dad.

"I mean it Prim. Don't say anything to Mom or Dad." I nodded my head in great reluctance. Tears appeared in her eyes. My sister Katniss was the bravest and strongest person I know next my Dad. Her distress unnerved me. But given the circumstance it was understandable. "Please Prim, we can't." Her traumatic experience shook her to her core. It shook me as well. I wouldn't know how to handle it if Ivan had raped her.

"Okay, Katniss, I won't say anything and neither will Rory, I promise," I wrapped my arms around her for comfort as wept silently.

I walked her into our house minutes later. Every few steps she stumbled, her knees trembled. She ambled straight to our bedroom without a glance back and shut the door behind her. "Rory, thanks for walking us home."

"Do you want me to stay with you until your parents come home?" I shook my head.

"It's okay, Rory. You don't need to," I turned my head as I listen for Katniss incase she needed me. "Just remember we…Katniss doesn't want us to say anything to anyone, okay?"

"Okay. I'll see you around then."

Once he left, I went to the kitchen and made Katniss a hot cup of hot milk. I could tell that she was in the bathroom as the sound of water resonated in the pipes. I waited for her to finish as not to disturb her. She was in the bathroom for a long time that I started to panic.

I knocked on the door. "Katniss, are you okay?"

"I'll be out in a minute, Prim." Her voice sounded shaky but I didn't press her. Katniss was the type of person you never pushed to talk. Though we shared a lot she kept her emotions and feelings to herself. That's why when she told me that Gale wasn't her boyfriend it shocked me. Since they were 12 and 13, they have been best friends and hunting partners. They would disappear into the woods early in the morning and come back before school. After school they spent a lot of time together as well foraging in the woods. I guess we all assumed that they were together.

Five minutes later, she opened the door. Katniss' face was red, her eyes bloodshot from crying. I cried out in shock.

"Katniss, what did you do?" Underneath her ratty bathrobe I noticed that her skin around her neck and chest was red. Like she had rubbed it raw.

"I had to get him off me," she cried in despair. "I can still feel his breath and…his hands…"

"Oh, Katniss," I sighed. "He's gone. He won't hurt you again. Peeta made sure of it."

At the mention of Peeta's name, she broke into tears. I led her to the bed as she sat down, bending her knees to chest. Her arms wrapped tightly around her legs. "I made you milk." I sat next to her feeling helpless. "Why don't you lie down and get some sleep?"

"I won't be able to sleep, Prim. I keep seeing his face and…" She stopped, closing her eyes as she tried to drive the images from her head. "I just can't."

"Then how about you drink have some milk to help you settle your nerves." I stood up and retrieved the cup of milk that sat on the table. Before handing it to her, I slipped a drop of sleep syrup on the warm milk stirring thoroughly to disguise the taste.

A few minutes later her eyes fluttered open and close as she fought to stay awake. "Come on Katniss, lie down. You'll sleep better now." I covered her with a blanket and exited the room just in time to have my parents walked into the house.

"Prim, where's Katniss? Rory said she wasn't feeling well," Mom inquired. Dad sat down on a sofa removing his prosthetic leg in front of the fireplace.

"You guys are home early," I said. I prayed that they didn't detect the shakiness in my voice. I felt tired emotionally as I watched Katniss break down in front of me.

"We had our fill with all the dancing and drinking around us," she explained. "Your Dad was getting tired."

"Besides, with you two at home, there wasn't any point in staying," Dad added. He looked around the house. "I thought we'd be coming home to a mess." I forgot that the Peacekeepers had searched the house while we were away. I was too busy taking care of Katniss and distracted to notice. "Looks like everything is still in place."

"I better look around anyway to see if anything is missing," Mom stated. "I wouldn't be surprised if some of my tonics are gone." A few minutes later Mom confirmed what she suspected. Some of her tonics were missing. A few vials containing herbal remedies for stomachache and allergies were taken.

"I hope Haymitch hid his stash of liquor," Dad snickered. "If not, he's going to be pissed." I pretended to be amused with my dad's teasing as Mom laughed at his joke.

Exhausted, I bade my parents good night wanting to check up on Katniss. She was fast asleep and resting peacefully. I hoped that she wouldn't be angry with me when she realized that I had drugged her. I lay down besides her as I watched her sleep and listened to the soft rhythm of her breathing. After a few minutes I shut my eyes and joined her in slumber as I nestled my body beneath the blanket.

I was optimistic hoping that Katniss would sleep peacefully and undisturbed until morning. Unfortunately she woke me up thrashing in bed, whimpering in her sleep. I doubt she'd remember whom she called for; whose name passed her lips as she called out for him. "Peeta," she whimpered.

"Katniss. Hey, shh…it's okay. You're just having a bad dream," I brushed her hair wiping her dark locks away from her sweaty forehead. "Katniss, you're safe. You're okay?"

"Peeta," she groaned calling for him.

"He's not here, Katniss." I laid her head on the crook of my neck hoping that my presence soothed her. For someone who detested Peeta, I found it odd that she dreamt about him in her sleep. After a few minutes later she settled down. I couldn't imagine the horror she experienced, what almost happened to her if it wasn't for Peeta. Why was she alone at the edge of town knowing that a predator like Ivan was roaming around? Thank God for Peeta. I always be grateful to him for saving my sister's life.


Katniss POV ––

After school, the walk back home was quiet as Prim ambled besides me. I should have known that something was up when I didn't see Peeta run out of the bakery that morning. All day I looked for him hoping to…I don't know what I was expecting. The past two days since the party I was anxious, nervous and subdued. I hoped that mom and dad hadn't suspected anything. They had accepted that fact that I was not feeling well and decided to go home. Mom had assumed it had something to do with Gale since apparently she watched us while we were dancing.

"Are you and Gale fighting again?" she inquired the day after the party.

"We're not fighting Mom. Just having a…disagreement," I answered her. I didn't braid my hair to cover the marks that Ivan left on my skin. I could still feel his hands and lips on me causing me to shiver.

"I don't understand why you're resisting him so much, Katniss," she sighed. Since I turned 18 Mom had persisted in pushing Gale as a husband for me. By the time girls reached my age, they were either engaged or already married. I wanted neither.

"He so perfect for you. He adores you. I just don't understand what you're looking for."

"Mom, for the last time. I don't see Gale that way." I gritted my teeth together. The last thing I wanted to do was think about Gale. Yes, we argued but he knew about Ivan and he still left me alone.

"Why not? He's handsome, considerate. He'd take care of you. He loves you, Katniss." Yeah, he loved so much and was so considerate that he left me instead of walking me back to the party after our argument.

"I'm not in love with him, Mom," I burst into anger. "How do you expect me to settle down with him if I'm not in love with him? I don't love him the way you love Dad."

"You haven't given him the chance. I just don't want you to make a mistake. I don't want you to have any regrets." This argument was getting old. I couldn't understand why she was pressing the matter. She married for love despite the fact her decision ostracized her from the rest of her family. 'Did she regret it?' my mind wondered.

"Are you saying that you regret marrying Dad because he's not a Merchant? Is that why you keep pushing Gale to me because you hate your life here in the Seam? That you regret marrying Dad?"

"No, that's not what I'm saying," she gasped in horror. "I love you father. I couldn't love anyone else. I married him because I love him."

"Then, don't push me. If I tell you that I'm not in love with Gale, I mean it. I don't need anyone. I don't have feelings for anyone that way." I was close to tears. The last twenty-four hours had been hard on me.

The moment I stepped into our house after the party I went straight to the bathroom. I shed my clothes and placed it in a bag. I never wanted to see that dress ever again. Then, I scrubbed my neck, chest and legs with a washcloth exorcising his touch from my body. Sometimes I imagined his hands lingering on my neck and thighs. I couldn't erase the feel of his body on top of mine. The only reprieve I felt was when Peeta held me in his arms. There was feeling in stomach I never felt before. It was fleeting but something I could never forget.

All night I dreamt of Ivan; his hands all over me violating me. I knew that Prim slipped sleep syrup in my milk but I was too exhausted to be angry with her. I felt as though Mom was attacking me, and the decision I made about my life. This was my life. She left me alone after that enlightening conversation. The thought of falling in love with someone was far from my plans or in my mind.

"Peeta wasn't in school today," Prim said without any preamble. He was in my thoughts all weekend wondering what he was doing, what happened after we bailed out on him. I shouldn't have left him to deal with Ivan by himself.

"I heard rumors that Ivan is missing," I informed her. "Everyone was talking about it in school today." Her voice was soft that I thought I imagined it. "Also, there's rumors of Peeta as well."

"What? What are people saying?" I was starved for information about him. I could care less about Ivan.

"People are saying that his mom…they say that they've seen him in the bakery. He has cut on his upper lip and a really painful looking bruise on his right eye." I stifled an expletive perched on my lips. 'Did his mom hit him again?' Is that why he wasn't in school? It wasn't as if he missed school before feigning sickness when we all knew it was because he didn't want to show up sporting another bruise or welt on his face and arms. The timing was too coincidental with his altercation with Ivan. How and when did he get hurt?

Prim looked terrified as she raised her eyes to me. "I don't understand why Peeta lets her hurt him. He's bigger and stronger than her."

"She's his mom, Prim," I exhaled a breath I was holding. "Peeta would never hurt anyone even his…sorry excuse of a mother." I grew angry at the thought that she was still hurting him. It wasn't until later when I realized that it was Gale that slugged him, twice.

Suddenly, masses of people ran passed us as they headed towards the center of town. Curious, we followed after them. As we reached the area, I noticed that the place was cleared. There were no tables, chairs or the dance floor. As if the party Friday night never existed. But it did, I could attest to it with the red marks Ivan felt on my neck. Prim and I punched through the crowd hoping to get a glance of what was happening. I gasped in horror.

On the ground was a body covered with a blanket. Blood seeped through the cloth on the face, chest and legs. Cray stood over the body as he spoke to another Peacekeeper.

"Who is it? What happened?" I heard people asked around us. My blood turned cold. I hoped and prayed it wasn't…

"Sir, we found him at the edge of the town near the electrical fence," one Peacekeeper spoke.

My heart clenched with fear. Cray bent down and pulled the blanket over to reveal his face. It was Ivan. His face was bloody and bruised. I heard Prim gasped besides me. "Katniss it's––"

"I know, Prim. I know," I whispered to her. She reached for my hand clasping it tight as her other hand grabbed my forearm. Several people spoke at once.

"It's him."

"What happened?"

"Someone beat the crap out of him.

"Good riddance."

"Oh, shit."

Oh, shit all right. What had Peeta done? Where was he? I looked around straining my neck in search for him. I needed to see him. He was nowhere in sight. My fear grew exponentially. 'Peeta, where are you? Please be okay.'

"Everyone go home, this if official Peacekeeper business," Cray's voiced boom in the air. He barked out orders. "I want an investigation as to who did this to my nephew. Have everyone clear the streets. Everyone go home now."

I pulled Prim's hand in haste to get back home. This was not happening.

"Katniss what are we going to do?"

"Nothing, Prim. There is nothing we can do."

"But what about…Peeta? What if someone finds out––?"

"Prim, he didn't do that…he didn't." The last time I saw Ivan he was face down and…I never knew if he was dead or not. Peeta had sent us away shouldering the responsibility of taking care of him. So…in truth, he could have been dead or something happened and Peeta was forced to...kill him in self-defense. I should have helped him hide the body better if Peeta did kill him. 'Should have, could have,' it was a moot point. Now, Peeta was in grave danger because of me.

As soon as we reached the house, Mom and Dad greeted us. "Where have you two been?" Mom asked, worry on her tired face. We relayed the story to them revealing that Ivan was killed and Cray was furious.

"It was horrible, Mom," Prim muttered. "I think he was beaten to death." My incident with Ivan horrified and paralyzed her with fear. She hated Ivan for what he did to me. However, she would never inflict any harm to anyone. She was too kind and sweet just like Peeta. I would never believe kind-hearted Peeta could do that. I refused to.

"He'll want vengeance and justice for his nephew even though he couldn't stand him," Dad guessed. "It'll give him an opportunity to use his power and authority to terrorize us." Everyone knew that Cray could less if a Merchant or Seam was murdered, but since it was a Peacekeeper and his nephew no less. He would reap fire and brimstone on to the town just for the fun of it.

"Do they have any suspects?" Mom asked. "Who do you think is responsible?"

"It could be anyone one of us," Dad told her. "A Merchant or Seam. Ivan wasn't particular with whom he harassed." I thought of list of people who was culpable. Mr. Meyer's name comes to mind. I remembered Celia's bruised face and torn dress.

"I don't blame him whomever did it. I would have done it myself if he ever touched Prim or Katniss." I sent my Dad a weak smile. "Cray shouldn't have permitted his nephew to carry on the way he did." Little did he realize that Ivan had touched me. Now I could never tell him, what he did to me if I wanted to protect my family from any repercussions. Now more than ever I needed to talk to Peeta.

"Girls, you both have enough excitement for the day. Go do your homework," she ordered us. "The matter will be settled sooner or later. God help whoever did this." That was what I was afraid of.

The next day Peeta was not in school again. I started to worry for his safety. What happened? The uncertainty was killing me. It was affecting Prim as well. So after school she asked what I dared not to do. "Can we go the bakery?"

I stopped in my tracks as our classmates passed around us. The news of Ivan's death ran rampant in the Merchant and Seam. Everyone was curious as to who beat up Cray's nephew. The gossip was that he was so drunk during the party that he wandered off and was attacked by wild dogs. There was evidence of mutilation on his lower body but Cray ordered an autopsy that proved otherwise. The results from the report indicated that Ivan was shot and beaten then smothered to death.

I protested in my mind that Peeta was not capable of such…violence. I couldn't imagine his gentle hands hitting Ivan over and over until he was dead. It was not his nature. He wasn't abusive like his mother nor weak like his father.

"I don't have anything to trade with Mr. Mellark," I admitted. I was scared to approach the bakery. How will I react when see Peeta with his bruised face? What if I'm not ready to face him? I know I'm going to say something dumb and stupid. Argh, this is what he does to me, confuse me. I hated being like this around him.

Prim reached into her school bag. "Dad gave me some money." She extended her hand revealing two silver coins. It was enough to at least buy two cookies or muffin. I knew I had no choice. Prim needed to see Peeta and so did I.

I knocked on the back door of the bakery praying that Mr. Mellark or Peeta would answer the door. We stood with bated breath when suddenly the door opened. It was Mr. Mellark.

"What can I do for you ladies?" he started when he realized I wasn't there to trade with him.

"Um…" I was speechless. Prim opened her hand and extended it to him.

"Hello, Mr. Mellark," She greeted him. "Can we…can we buy two cookies?"

"Oh, sure. Wait a second." He disappeared then came bag with a bag. "Four cookies and a muffin for…my favorite customers." He smiled. His eyes twinkled just like Peeta's. Ordinarily I would have balked at his generosity. Four a cookies and muff in for two coins? However, I learned not to argue in front of Prim and accepted his 'gift.'

We stood there for a few seconds. "Is there anything else you need?" he asked.

"Is…is Peeta…" I rambled stumbling with my words.

"I didn't see Peeta in my art class today. Is he okay?" Prim asked covering for my ineptitude to form sentences.

"Peeta hasn't been feeling well. I think he ate too many pies last Friday," he chuckled. We smiled back but we knew better. He was hiding something.

"Will he back in school tomorrow? Does he need us to get his homework for him?" I stood there like a complete idiot as Prim fired questions at him.

"That's very considerate of you Prim but he's feeling better and he will be back tomorrow." He looked back into the bakery. "I'm sorry but I have to get back to work. I'll let Peeta know you asked for him." He closed the door behind him.

That night I tossed and turned in bed. "Katniss, stop squirming. I can't sleep," Prim complained. The bed was small to begin with and sharing it between the two of us made it snug and left no room to move.

"Sorry," I apologize as I turned my back to her. My thoughts were of Peeta. I agonized on how to approach him as scenarios flashed in my head. Should I approach him before school or during lunch? Maybe after school would be better if I asked him to meet me behind the bakery. Or maybe…

The next morning, I woke up achy, grumpy and drowsy from lack of sleep. My stomach was in knots and I had a slight headache. I couldn't concentrate in any of my classes. Today of all days I didn't have my class with Peeta. Everyone whispered about him mentioning the cut on his lip and black eye. My frustration and anxiety grew as each hour passed without seeing him. 'Was he avoiding me?' Even Madge noticed my agitated state.

"Are you okay? You're so fidgety today," Madge observed.

"I didn't get much sleep last night."

"Me, I slept like a baby now that what's his name is gone," she whispered. I should be relieved but I wasn't. "Dad said whoever got rid of Ivan did us all a favor." She looked around us making sure no one heard our conversation.

To my dismay, Peeta was not at his usual table during lunch. Even Prim had no luck finding him. I arrived home disappointed and my concern for him grew. I promised myself that I would track him down tomorrow and the next day if necessary.

Until then, I couldn't rest until I've spoken to him. I needed to see Peeta to make sure he was all right. No matter how I tried to avoid him or how he made me feel, my life was now drawn to Peeta's whether I wanted it or not. And with Ivan's death looming over us I knew our troubles were far from over.


AN: I hoped you enjoyed reading his chapter. Many thanks to my reviewers [mar071, Anonymous, pumpinking5, LACR, and guest] for your reviews and comments and for those who alerted or favored my story. It's inspiring to know that you're interested and took time to write a review. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks again. Have a great weekend.