Years of hunting and being hunted had made Katniss' reaction time like lightning setting a tree aflame. Peeta watched her change in an instant to the Girl on Fire. She swiftly ran to the right dropping the rope and going for her bow. But the bear was too fast it was closing in on her. She had to drop into a roll to the left to avoid the swipe of its paw with huge sharp claws, narrowly escaping. She was partly in the river now, on the bank and the rope was beginning to tangle around her legs.
Peeta had begun to scramble over the rocks, unconcerned with his safety, Katniss his only concern. He slipped on a rock nearly tumbling into the fast-moving current but was able to hold on and hoist himself back up due to his upper body strength.
Katniss managed to load her bow, her hands moving with blinding speed and dexterity. Barely allowing time to aim the shot it clipped the bear on the shoulder. The bear rose up on its hind legs, towering over her, letting out a roar that made her blood run cold. It was so close she could smell its musty odor, see the saliva dripping from its jaws. She was shaking as she loaded the second arrow. She looked wide-eyed into the bear's eyes as she took her aim, expecting them to look human, like a muttation the Capitol had sent after her. They were only the eyes of a hungry animal who hadn't eaten all winter.
Peeta saw the bear rise up and knew it would only be a moment before its fatal strike so he shouted, 'Over here! Come and get me!' Using all he had to get the bear's attention. He was almost on the other side now. The bear looked his way and bellowed another roar but it was cut short and became a whimper as Katniss let loose her arrow deep into the bear's shoulder. It turned tail whimpering into the woods.
Katniss went limp in relief letting the water splash against her head. She rolled over into a kneeling position and cupped some water to wash her face. She braced herself on all fours catching her breath, her heart was pounding so fast and hard she could feel it in her throat. The locket Peeta had given her, fell out of her shirt, and hung in the water.
In an instant Peeta was at her side, strong hands checking every inch of her for wounds. He untangled the rope from her legs. 'Are you okay?!' He was out of breath, worry lines on his forehead, and pushing her wet hair out of her face. 'Yeah, I'm alright.' She assured him laying a hand on his firm bicep. He pulled her face into his chest in a protective embrace. The water lapping at their legs. She could hear his heart beating as fast as her own. She was still on fire, adrenaline pumping through her. 'I thought.. I thought I might lose you again.' His grip got tighter on her back and then he pulled her face to his and kissed her like it would be their last. It is rushed and messy, filled with longing, as if he wanted to devour all of her in one kiss. She kissed him back, melting into it, allowing him an access she never thought she could give. And it felt good. It felt hot and explosive, they kissed like they were wild, untamed creatures. Peeta let out a moan of desire. Katniss had never heard anything so intriguing in her life. It stirred a heat deep within her and made her mind so clouded she had to stop, fearful of what might happen if she didn't.
She pulled away slowly, they sat staring into each others eyes, chests heaving. Katniss bit her lip and she looked so beautiful to Peeta in that moment he'd swear his heart stopped. It was her strength that made him fall for her over and over again. Strength and power with that tiny hint of vulnerability he felt so privileged to see. His hands were on her thighs now and he gave them a light squeeze before he stood, offering his hand to help her out of the water. She took it and he didn't let go until they were at their packs on the shore. They both took long swigs of their canteens. They untied the rope from their waists, coiling it back up. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off Katniss felt a pain on her left knee. She lifted her pant leg to examine it. It was tender to the touch and a little cut up from the sharp rocks when she had dropped into a roll. 'Can you get the iodine?' He handed it to her with a concerned look. 'It's nothing, just a scrape.' She dabbed a few drops on the cut to be sure it didn't get infected.
Peeta went and found them walking sticks and she was grateful to take some of the pressure off her knee. They got moving quickly not taking time to change their damp clothes, wanting to move out of the area in case the bear got brave again. Exhaustion from stress set in quickly as they forced themselves to move on. They stopped only briefly to dine on the rabbit legs and refill their canteens, using drops of the iodine to purify it.
Katniss would steal glances at Peeta, who looked deep in thought. She wondered if he had any regrets about coming. A part of her felt like she didn't deserve him. It was selfish to take him out here, to keep him all to herself. She remembered the boy he was when she first met him. So kind and friendly. He thrived when he was in a community, would he be happy with only her for company? She had only been thinking of herself and only now realized the weight of it. She made a vow to herself to never let his light go out, no matter what it took. If she was all he had she'd make sure not to disappoint. Katniss hesitantly slipped her hand in his and offered Peeta a smile. He smiled back at her and in his bright blue eyes she saw that light.