Always There

Peeta had wanted to give Katniss her privacy when Gale asked to talk to her, but when he heard her desperate cry, he was off the bench and searching for her. He had never thought her friend could be so hostile with her.

Now he was just holding her, and she showed no sign of letting go.

Peeta put his finger under her chin, tilting her face up to him. "Hey, it's okay," he said, offering a gentle smile. She didn't return it, and her frown caused him to crease his brow. "Did he hurt you?"

Katniss looked away and shrugged. "I'll be fine."

"What did he say to you?"

Katniss sighed and shook her head, and her eyes looked far away. "He's… not very happy with me. He's not exactly the biggest of the star-crossed lovers." Her eyes met his.

"Oh." Peeta said. His hands fell from around her waist, and he saw Katniss's eyes fill with despair. He knew that Gale liked Katniss. They were inseparable, and he had always been so jealous of Gale. Now that Peeta had come into Katniss's life, the tables had turned.

Katniss took one of his hands. "But I don't care, Peeta. If you still want it… I want to be with you." She said the words slowly, carefully. "Okay?"

Peeta looked at her softly. He never thought he'd hear her say that. "I definitely want you, Katniss." He confirmed. "I always have." He whispered, brushing his thumb across her cheek.

Katniss tilted her chin up and Peeta leaned down to kiss her. It was feathery soft, but Katniss stood on her toes and kissed him more forcefully. He pulled her tight to him, and she sighed into his mouth.

"Peeta, Katniss!" called a voice from behind them. They pulled apart, and Peeta looked over his shoulder to see Effie trotting over to them in her high heels. "Are you okay? Someone said there was shouting out here!"

"We're fine." Peeta said.

"Are you sure?" she had finally reached them. She put a hand on each of their shoulders. "You both look like a mess! Peeta, your hair is a disaster and there's… lipstick all over your face." Peeta's cheeks warmed. "And Katniss! Your hair is a catastrophe and your make up's all smudged. And why is your dress all filthy?" Effie let out an irritated sigh. "Now we've got to get you both cleaned up and into new outfits."

Neither of them said anything. "Well come on, then!" She ushered them towards the building and back upstairs.

Peeta and Katniss were allowed to get their hair and make-up done in the same room after they changed into clean clothes in their own dressing rooms. Katniss was wearing an emerald dress that was strapless and had a bow at the back. It flattered her curves and Peeta couldn't take his eyes off of her when she entered the room.

"You look even more gorgeous than before," Peeta said affectionately.

"Thanks," Katniss blushed. Instead of the blue suit he was wearing before, he was now wearing a black tuxedo. "You look really handsome, Peeta." She said softly.

"Thank you." He smiled, causing her to blush.

"Chop chop, let's go!" Effie said as she entered the room with the stylists. Peeta and Katniss took a seat in their chairs.

As they were being prepped, Peeta and Katniss explained what had happened, leaving out certain details. "My lord! That is awful!" Effie said, shocked. "Katniss, dear, are you ok?"

"I'm fine," Katniss said in a small voice. Peeta reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Well as long as you're ok. Well, I'll let you two get finished. When you're done, you should go to the lounge to avoid anymore... scenarios like that." Effie said with a hesitant smile.

"Alright. See you later," said Peeta. Effie left and the teams went to get some more supplies. Peeta was still holding Katniss's hand, and he loosened his grip to let go.

"Please don't let go." Katniss pleaded.

Peeta squeezed her hand. "I won't."

"Thank you," she breathed.

"Can I tell you something?" Peeta said. Katniss nodded. "I just can't quite figure you out." He gave her a sly smile and was pleased when she smiled shyly back.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Peeta dismissed. "I'll just have to start trying harder."

"Well, what is there that you want to know?"

Peeta regarded her softly. He hesitated before he spoke. "I want to know how you feel about me."

"Peeta…" she began warily.

"Please, tell me. Don't you think I deserve to know?" Peeta implored.

She continued looking into his eyes before she finally spoke. "Fine. I like you Peeta. I like you a lot. It's just been so hard for me. In the Games, pleasing the Capitol, now with Gale. It's been so confusing. But one thing that's always been there is you. I've never realised until recently that you've been there with me, the whole time. You never gave up on me. You were always there, and I haven't been grateful until now. I am so thankful, Peeta. I'm so thankful for you."

Peeta was speechless. His heart felt like it was going to burst.

"Are you going to say anything or just sit there and stare at me?" Katniss whispered.

"Neither." He stood and pulled on her hands so that she was standing in front of him. He kissed her with all his heart, and she melted into his embrace. They only pulled apart when they heard their prep teams coming. Katniss gave him a shy smile before they sat back down in their chairs.

He had been right. He had fallen for her harder after the Games.