Chapter 9 – Moving Forward

AN: To my loyal readers, I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for hanging on the Peeta and Katniss rollercoaster. All new characters belong to me just like any mistakes found in this chapter. Any rights or claims to the Hunger Games belong to Suzanne Collins. Thanks again for the reviews and comments. As always they are greatly appreciated. This chapter contains a slight M rating. Stay safe and Merry Christmas to all of you.

Katniss POV -

The days passed at a slow pace. Everyone's nerves were shattered. Each day my anxiety level escalated waiting for the next incident to happen. Though my walk with Peeta lifted my spirit, I knew that my joy was short-lived. My happy bubble burst as a vase of white roses was delivered to Johanna and Delly's resident a week after Peeta's meltdown. The tips were dipped in red paint that drizzled onto the flawless petals. It was a beautiful and yet horrifying sight. Its message was clear that both Johanna and Delly were not safe and were targets as well. Peeta begged both his roommates to leave 12. They rejected his plea telling him that family stuck together in good times and most of all during the bad times. They were stuck with him for good. It was an endearing sight to see the three of them in a hug that I couldn't help but envy them. Wishing I was included in Peeta's warm embrace. After a few moments of witnessing their private moment, Johanna turned and picked the vase and threw it outside into her trash bin. No words were necessary. She had cancelled any deliveries and remodeling in her home and stated that it lead to too many people having access to their house.

How the stalker got inside their home was a mystery since we all locked our doors. Haymitch proceeded to have everyone's locks replaced with a dermal scan lock. The next day he spoke to Beetee who had a new locking system shipped in express delivery. It was complicated and hi tech that the whole door had to be replaced. The mechanics was too sophisticated to understand. All I knew is that no one can get in without a hand print recognition to release the lock on the door. When the doors arrived the delivery came complete with Beetee's engineers, the sight was daunting as they spoke little but worked with precision and efficiency. By the end of the day, both doors and doorjambs in front and the back of our houses were installed. We all had our hands imprinted and programmed. Everyone had access to each other's home incase of an emergency. It was the first time in days that I sighed in relief.

Everyone's mood shifted since the installation of the security doors. The doors looked out of place, but was it served a purpose. I was so relieved that I had forgotten about Greasy Sae and Tamryn when they showed up ringing the doorbell on my new fancy door. Tamryn thought it was cool as Sae looked at it with concern. Sae and Tamryn hands were scanned to my doors since we have our breakfast together. I explained the procedure to Sae and Tamryn as they both looked puzzled but accepted it without question or an explanation. I didn't want to frighten them. Ignorance is bliss.

However, whatever calm and peace we had was shattered within days. I had just left Haymitch's house delivering his dinner and opened my mailbox. I walked straight through my door and perused through my mail. My mood soured when I noticed I received two letters. One came from Dr. Aurelius who communications both mail and calls all of which I've ignored. The other letter was from Gale. I had just dropped the letters on a table when I peered through my window to check on Peeta's house. I saw a tall figure walked to Peeta's door, knocked for a second and proceeded to head to the backyard. I looked at him in recognition, tall, broad shoulders, and dark hair with a beard. It was Gale.

"What the…" I gasped as my emotions swirled from shock, panic to anger. I turned and without hesitation pulled my bow and arrow out of the hallway closet and ran out my home. I seethed with anger as I sprinted to Peeta's home while I drew an arrow on my bow. As I turned the corner I noticed Gale hovering over Peeta's inert body on the ground. His back towards me, I snuck up behind him.

"Get away from him right now," I yelled as Gale stood up and placed a hand on his taser gun on his holster. "Hands in the air, Gale or I'll plug an arrow into your thick skull." He raised both hands. "Now turn around slowly." He turned and to my surprise it was not Gale. The intruder was the same height, build and hair coloring as former hunting partner that I assumed it was he. From behind he looked like him but as I analyzed his features he didn't resemble Gale at all. His blue eyes though frightened were soft and kind. His light complexion contrasted to Gale's darker skin tone. There was a tinge of sunburn on his pale skin. Who I saw in front of me was a complete stranger. Frightened for Peeta, I drew my hand ready to release my arrow. "Move away from him."

He moved away from Peeta when I noticed a slender pen lying next to him. "What did you do to him?" I inquired as I masked my anger. I couldn't lose control now. Peeta needed me.

"I just got here when I saw someone over him. So I called out to him but he just turned away and ran off. I think I surprised him. I went to check if Peeta was alright," he explained. "I think he's been tranquilized."

"Who are you and what do you want from Peeta?" I asked, my hands steady. My thoughts were of Peeta who lay still on the ground.

"Please let me explain, my name is Bron Masters. I'm Delly Cartwright's boyfriend," he uttered as sweat glistened on his forehead. Since Delly's return to 12 I never bothered to find what went on her life. What had happened to her during her stay in the Capitol as she took care of Peeta. Boyfriend or not, I couldn't assume his explanation were true.

"Delly doesn't live here," I corrected him. "Try again, what are you doing here?" I looked at him once more recognizing his Guardsmen uniform. The same suit that Gale wore when he first arrived at 12.

"I know she told me. But when I knocked on her door, I assumed that when she didn't answer, she would be with Peeta. She knows that I am arriving today but the train came an hour early. I wanted to surprise her," he said.

"I don't know who you are and Delly has never mentioned you to me, so how do I know you're really who you say you are?" I asked.

"I'm going to reach for my wallet and show you my identification and proof I am Delly's boyfriend," he said as he reached into his breast pocket.

"Throw you gun over there," I pointed to his left. He unbuckled the taser and threw it away from him. "Now throw your ID to me." The wallet landed face open. "Don't move. I can draw this arrow before you can take another step towards me."

"I know who you are. You're the Mockingjay, you're Katniss Everdeen," he smiled with a look of admiration on his face. "I'm just going to sit down so you can look at my ID." He sat down without my consent and clasped his hands together. His face showed a sign of relief as he sighed.

I dropped my bow and arrow and pick up his wallet. Inside was his Guardsmen identification with name, rank and resident. The picture on the card resembled the stranger before me minus facial hair. On the other side is a photo of Delly biting and pulling Bron's left earlobe as they sat on the ground with what's looks like a picnic.

They looked very much in love and happy together. I was about to address him when a voice shrieked from behind me. I cringed as I recognized the shrill that cut through the air. Delly appeared by my side as Johanna walked out of the house at the same time. It was evident that Johanna had just got out of the shower. Her hair now dark brown is still wet. "What's going on? Hey, Bron, what are you doing sitting on the ground?" she smirked.

"Bron, what are you doing here? Is that Peeta?" Delly fired questions in rapid succession as she rushed to his arms. After the quick embrace she turned to Peeta, "What happened to Peeta?" Her voice tinged with fright as she reached over to him to check his vitals.

"I found him like this" he said as he stood up brushing dirt from his pants.

I left my bow and ran up to her and Bron. I knelt beside her. "Is he okay?" I picked up the pen on the ground. "What is this?"

"It's a tranquilizer pen. We use it to sedate patients at the hospital. It's a low dosage but very strong. The effect is instant. Come on, the ground is cold and damp, let's get him inside the house," Delly instructed as she turned into nurse mode. Bron picked Peeta up onto his shoulders and walked inside his home with me, Delly and Johanna trailing behind him.

Hours later, we waited in anticipation for Peeta to regain consciousness. After a quick dinner of soup and bread, we remained downstairs as Delly returned to Peeta's side. He was still unconscious indicating how strong the sedative was used on him. The mood is bleak as we all realize how close we were to have almost lost Peeta. I shook from fear and anger. Johanna is pacing the room, cursing up a storm that would make Finnick proud. Haymitch is sullen as he conversed with Delly's boyfriend, Bron. There was no conversation of his sudden appearance during dinner since everyone was still shocked and anguished with the incident. Bron was quick to admit that he didn't get a better look at the figure that sedated Peeta. Just that he was tall, slender build and dressed in black from head to tow. He wore a black cap that hid his hair.

"This is my fault," Johanna exclaimed as she sat down next to me. "I didn't think anything would happen to him while I was busy having a spa moment." She pointed to her new colored hair.

"This isn't your fault, Jo," Bron said. "You didn't anticipate for anything to happen to Peeta in complete daylight and out in the open no less. Whoever did this was pretty bold and gutsy."

"Or desperate," Haymitch interrupted.

"Must have been the shock of life with Katniss pointing her bow at you, Bron," Johanna smirked, breaking the tense moment.

"Yeah, not the way I wanted to be introduced but…" he chuckled as he looked at me. "It's not everyday you get to meet Katniss Everdeen in the flesh while she's threatening your life."

"Sorry, it's just that…when I saw you with Peeta…" I explained. I'm frustrated as I struggled with my words.

"No apologies necessary. It's just finally great to meet you. Delly hasn't stopped talking about you since we've meet," he interrupted and smiled back at me. "I'm just glad you didn't shoot me. I can't wait to tell the guys in my squad that I finally got to meet you."

I blushed with his compliment. Just at that very moment, Delly walked down the stairs. "Peeta is still asleep. He's resting for now. There's really not much we can do but let him sleep off the sedative," she declared as she turned to Bron. "Thank you for finding him." She hugged her boyfriend. I too was grateful for Bron.

"Okay kids, why don't you take Bron back to the house, Delly," Johanna stated. "I'll call you if Peeta needs anything." She hugged Delly and Bron for the night. She turned to Haymitch. "Hey old man, you don't have to stay here for the night. I'll watch over Peeta."

Haymitch nodded and stood up. "Katniss?" he addressed me expecting to walk me home.

"I'm staying here with Johanna. I can't sleep anyway so I'll keep her company," I said as I made a unilateral decision without consulting her. He turned and hugged us and walked out the house. The gesture surprised me since he was not much of touchy feely person.

"You don't have to stay, Katniss," she commented. "He's safe. Nothing is going to happen to him."

"I don't want to go home, Johanna. I want to stay," I said. "I need to stay." I looked into her eyes hoping she would read the words I couldn't convey. My throat tightened. After a few seconds I lost my patience. "I need to see him."

"He's asleep and probably will be for the rest of the night," she stated.

"I don't care," I said. I tread up the stairs and felt as though my feet were made of lead. I walked into Peeta's bedroom to find his door a bit open. A lamp illuminated the room. On top of the king size bed and under a blanket, Peeta lay asleep. His breath is steady and calm. However, his eyes lids fluttered as if he's having a dream. I hoped that it wasn't a nightmare. I wanted him to sleep without any interruptions. A second later he moaned and shifted on his bed. I longed to brush my fingers through his unruly hair. This is the first time in weeks that I am alone with him. The last time was at Tamryn's part when he slept beside me. I wanted to slip beside him and hold him in my arms. After a few moments of sitting beside him, he opened his eyes, blinked for a second or two and sat up on his bed.

He stared at me like as if I was a dream. "Peeta?" I whispered hoping not to alarm him.

"Not real," he said. Surprised, I stood still. "You're not real." He shook his head.

"Real, Peeta," I said as stood before him. "Feel your heart."

He laughed. "See you're not real. You said that before in my dreams."

"Peeta, I'm real," I corrected him as I approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. He gasped and closed his eyes. His body swayed back and forth.

"No!" he screamed. "Not real, note real." He repeated to himself. His scream alarmed Johanna that she entered the room with an axe in her hand.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she clutched her axe tight, her fingers turning white.

"He doesn't think I'm real," I explained as Peeta continued to chant to himself. Johanna dropped the axe and sat on the bed next to him. "Help him." I felt useless and scared that he was having an episode because of me.

"Peeta," she said in soothing manner taking a hand into hers. "It's me, Johanna. I'm real." He stopped chanting and looked at their clasped hands. "See real." She turned to me. "I think the tranquilizer has confused him." She gestured to me to come closer. "Katniss, come here. Take his other hand." I moved to the other side of the bed and took his cold hand into mine. His hand felt solid and strong. "See she's real too, Peeta." He refocused his eyes, staring into our hands and my eyes, switching back and forth.

"I'm real, Peeta, " I said my voice shaking.

"What are you two doing in my bedroom?" he asked. "What's going on?" I saw the confusion in his eyes as he spoke in a whisper.

"What's the last thing you remembered?" Johanna queried. He thought for a few second with his hand still in mine. I hope that he would let me hold him just for a little while.

"I was…in my the backyard, I think. Yeah, I was in the garden when I felt something sting me in the back of my head," he answered as he lifted his away from Johanna's and felt for the back of his neck.

"Someone knocked you out, Peet. He sedated you from behind. Bron was able to scare him away before he could do anything else to you," she said.

"Bron's here. Oh, Delly said he was arriving today," he remembered. A few seconds later his voice rose into a panic. "Is everyone okay? He didn't go after anyone, did he?" That's my Peeta. Always thinking of others before him.

"Everyone's fine. We're just glad that you're okay. You gave us a scare," Johanna chuckled. "Katniss almost shot Bron. She thought it was him that sedated you."

He looked at me realizing that I'm still there holding his hand. He pulled it away. I tried to hide the hurt I felt when he yanked his hand from me. A blush rose on his cheeks as he looked down onto his bedcovers. "How did I get here?"

"Bron carried you into the house. We all have been waiting for you to wake up," Johanna explained. "You hungry? You missed dinner."

"I'm not hungry, I actually want to take a bath," he said as he climbed out of bed. He stopped and stared at his attire. He was dressed in a plain light blue t-shirt and matching colored pajama bottoms. He looked yummy and cute with his hair tussled. He groaned, "Please tell me that Delly changed me." His eyes bulged with embarrassment. Before Johanna can answer he rushed out of his room and entered his bathroom. We hear the flush of the toilet and the tap of water released into the tub.

"Oh, come on, Peet. You're wearing you pajamas. Besides, it's not like something I haven't seen you naked before," she teased. I glared at Johanna at her implication. 'She had seen Peeta naked? When and where?' My jealousy rose as thoughts crossed my mind of all the scenarios flashing before me. "Katniss, lighten up. You have nothing to be jealous of."

'Really,' my mind screamed. 'You just admitted that you've seen Peeta naked and I'm not supposed to get jealous.' My eyes narrowed.

"I just wanted to say thanks for being there for Peeta. We were lucky that Bron stopped whoever it was on time. Who knows where Peeta would be right now if it wasn't for him and you for watching over him," she confessed. My anger and jealousy abated. She was right. All that mattered is that Peeta is safe. My curiosity would have to wait.

"I'm going home now. Tell him...tell him I'm glad he's okay," I stumbled with my words. I turned to walk away before she placed a hand on my arm.

"Katniss," she started, "I know you're trying and I can see that now. But he's weak and vulnerable not just physically. So tread lightly and carefully. I know that you'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe. I never doubted your concern for him. I just doubted your heart. Take care of his that's all I ask." With a grateful nod, I turned and walked out of the room. A smile on my face lingered as I fell asleep that night without a nightmare.

A day later, a very sober Haymitch called us to meet at his home. I was surprised to find Bron amongst us. I watched Peeta as he talked between Delly and Bron. He looked well rested and at ease with them. My thoughts are interrupted as Haymitch addressed us.

"It has come to my attention with Peeta's last incident that Johanna is right," he said. "We need to be proactive in regards to his safety. Whoever he is, he's escalating. We can't take anymore chances of him catching Peeta off guard again." He looked at all of us. We all agreed with him in silence.

"What do you have in mind?" Peeta asked in concern. "Listen, I know that all of you are worried but if any of you got hurt because of me… I can't permit anything that might put any of you in danger."

"Shut up, Peeta," Johanna berated him. "You know, you would do same for any of us in the room. Am I right?" She challenged him with a look as if they were having a silent conversation with each other.

"What I'm suggesting won't put anyone in danger, Peeta. For now we need to figure out who this person is," Haymitch advised. "Please all of you follow me." He stood up and led us to his second floor. Since all the rooms in the Victor's Village were designed the same, I was surprised that he led us into the master bedroom. The bedroom furniture was cobwebbed and dusty. There were at least 15 mail delivery bags all over the room. "Can everyone pick up a bag and take it downstairs." We all picked up one bag. I heard Delly and Bron argue as he carried a bag for his girlfriend. I smiled.

"Now that you had us take your dirty laundry out of your filthy bedroom, do you mind telling us what this is all about?" Johanna asked in an exasperated tone. Patience is not one of her virtues.

"Inside you'll find hundreds of letters all addressed to Peeta," he explained. "These letters arrived at the hospital when Peeta was in recovery after the rebellion."

"Peeta you got fan mail," Delly teased. We all knew better. Once you became a tribute and a victor, hundreds of letters or correspondence were delivered to our homes after the games. Prim and my mother all but destroyed them at my request. Not once did I open a single letter.

"I'm hoping that somewhere in the bags we will find a clue to who he is. Or who she is. We aren't certain that Peeta's stalker is male. It could be a she for all we know," Haymitch suggested.

"What makes you think that he would even write a letter to Peeta?" I asked. The idea seemed ridiculous.

"He couldn't get to Peeta while he was in the hospital. The only way he could reach him is by correspondence. He had to have written to him, threatening him with his life. Peeta has not read any of the letters. He may have realized that the letters weren't enough to get his message across. He felt ignored. He has taken great pains to leave a message with the graffiti, the roses and the white suit. Things Peeta can't ignore," he said. " He has to have written him earlier. I know it's a stretch but I think he would find a way to let Peeta know of his existence. I mean, what is he saying by leaving a white rose and suit?

"That he's from the Capitol?" Delly answered.

"Maybe but I think he's reminding Peeta of his involvement in collaborating with the Capitol. Remember there are people in the district that hate Peeta for siding with the Capitol," Haymitch lectured. I looked at Peeta who was pale and somber. I wanted to take his hand to comfort him. Haymitch left out the one word we all knew that labeled Peeta after the war. He became a traitor to many. The thought angered me. "So what we need to do is shift through every piece of paper in each bag. Look for letters that has any hint of harmful intent to Peeta."

"You mean anything that might indicate a threat to his life," Bron said.

"Isn't that what I said?" Haymitch sighed in frustration.

Haymitch could be as eloquent as Peeta when he spoke. But this time, I needed him to speak without any fancy words or metaphors.

"Sorry Haymitch. You can't blame us. Sometimes you're difficult to understand when you're pissed drunk let alone sober," Johanna said defending Bron.

"Whatever. I don't care how insignificant. We all have to take every letter seriously," Haymitch instructed. We dug into a bag and read each letter. After an hour, we all had two piles each. I never knew that many women had proposed marriage to Peeta. Several suggested being the father of his children. I was surprised with the number of men he attracted. The good letters ranged from their admiration for surviving the arena while others wrote of wanting romance and a relationship with him. To my shock some just wanted straight up sex with him. I remembered how Johanna introduced herself for the first time during the Quarter Quell. I thought she was kidding when she said strangers wanted to sleep with him. How naïve and ignorant I was of the world around me.

"These letters are horrible," Delly said. "Why would anyone take these seriously?" She pointed to a tall pile of 'love letters' addressed to Peeta. "And these are just as horrifying. I don't see how anyone would want to hurt Peeta in any way. These people are scary." She waved a letter from her 'hate' pile.

"They're real. I had bag loads of mail when I won my game. When you become a Victor, you'll have people who love and adore you, and just as many of those that hate you," Johanna admitted. Haymitch nodded his head in agreement. I never knew the extent of my popularity. Peeta and I were the Victors for the year. We both assumed that the next victor would gain popularity, eclipsing us. But Haymitch and Effie claimed as Star Crossed Lovers, we were the most popular and unique. Our game and ratings were the highest ever. Even now as the Mockingjay I will never be just Katniss Everdeen from District 12. Just as Peeta will always be known as my scorned lover who betrayed me. I need speak to Haymitch and Effie and figure out how to redeem Peeta. I refuse to have him written in the history books as a traitor to Panem but most of all to me.

"Oh my…listen to this." Delly said, her eyes wide as saucers. "My dearest beloved Peeta. You are my soul mate. I knew it the first time I saw you. Your eyes penetrated mine as if you can see my soul. They are clear blue as the sky above me. How I long for you to cover me with your kisses. Your hands touching me all over. I cannot wait for you to take me and ravage me with…"

Bron grabbed the letter from her hand. "Delly, I think that's enough. We get the gist of some crazy woman's fantasy. I really don't think we need to hear it. You're embarrassing Peeta."

Johanna snatched the letter from Bron. "Speak for yourself," Johanna said as she continued to read the letter. Delly joined her. They both gasped seconds later.

"Is that even possible?" Delly shrieked as her cheeks turned a deep red. "Let me read that again."

"I don't know. Why don't you and Bron tell me if it's possible," Johanna teased. Delly smacked her in the head. "Hey, if you don't want to find out. I'll help you figure it out." She laughed, wiggling her eyebrows at Delly and Bron.

"You two cut it out," Haymitch warned. "I think this is all we could do for tonight." He said as he looked at Peeta. His eyes were red, tired and drooping. His shoulders slumped and his lips formed a thin line. He didn't look amused at all. "We can start again tomorrow evening after dinner. Johanna, why don't' you take Peeta home."

"Oh, right. Come on, Peet," she said as she took his arm and led out of Haymitch's house. "We can read all your love letters tomorrow." Peeta said his good byes and walked out the door.

"Thanks for dinner, Haymitch," Bron said as he shook Haymitch's hand. "Delly and I will provide dinner tomorrow."

"That would be great," Haymitch agreed. "Good night." Delly and Bron left the room leaving Haymitch and I alone.

"How many bags do I have, Haymitch," I asked in curiosity. He looked at me for a second.

"You have a ton of letters, Katniss. Not like Peeta's. Most of them wanted to say thank you for helping free Panem. You don't have many hate letters. You don't have to worry about that," he assured me. That wasn't what I wanted to hear.

"Did I receive as many letters as Peeta before the Quarter Quell?" I inquired. He shook his head to answer. I'm not surprised since I didn't do well during the interviews with my bubbling personality. Peeta gain his popularity as he charmed Panem with his witty words, his charm and his smile. The Capitolites loved him. I didn't care at all for the celebrity status or their adoration. Peeta knew how to play the game. I didn't handle it as well as him.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" I pointed to the bags and pile of letters on the floor.

"What would be the point? He got them in the Capitol and they're still being delivered each week at the station," he said. "We all got letters after our games. It's a normal occurrence."

"Fine, we all did, but you didn't come back from a rebellion labeled as a traitor. Haymitch, they think Peeta betrayed us," I sobbed as I clutched a pile of hate letters in my hand. My Boy with the Bread was tortured and abused. And everyone thought that he supported the Capitol. I came out as the heroine that saved Panem. "He's being stalked, his life is threatened. How much more do you think he can take?"

"Katniss, we're all going to make sure nothing happens to him," he said as he took me in his arms. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect him, I promise."

"You said that the last time," I cried as I left his embrace. I knew it wasn't fair to blame him. But it was Peeta's life at stake. I couldn't stand to have another person make a promise to me to only be disappointed.

"I didn't lie to you. I swore that I would have protected him, but the situation was out of my control," he clarified. "You knew why I chose you." He looked ashamed and angry. "I had no choice."

"You had a choice. You should have told us, Haymitch," I said as I held the anger simmering inside me. "I would have never separated from him, ever."

"You know, you wouldn't have agreed. You know damn well that you would have never participated in the rebellion as our Mockingjay. Panem needed you," he said. "Peeta wanted you to live. If I had to do it all over again, Peeta would have agreed with my choice. I would pick you."

"What about Peeta? Doesn't his life mean anything to you, to anyone? He was right," I screamed. "He always came second. It isn't right. How can anyone value my life over his? He's worth more than ten of me."

"You're wrong and not because you became the Mockingjay. Peeta knew that," he said. "He loved you enough to cast his life aside because he knew you were worth it. He saw in you what others couldn't see. What I couldn't see. That you were a life worth saving."

"No, I'm not. You told me that even if it takes a hundred lifetimes, I would never be worthy of him." I agreed. I acted in self-preservation, never thinking about his worth. I just didn't want more blood in my hands, especially if it was Peeta's. I was tired and ready to give up.

"I was wrong to say that. You are worthy. Why would Peeta go through everything he experienced if he didn't think you were worth it," he added. He was wrong but if Peeta thought I was worth dying for, I could do the same for him. Now that I know how I feel about him.

"Besides, what's the point in rehashing all this? It's done and over with. We need to concentrate on how to protect Peeta," he continued. "Did you watch him tonight? He looked like he's giving up. That's what I saw, Katniss."

"I know. He's beaten and tired. His mind is broken and he's so sad all the time," I stated. "What are we going to do?"

"We remind him everyday, that we're here for him. We tell him not to give up," he rallied.

"I miss him, Haymitch," I wailed, tears tracked down my cheeks.

"I miss him too," he admitted. "I miss the kid who came to my house delivering fresh bread in the morning. I miss how he would hide my liquor and make me search for it all over my house."

I remembered that boy. I just wished I didn't dismiss him when he was whole, happy and in love with me. "But there is one thing I do know. We can get that Peeta back," he continued with a wistful look on his face.

"How?" I asked as I wiped my snot and tears on my sleeve.

"With a lot of time and patience. We need to give him that. But also we need to remind him…tell him that we love him," he challenged.

Love. The one thing he sought for all his life. The one thing his mother denied him. I never knew it but it was love that drew me to him, even when I denied my feelings for him. I felt sadness and shame for ignoring what has been in front of me. I thought I was being noble when I was willing to sacrifice my life for his. I was wrong. It was out of love. It was time that I admitted it to Peeta. I just hope he gives me the chance.

Each day we took turns going through the bags. More arrived from the Capitol when Dr. Aurelius released them to our care. The job was daunting but necessary. I had to admit that a few left me embarrassed as his admirers wrote in great detail of how they would seduce Peeta. After reading a couple of letters, I found myself reenacting them in my dreams. I woke up gasping, my breath labored and my heart racing. I reached over to Peeta hoping he was beside me. I flushed with the memory of his hands roving over my naked chest as his lips grazed between my breasts. There is an unfamiliar ache and wetness between my legs. Reading his 'fan mail' is going to be the death of me. Its no wonder that he refused to read them around us. It would take weeks before we finished going through them. I hope that in time, we can yield some results. This incident did produce spending more time in his company. All of us would have dinner 2- 3 times a week. It's great to have family again. It was a feeling I missed when my father passed away.

I felt bad for meeting Bron the way I did. So I asked him and Delly to join me for dinner one night. It was a simple affair of lamb stew and bread. Delly brought dessert that Bron had ordered from the Capitol. It was to-die-for Crème Brule. I never had anything like it. Where was this when I was in the Capitol? We sat in my living room for tea and coffee. It was nice to have an evening with no drama. I smiled at the two of them sitting on my sofa. Delly giggled when Bron threatened to not shave the next day. He scrubbed his razor stubble chin on her cheek when she told the story of how she 'suggested' that he better shave off his beard. He argued back that he liked it because made him look manly and mature.

"If you ever expect to see my bed again, Bron. You better have all that hair off your face," she retorted in mock anger. Bron smiled back and threatened to tickle her to death.

"So Delly how did you and Bron meet?" I wondered. He was the opposite of what I thought she was attracted to. Her blond curly hair was in contrast to his dark head. It was taboo for blond hair Merchants to mingle with dark hair and olive skinned Seam.

"It was love at first sight for me," Bron said with a bright smile and a twinkle in his eyes.

"Oh, really. For me it was love at first vomit," she returned. Bron laughed at the recollection. "We met in District 13 at the Recovering Unit. There he was lying in bed with a bandage covering one eye, two fractured legs and a broken arm. I saw him looking green and queasy. He was reaching for a bucket next to him. So I went to him to help when he sat up in bed and vomited all over my uniform. That's how I first met Bron." She smiled like it was the most romantic thing that had ever happened to her. "I also discovered he was biggest flirt in the unit."

"I couldn't help myself. You were just the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," he said in his defense.

"Right, that why's you were also flirting with what's her name…Sienna Cooley," she corrected.

"Hey, I was in pain. I would have flirted with anyone for more morphine," he said.

"Anyway, so for days he would find any excuse for me to help him. He needed another blanket because he was cold or having to adjust his bed when he felt uncomfortable," she said.

"I was uncomfortable. How would you like it if you're legs and arm is in a cast for days and can't get up on your own without getting help from someone," he said.

"You do know that there were other healers and nurses in the ward besides me right?" she challenged him.

"I just wanted you," he confessed as he looked nonplus to her.

"The best excuse was when he kept telling me that he needed to write to his family back in the Capitol and needed my help since his right arm was broken," she continued.

"So did you help him?" I asked curious of their history together.

"Yeah, she came back with a digital writing pad," he laughed. "She resisted my charm for a long time."

"I was working and was busy. I didn't have time for romance. I didn't know if his feelings was true or real," she added. "Besides, he was from the Capitol."

"A bone of contention between us. I couldn't understand why she resisted me when I knew she felt something happening between us," he said. "After I was released I persisted. I asked her to have dinner with me everyday. And I kept asking until she relented."

"Why did it matter if he was Capitol, Delly?" I asked.

"Because I'm from District 12. What kind of relationship could we have with the class difference," she explained. "I argued with him that we would never work. I wanted to return to 12 and his life is in the Capitol. But in reality, he scared me." I knew how she felt. The feelings Peeta instilled in me frightened and angered me. I didn't want to fall in love especially with a merchant boy. I didn't realize that there were a class difference between the Capitol and Merchants. They seemed the same to me.

"What finally got you to give Bron a chance," I inquired.

"Peeta. He knew I was interested in someone. I never mentioned his name but that he was from the Capitol. When I told him, he didn't even blink," Delly said. "He said I was being stupid for denying my feelings and for a chance of happiness. Peeta said to trust my heart." She paused for second. "He said it was okay to be scared because it meant that Bron must really mean something to me. Because love is scary and messy but worth it if he made me happy." She turned to Bron and took his large hand into hers. I wished I had Delly's courage at the time I first felt something for Peeta.

"So when I met Peeta at Johanna's house in District 7, I told him he was my new best bud. How can I not love the guy for opening Delly's eyes and heart," Bron said. "And he is Delly's best friend." My heart swelled with the thought of Peeta playing matchmaker for his best friend. Bron was right how can anyone not love Peeta. That night I dreamt of Peeta and I in the meadow holding each other as we lay on soft green grass. It was a pleasant dream that I wished to happen.

The next couple of days pass without incident. One evening I get a surprise visit from Haymitch with Thom trailing behind him. "What's wrong Haymitch," my voice hitched to a panic tone. "Did something happen to Peeta?" My thoughts and mind were always on Peeta.

"Um, not exactly but we do need to talk about him," Haymitch said. I led them into my living room. "Go ahead Thom, you tell her." They both sat down on the long sofa as I sat across them.

Thom looked nervous. "Well, it just that someone in town is applying to open a bakery café. I'm in the process of having the application processed," he said.

"That can't happen. If anyone is going to rebuild the bakery it should be Peeta," I exclaimed.

"I agree with you and so does Haymitch," Thom agreed.

"The problem is that every time someone mentions it to Peeta, he gets a full blown panic attack," Haymitch explained. "How are going to get him to agree to at least apply for the application if he gets an episode?"

"I didn't know that," I said. I knew that when he baked Tamryn's cake, Delly mentioned how distraught he was. He didn't sleep for days. "Does Peeta know about this?" The fact that Haymitch approached me with Thom made me wonder if Peeta is aware of the situation.

Haymitch was silent confirming my suspicion. "Haymitch, we promised Peeta that we would not do things behind his back anymore. And this is definitely one of them," I scolded him.

"I know," he said with a look of shame on his face. "I'm sorry but it's a hard habit to break. I don't want to hurt him. It's obvious that the bakery is a very painful memory for him. But how do you think he'll react when we tell him someone is trying to take over his family's business. He's not even ready."

"It doesn't matter. He should be here discussing this with Thom," I corrected. "At least just let him know. Maybe the threat of someone trying to rebuild the bakery might force him to face his demons. He needs something to fight for."

"You're right Katniss," Haymitch admitted. "Thom and I will talk to Peeta tomorrow."

"I want to be there," I said.

"Katniss, that might not be a good idea," Haymitch said.

"I want to be there to when you tell him," I said. "If you think it's going to be a problem then have everyone there just in case something happens. We should all be there to show our support."

"It's settle then. Before dinner we'll talk to Peeta and see how he reacts," Haymitch agreed. I walked them over to my door when Thom called my attention.

"Katniss, before I leave I need to talk to you," he announced. He looked nervous and scared all of the sudden. I bade Haymitch good night and turned to Thom who stood up.

"I don't know how to…I guess I should apologize first…" he started.

"Thom, sit down. What is it you need to talk about?" I asked.

"It's about Gale," he said. I sat in my chair stunned. He continued, "I've been keeping in touch with him since your return to District 12." He paused. "He was really worried about you being alone and recovering from the rebellion that he asked me to…give him updates. He'd also asked about Peeta. Wondering how he was doing."

"Oh," I said.

"I didn't mean to tell him about what's been going on between you and Peeta," he lamented. "He'd ask me questions whether or not you're seen together or you know…"

"You mean you've been spying on me and Peeta, and reporting to Gale," I accused.

"I wasn't reporting to him I was just…" he said. "He wanted to know if the rumors were true."

"What rumors, Thom? What is everyone gossiping in town about Peeta and me?" I asked.

"The rumor is that you broke up and have been avoiding each other," he said. "And since no one saw you two together, we all assumed that the rumor was true. That you dumped him for betraying you while he was in the Capitol. And at District 13 everyone saw you with Gale." I closed my eyes in shame. "When Peeta arrived at 13, he was different. Not a lover returning to you. You avoided him and were forced to work with him. It just confirmed what we all thought."

I wanted to scream. I treated Peeta with scorn and anger. I didn't want anything to do with him. I kept Gale beside me. My behavior at 13 only solidified the rumors. "So when you came back, everyone assumed that you were pining after Gale because they would see you going into the woods like you used to," he added. "I sorta encouraged him to visit you because you did look sad and unhappy without him."

And the gossip kept getting worse as he continued with his observation. My mind reeled from the rumors rampant all over Panem.

"Most people in town are so angry with Peeta for what he did to you..." he said.

"He didn't do anything to me!" I screamed. "Peeta is not a traitor. He was tortured and abused in the Capitol. He was tortured for information about the rebellion. A rebellion that he wasn't even aware was forming. They almost killed him because of me." My voice rose as tears filled my eyes. "All the rumors are nothing but lies. And they have to stop, do you hear me?"

Thom stood frozen in fear from my wrath. I sidled before him even though he towered over me. "And you had no right to be talking to Gale. Reporting to him like some flunky. It's your fault that he has some delusion of us living happily ever after. I never wanted Gale that way. And as for Peeta, whatever is going on between Peeta and I is private and none of anyone's business." I said as I poked my finger into Thom's chest.

"I'm sorry, Katniss," he apologized. I waved him aside. Peeta's life was already filled with many complications. I feared for his reaction to the news about the bakery. Peeta had to know the rumors going around about him. It was evident when we walked to town that day.

"I thought Peeta was your friend, Thom," I uttered. "How could you encourage Gale with nothing but rumors and innuendo."

"He is my friend. He's one of the nicest guys I've known even before the rebellion," he said. "But I have been friends with Gale longer than Peeta. I wanted you both to be happy. We all thought that's who you wanted."

"My happiness is no one's concern, especially Gale," I said in resignation. "Please leave." I was tired of being angry and frustrated. Taking it out of Thom would serve no purpose. It wouldn't erase the mistakes I made.

"I'm really sorry for causing you and Peeta any harm," he apologized. He turned and left my home.


Peeta POV –

I stood in my shower letting the hot water cascade over my aching body. It's been days and I can still feel the sting on the back of my neck where the pen penetrated my skin. Delly told me that the pen left a bruise from the impact. I could feel it when I lay on my back. A reminder of the close call I had with my stalker. If it were not for Bron, who knew where I would be right now. I looked down to see my prosthetic leg shiny and wet. I will never get used to seeing my fake limb. The shiny unit was waterproof and can withstand hot and cold temperature. It's not the usual leg I used daily.

The shower was a welcome relief after hours of numbing and mindless reading of my 'fan mail.' I have seen and experienced a lot when I was in the Capitol. It didn't prepare me for the content written on the letters. I knew and felt the hate and anger from the townspeople in 12. The letters verified what I had already known and there is nothing I could do to change it. As amusing as some of letter are they left me wanting of a life that I know I will never have. I was resigned that the fake leg could repulse any normal woman but with my hijacking it only added to my list of undesirable attributes. Before the games nobody needed me, now who would want me. I shook myself from my own pity party and took a deep breath. I didn't realize that I stayed in the shower too long as the water turned hot to freezing. I yelped as the water hit me. I reached for a towel and dried myself. Sitting down the edge of the tub, I replaced my waterproofed leg with my state of the art prosthesis that not only looked real, but it felt like my own skin. From a distance you couldn't tell I'm wearing a fake limb. I rubbed my towel to dry my hair then realized that I didn't bring a change of clothes with me after the shower.

I walked into my bedroom feeling the cool floor on my bare foot. I opened a drawer finding that all my boxer shorts are still downstairs in the laundry room. Without giving it much thought, I walked down the stair sporting a towel around my hips. I heard a gasp. From the living room Johanna, Delly, and Katniss sat staring at me. I stared back realizing that Katniss is looking at my tattoo right in the middle of my chest.

Delly giggled, "Umm, Peet we have company." I blushed for a second and walked past them to retrieve my clothes.

"Was that a tattoo on his chest?" Katniss asked in a surprised tone.

"Yup, he designed it himself. Even designed mine and Annie's too," Johanna added, I can hear her say as I disappeared in to the laundry room. 'Oh, crap,' my mind reeled. I had never intended to let Katniss see my tattoo, ever. Johanna, Annie and I got one months after we were released from 13. It was sort of a bond and vow we took together, a reminder that we survived Snow and the Capitol. They had tortured our minds and our bodies, but they didn't break us. We survived. Our bodies belong to us.

Finding enough clothes in the laundry room, I joined the ladies in the living room. I hopped on one foot to another trying to put on some socks then sat down on the sofa. "What's going on? Isn't our scheduled dinner tomorrow night?" I inquired as I looked to Johanna. I tried not looking at Katniss' direction as I remembered that I wore a towel when she saw me. I hoped that I didn't turn too red from blushing from embarrassment. I was glad that I wore my natural leg and not my metallic one. I couldn't bear her to see me that way.

"Last minute change of plans, Peet," she explained. "Katniss brought dinner and Haymitch will be here in a few minutes." Before I could ask for an explanation, Haymitch and Thom walked into the room.

"Peeta, ladies. I hope that I didn't interrupt any plans you may have made this evening," he said as he sat down and nodded Thom to do the same. Everyone greeted our guest as if they were expecting him.

"Hi, Thom," I greeted him then I turned to Delly. " Is Bron joining us?"

"He has patrol tonight," Delly explained. "It's good to see you, Thom."

"Hey, Delly," Thom said. "I want to thank for the dinner invitation. It's nice to see you again, Johanna." She nodded her head in greeting.

I squinted my eyes. I could tell that something was up. "Okay, can anyone tell me what the hell is going on," I asked.

"Nothing is up, Peeta," Haymitch said. "I mean nothing to serious or life threatening."

"Actually, Peeta. It was my idea to have everyone here this evening to discuss a matter that needs to be addressed," Katniss interrupted. She wrung her hands together. It was a habit I noticed when she was nervous.

"What's going on? All of you are nervous about something and I feel that it has to do something with me," I said. "This is beginning to feel like an intervention or something."

"I swear it isn't, Peeta," Haymitch said. "But there something we need to discuss with you and we thought that we should be here for moral support."

"Okay, now you're all making me nervous and anxious," I cringed to myself. "Will some just tell me what's going on?" I tried not to let my anxiety show in front of them.

"I guess it's best that I should explain why I'm here," Thom said as he paused for a second. "You know that I work at the New Justice building. I handle new business applications and construction permits for District 12. A couple of days ago, someone applied for a new bakery permit." I stiffened at the mention of the bakery.

"I thought that I should give you a heads up. I know that you didn't react well the last time I mentioned it," said Thom as he looked at Haymitch. "But I thought that maybe you would like to give it some thought as to whether you might apply yourself. It would be a shame to have your family business be taken away from you. It wouldn't have to done right away."

"What he means is," Haymitch interrupted. "You don't have to build it right away. You just need to apply for the planning and designing of the bakery. We know that you're not ready…"

"And we didn't want you to lose what is rightfully yours," Delly included.

"We're not pushing you to do anything, Peet," Johanna interjected. "Just think about it. Fast. Because you need to apply soon."

"So you're all here because of the bakery. Someone applied for it to be rebuild." I asked. "Somehow this does feel like an intervention. Why are you all here? I could have discussed this Thom without an audience." I knew they meant well since I've haven't baked anything since Tamryn's birthday day. And that incident was difficult and stressful.

"There a process and procedure that has to be followed," Thom explained. "Anyone can apply for new store to be approved, but actual ownership has to be considered in case someone else is applying for it. We can't have two stores opening up at the same time. It isn't fair. As the town grows then another bakery can be considered."

"You haven't mentioned whether you are interested in going back to baking or reopening your family business," Delly said. "We just want you to be aware of your options. And to think about your future."

"We're here to support you, Peeta," Katniss chimed in. "We'll be behind you with whatever decision you make."

"You guys are really something else," I snickered. "Did you honestly think I was gong to have another meltdown?" I waited for a response and none came. "Yes, I didn't react well the time first time Thom brought it up. The timing wasn't right. It was just too soon." I see a sigh of relief from everyone's faces. Thom smiled. "I'm okay. Don't you think that my immediate problem and concern should be finding my stalker than worrying rebuilding the bakery?"

"You can still think about it though," Johanna mentioned. "Don't put your life on hold because of some guy stalking you. You're doing so well and it's time that you should consider what you want to do about the bakery." The room was silent as they waited for me to speak.

"This is a lot to think about. I don't know what to say," I admitted and sighed to myself.

"I told you he'd be all right," Delly said as she punched Haymitch in the arm. He howled from the punch. "Served you right for making this more than it should be."

"Don't be harsh with Haymitch, Delly," I said. "He meant well."

"So does that mean that your ready to apply for the reconstruction because I can bring the papers here tomorrow," Thom said in an excited tone.

"Now hold on," I chuckled. "I didn't say that. I need a couple of days to make a decision."

"That's all the time you have because once you apply, the town's new council has to approve the application," Thom added. My smile dropped as I realized my chances of rebuilding my family business might be slim. The new council was made up of people unknown to me with the exception of Thom. "Just let me say something to help you decide." He looked to Haymitch and Katniss for a second.

"District 12 is quickly rebuilding itself. There are new stores and things that were not available to us before." he smirked. I remember the day he pointed the new stores in town. "The community is thriving and a stranger is applying for a new bakery. As Delly said the bakery is rightfully yours. Your father's bakery was a staple in the merchant town before the rebellion. Every morning as I walked to school I remember the smell of bread coming from your store. It was a symbol of home to me, what made 12 a happy memory. And, I never forgot your father's generous heart when he provided bread to the families who were reaped. That bakery is your legacy, Peeta. I don't want your legacy to be forgotten or stolen from you. Only one bakery should be build and that should be the Mellark's Bakery.

With the exception of Thom and myself, the girls and Haymitch had tears in their eyes. I looked around me. This was my family now.

"Nice speech, Thom," I smirked. "How long did you work on that?"

"I had a little help," he admitted as his eyes turned to Haymitch.

"I just gave him a few pointers. You should have heard his first speech," Haymitch confessed as his eyes widened. I laughed. It was the first time in weeks that something lifted my spirits.

That night after a hearty meal with everyone, I went to bed feeling light and thinking that I have a chance for a bright future. I look forward to moving on with my new family and prospect.