Chapter 10

After that, I came by Katniss's house everyday. I bring her cheese buns, because I've learned they are her favorite. She also convinces me to help her work on her family book.

Someone on Iris's side of the family started it. The book is filled with drawings of plants, and then it gives the description of their medical uses. Katniss's father added a section about edible plants. I'm beginning to think plants are an important part in Katniss's family, so much that everyone is named after plants.

Kantiss wanted to add her own section. Based off the knowledge she gained by herself, and what she has leaned training for the Games. I find out why she needs my help, to draw the pictures, because she can't draw very well. Instead she explains the plants, and has me draw them on seperate pieces of paper until I get them right.

While I draw, I think about the future. I no longer think it's impossible for me to be with Katniss, but it's just as possible that she could choose to be with Gale, or even someone else. I'd like to know where Katniss sees herself in a few years.

I look up from the drawing. "What do you want to do when your older?" I ask.

Katniss looks confused. "What do you mean? Like a job, or what?" she says.

"I see myself married with kids." I say.

"Really? With who?" she says.

I look away from her. "I think you know." I look back up at Katniss, who is sitting there awkwardly. "It probably won't happen."

"Probably not." she agrees.

I look back down. Katniss lets out a frustrated sigh. "There's nothing wrong with you, Peeta. I just don't want to get married or have kids," she says.

I sniff. "Why?" I ask. Katniss stands up and leaves the room. "Great," I mutter. Now we may not even be friends. Katniss comes back in, holding something. She sits down next to me and hands it to me. It's a picture, of Iris and a man, who also looks just like Katniss. I think it's her dad. I look up at Katniss.

"I don't want to end up like my mother." she says. "After my dad died, she was never the same. She would lay in her bed, and wouldn't get up. Not even when Prim would beg. She didn't take care of us." says Katniss. "I just don't want to end up like that," she says.

Then we continue working on the book. I wanted to tell Katniss that she wouldn't end up like her mother, but she looks like she'd done talking.

Another day, I catch Katniss staring at me. I would have thought she was looking at something else, if Katniss hadn't looked away, and her cheeks hadn't turned red.

"You know, I think this is the first time we've ever done anything normal together," I say.

"Yeah," says Katniss.

Each afternoon I carry Katniss downstairs and she turns on the TV. And we do the same thing every single day.