To all my readers... Thank you so very much. You. Rock. My. World.

And a double thanks to HGRomance whose "Intermission" chapter of 'Rebel' inspired this chapter, but also for taking a look at this chapter and helping me to *FINALLY* get it to a place that I am happy with.

Speaking of 'Rebel'... If you are like one of the 5 people who haven't read it, please for the love of God stop what you are doing and go read it...like right now...then...umm...umm...please come back and read my chapter... Thanks! ;)

Please let me know what you think... Enjoy!

1770

Dear Katniss,

I am writing this letter while sitting in a tavern in New York City. This place is much bigger than Boston. A good portion of the population stays loyal to the crown, but you can see the cracks in their resolve from miles away. People have become weary since the the incident on Golden Hill, though they don't have as much fire in them as those of us from Massachusetts. It will be interesting to see where they stand in the end.

I made my first appearance just a few weeks ago. It was a public meeting of the Sons of Liberty; non-members were allowed to attend. I was so nervous that I shook like a leaf. I got through it by imagining I was speaking to Prim. How could anyone be nervous speaking to her?

I am staying as a guest at the home of Alexander McDougall. He is a privateer here in New York, and a member of the Sons of Liberty. He also happens to be in jail, accused of libel that is thought to have caused the Battle of Golden Hill.

A group of rather intoxicated gentlemen have begun serenading the tavern, but they have nothing on you. I miss the sound of your voice.

Please tell me of home. How is your mother, Prim and Gale? How are you? I do hope you are well.

Affectionately,

Peeta

Dear Peeta,

We are all very well, thank you for asking. Prim and Mother send their love. My mother wants to make sure you are eating right and that you are getting enough sleep. Gale is living up to his new position. It has given him the courage to at least say more than two words to Miss Undersee. Her father, from what I hear, is also a member of the Sons of Liberty. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.

You will be happy to hear that Rue had a beautiful baby girl, who I swear was born smiling. She named her Pearl. It was the first birth I had ever witnessed, and believe me when I say it will be my last. Thank goodness I do not plan on having children, the whole process is absolutely barbaric. I have been staying with Rue most days during the week, which I love. Her child is so precious, and I treasure the time I am able to spend with Rue.

I am so thrilled that you are well, we miss you around here.

I miss you.

Tell me something about yourself that I do not yet know. What is your favorite color? Please satisfy my curiosity with a quick reply.

Please stay safe,

Katniss

Dear Katniss,

My favorite color is sunset orange if you must know. Is there anything else you would like to know? I would be happy to answer it. I am going to take a stab in the dark and guess that your favorite color is green. I surmise this because of the way I see you staring longingly at the green leaves on the trees you had me sketch so many times. Am I correct?

I am so happy that Rue had her baby, and that they are both doing well. I will be sending along something for mother and daughter. If you don't mind getting it to them I would greatly appreciate it. Speaking of babies, why are you so opposed to having children? Time to feed my curiosity Miss Everdeen.

I am headed to Pennsylvania in the morning, and am not sure when I can write again, but just give any response to the courier and he will see that I get it. His name is Mark. He is one of Haymitch's men and I have been assured that our letters will be safe. Please keep writing. It makes being away less lonely. Please let your mother know that I am taking care of myself.

Affectionately,

Peeta

Dear Peeta,

Yes my favorite color is green. You are much too observant. That kind of observance can leave a girl feeling vulnerable to wondering what else she has given away with seemingly innocent acts.

As for your question of children, that is easily explained. I wish to never get married, therefore children are not in my cards. Plus what kind of mother would I be? I am simply disagreeable on my best days, and fiercely stubborn on my worst. I don't know if I have the compassion needed to nurture babes. By the way, Rue loved the blanket you sent. It was absolutely divine. You are a good man.

Tell me of Pennsylvania, tell me everything, tell me how you are doing. I miss you so much that, at times, I find I can't sleep. I so very much hope you are well.

Every time I see a sunset I think of you.

Please stay safe,

Katniss

Dear Katniss,

One day you are going to meet a man who is going to change your stance on marriage, mark my words, and he will be the luckiest man alive.

As for your aversion to motherhood and your thoughts on your own maternal instincts, I must respectfully disagree with you. Yes, you are more stubborn than any woman I know, but I find it extremely endearing. Also, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you, Miss Everdeen, love more intensely than anyone I have ever met. You are a strong and capable young woman who cares deeply for her family. I see the way you dote on Prim and watch out for Gale. I saw the way you held Rue that night, putting aside your own sorrow to absorb hers. I see the way you admire your mother, a mother who you are so much like. I can just picture you with little Pearl, and I smile. You are going to be an amazing mother. I simply hope you one day let in a young man who will prove me right.

Pennsylvania is a lovely place. It is beautiful and rich with foliage. You would love it here.

I have met a great many people; a few of them are Quakers. You would enjoy their company immensely. They are very much advanced in their way of thinking. They believe women and people of color are no different than the stuffy old man who likes to think himself superior. They stay true to their beliefs while maintaining a kindness I have seen in too few.

Most of the colonists here are against the king's tyranny and are not opposed to war. The more and more I speak to these people, the more I begin to believe that war is inevitable. I just fear our inability to defend ourselves properly against the greatest army in the world, but this does not seem to dampen these people's fire. I admire their confidence.

I wish I wasn't such a coward.

I will admit that I am not saddened to know that you are thinking of me, but I would never wish to disrupt your sleep; you are much too disagreeable without it. However, I know what you mean, everything reminds me of you.

I eagerly await your next letter.

Affectionately,

Peeta

Dear Peeta,

You have sold me on Pennsylvania. The sketches you sent are enticing, please send more. I am resolved to move there and become a Quaker. It sounds like the perfect place for me. Would there be a chance I could see you if I do?

Do you have any idea how long you will be away? I think about you every time I go hunting. Sometimes the quiet is too much and I yearn for someone to stomp on a twig.

In response to your last letter; first of all you are no coward. You are one of the bravest men I know. And secondly what if I have already found that person, but that stubbornness you find so endearing is getting in the way?

I miss you.

Stay safe,

Katniss

1771

Dear Katniss,

I am incredibly sorry this letter has taken so long. Between engagements, meetings, traveling and Haymitch I barely have a moment to myself. I wake up at dawn and normally don't find my bed again until late into the night. Please forgive me.

I think of you as I fall asleep, and you are the first thought I have when I wake up. Sometimes I find myself looking at sketches of you or re-reading your letters just to keep myself sane. Sometimes that isn't enough and I often ache to smell the sunshine in your hair.

I am in Maryland now. They are opening a theater soon in Annapolis. The building is made completely of brick. I am told it is the first of its kind in the colonies. Maybe one day we can see a show together here.

They have begun having me write speeches not just for myself, but others as well. I wrote most of a speech for a man by the name of Thomas Johnson who is a strong voice in our cause here in Maryland. It was an honor.

I was hoping to be able to come home soon, but alas it appears I am going to be continuing my trek south. I can see that I am doing good work out here, but it doesn't mean that I do not long for home, especially one specific aspect.

I hope you forgive me enough to write to me again. Your letters are all I have and I cherish every single one of them. I have enclosed some sketches of the harbor in Baltimore.

Affectionately,

Peeta

Dear Peeta,

I am still a little mad at you, but ultimately I am relieved that you are alright. All that time without word was almost too much to bare. I was not sure if you were sick or hurt, so when I received your letter you can imagine the relief for not just myself, but Prim, Mother and Gale. I never show them your letters though, I guess I want you all to myself. Mother is the only one who does not seem curious as to the letter's contents. She cares about you a great deal, and I believe that she wishes me to marry you someday.

Gale wanted me to say, "Hello Pretty Boy," and asked how the women were once out of New England. The bruise on his arm is still quite purple.

Gale has become close to Mr. Undersee, and has officially asked to court his daughter. Mr. Undersee agreed and Gale has his first date with Margaret a week from Saturday. This occupation could in fact be the best thing that ever happened to Gale.

I have to say that I am jealous of your ability to draw. I wish I had your talent and had utilized it to create a picture of you, to admire anytime I was feeling lonely. Sadly I do not possess your talent and because of that I will have to settle for the pictures in my mind, but answer me this, are your eyes still the same blue as a crisp and clear October sky? Is your gold hair still unruly, yet soft and smooth like silk? Do you still bite the right side of your upper lip when you are deep in thought? Do you still smell of cinnamon? Are we the couple in your sketch overlooking the harbor?

The night after your letter arrived I dreamed of you, but I have decided that I will not divulge to you what the dream was about, ensuring a quickness in your next letter.

Stay safe,

Katniss

Dear Katniss,

I am beyond joyful that you continue to write me, and that your mother thinks so highly of me. I agree with her assessment, and I think you should marry me one day. Hell, come to me right now and I'll make you my wife. At least then I could keep you with me.

I am so glad that you punched Gale, and please let him know that I have yet to see a woman more lovely, more fair than the beautiful and fiery Miss Katniss Everdeen.

I'll have you know my darling Katniss that my hair is so much more unruly than it was when I left. When Haymitch is around he accuses me of being a street beggar. I try to stuff the pile of chaotic curls and waves into the my tri corner, I am only successful part of the time.

Tomorrow we leave for Virginia, and I am not sure when I will be able to write again, but I will as soon as I can. I am eager to read your next letter however. I don't know how adept I am at self portraits, but I have enclosed one that I attempted a few mornings ago. And yes, to answer your question, it is us overlooking the harbor.

Please sweet Katniss tell me of your dream.

Yours,

Peeta

Dear Peeta,

Sir, your proposal was crude at best. I may not believe in marriage, but I am still a lady, and deserve better than that. Besides, I would never get married anywhere besides Massachusetts Bay. You will be wise to remember that in the future Mr. Mellark before you embark on anymore ill-conceived proposals of marriage.

I will tell you my dream only because of the brilliant portrait you sent, but you must promise not to think less of me. I cannot help what images appear in my head whilst I sleep.

It began with me lying in my bed. My room felt uncomfortably warm, but I still had my blankets pulled up to my chin. Suddenly, my door opened and you walked in. You had quite the cocky look on your face. I turned to where Prim usually sleeps, afraid you might have woken her, but she was gone, and we were alone.

I whispered your name, questioning if you were truly there in front of me. You just smiled as you approached the bed. When your legs came to the foot of the bed you stopped and I watched you lick your lips. The action made me breathless. You leaned over and grabbed the blankets and slowly pulled them down. As the blanket ebbed away revealing more and more of my body, I realized that I was naked. Gloriously naked! The way you stared at me, almost reverently, took away any notion of shyness on my part.

Once the blanket had been completely withdrawn, you kneeled in front of the foot of the bed. You took hold of my calves, and pulled my whole body down the length of the bed so my bottom rested at the very edge. You smiled at me, your eyes had grown darker, almost like the sea at night. You lowered your mouth to the apex of my thighs and tasted my already swollen center. I screamed your name to no avail, as you sucked on me to completion. I awoke shuddering, my body covered in sweat. And then my fingers slipped under the blankets to feel the proof of my arousal. When I finally fell back asleep, it was the most peaceful slumber I have ever experienced.

Stay safe,

Katniss

My Dearest Katniss,

It is my opinion that you read entirely too much, but thank Christ that you do. I think I have reread your letter at least a hundred times since receiving it. I am convinced you have sent me such a story for the sheer sake of torturing me.

Between your dream and the memory of the kiss we shared after leaving Rue, I am wound so tight that I am mere moments shy of completely breaking. I wish I could kiss you like that once more. Sometimes I can still taste you on my lips and smell you in my clothes. I can't stop thinking about the way we fit together so smoothly, and how your soft supple lips mold my mouth into what you want it to be. The intensity I feel towards you is enough to set the world on fire. If you were in front of me now I would not waste time before taking you. Claiming you with my mouth as I had in your dream, and much much more, because my sweet Katniss, I dream of you too.

Yours,

Peeta

Dearest Peeta,

Now that I have a better understanding of what goes in it your male mind, would you mind telling me how Virginia is? Tell me of the sights and the people. Draw it for me. It makes no sense for you to travel at all if I am not able to live vicariously through you. If it pleases you more, you can simply come home now, to me.

Please tell me of your travels, but I also want to hear of your dreams as well. I have touched myself several times to your last letter.

Yours,

Katniss

Dearest Katniss,

I am so sorry for my last letter. You are right, I should have been more thorough in my explanation of where I am, but the effect you have on me can be daunting.

Virginia is beautiful. It is lush like Pennsylvania, and I do not doubt that you would love it here as well, but everyone is much more refined, much more proud. I met a man named Richard Henry Lee. His family is of the first families to settle here in Virginia. He is proud of his colony, as are all Virginians. However, he is the first man I have spoken to who has suggested an actual secession from England. I know that this opinion is shared amongst a lot of Bostonians, but to hear it outside Massachusetts Bay is incredible.

Most, of course, believe we are not ready or equipped to take on such a feat. During a speech I was making a few days ago, a group of loyalists came upon us. They accused me of perpetuating violence. I was told that if a war did come the blood spilled would be on my hands.

I came home from that speaking engagement so disturbed about what a few men had said, that I could barely find sleep, but when I did I dreamed of you.

We walked through the woods. Somewhat similar to those around Bunker Hill, but a strange glow illuminated our surroundings. I held your hand in mine. You were clad in nothing but a white cloth that wrapped and flowed around the curves of your body. Over your shoulder hung a quiver of arrows and in your free hand a bow.

Suddenly, and without reason, you let go of me and began to run deeper and deeper into the trees. I chased you down, finding you leaning against a mighty oak. You beckoned me with your slender fingers. When I approached you, I was wrapped into your arms. Our mouths met, heated and needy. Your hands fisted into my hair, while mine explored your body.

The cloth you wore fell a bit revealing your sun kissed breasts. My hands palmed them, pushing and kneading their soft flesh. You whimpered into my mouth, and bit my bottom lip with such force, that I woke up to the taste of iron on my tongue.

But enough of me. Will you tell me of yourself? Tell me what you are doing, what makes you smile. I miss your smile. I miss your scowl. I miss the incredulous look you give me when I manage to say the most idiotic thing possible. I just wish I could be done with this. I wish I could come home. I wish I could see you, kiss you, touch the same places on your body that you've explored, hear you say my name. I have worn myself out thinking of you. At the end of your last letter you signed it "Yours". Why do you tease me so? You belong to no one. As much as I wish you were mine, your spirit is too wild to be tamed by me, but I will always be yours. Be well, sweet Katniss. Let your family know I am thinking of them, just not in the way I am thinking of you.

Yours,

Peeta

My Dearest Peeta,

You received a telegram which I am sending with this letter. You should know that both Prim and I were more than curious as to what it says, but it was left untouched for your eyes alone. That does not imply that I would not like to know its contents when you finally do read it.

You asked what I was doing. Mostly, I am helping Rue with Pearl, when not admiring the newest sketches you have sent. She is growing so fast, she can already walk albeit with a wobbly gait. You would love her Peeta, she just exudes life. Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed with emotion that she will never meet her father, but she is loved no less.

You asked what makes me happy. Well, Prim always makes me happy. She is so kind and generous without a single thought left for herself. I wish I were more like her.

Gale makes me happy. He is finally becoming his own man. For so long I felt like he was simply floundering, a fish out of water. Now he has purpose. Him and Margaret have seen quite a bit of each other. Their relationship is blossoming. She has been over to our house a few times and she is absolutely lovely. She is shy, but frightfully smart, and most importantly madly in love with Gale. I cannot imagine it will be long before they are married.

My mother makes me happy. She is so brave and strong, and sometimes I cannot figure out how she does it. Gale and I were not the most well behaved children. I am positive that Prim was God's way of blessing my mother for her patience with us. She has been receiving more clientele at the apothecary thanks to Mr. Abernathy who apparently, when not with you, has been sending business my mother's way. I walked in on them having a very serious conversation. Both of their eyes were red and swollen when he finally kissed her hand and left. As Mr. Abernathy walked passed me, he stopped composed himself quickly and said, and I quote, "Get a few drinks in the boy and he doesn't shut up about you." He then tipped his hat and walked away.

When I asked my mother of their conversation, she told me that she and his wife Maylisee were very good friends. Maylisee married Mr. Abernathy and was completely smitten by him, but he was too busy with his career, and though he did love her, he did not give her the attention she deserved, according to Mother. When Maylisee's pregnancy went poorly it was my mother who was with her most of the time, since Mr. Abernathy was always away on business. He came home just in time to watch her die. My mother was very angry with him, and hadn't spoken with him from the day Maylisee died until that day on the steps of the jail.

She told me that he is a broken man because of it, that he took up drinking after she died, and that his nightmares keep him awake most of the night. My mother said she forgave him because he won't forgive himself. That forgiveness that she can give makes me happy.

And your letters and sketches make me happy, while at the same time making me incredibly sad. I miss you so much, and if I am honest with myself I have fallen completely in love with you. I don't know how you feel, and I am not pressuring you to tell me, but I needed to say it especially after hearing Mr. Abernathy's story. He loved her, but never really let her know.

I don't know when we will see each other again, and that is fine. As long as your letters keep coming I can make it without you. Please stay safe my darling. I don't think I could handle it if anything happened to you. I worried when I heard of the loyalists from Virginia. It was shameful of them to blame you for the king's mistakes. He is the reason we are at the precipice war. You are the man making sure that when the inevitable rebellion begins that we are prepared and educated. You are an amazing and selfless man. I am so lucky to know you.

With love,

Katniss

1772

My Dearest Katniss,

I don't know where to begin, so I guess I shall start simple. The telegram was from my dear friends Finnick and Annie. It was announcing the birth of their son, Sebastian. I am so happy for them, they are wonderful people and I know they will make amazing parents.

I am thrilled that everyone is doing so well. I am happy that Pearl is doing so well, and hope to meet her sooner rather than later. The last time I spoke with Haymitch, he said I may be able to head back to Boston after visiting Georgia, which I will be doing in about a month.

It is great to hear of Gale and Miss Undersee. The fact that she feels the same way as him is a relief. Gale deserves the girl of his dreams. He is a good man.

The history with your mother and Haymitch is quite intriguing and very heartbreaking. He doesn't talk much about his private life, but in my defense when you get a few drinks in him he gets the giggles. It is absolutely hysterical to watch a grown man giggle into his rum.

North Carolina is quite dull, or maybe I am just sick of traveling now. The people are very friendly. The deep South has a way about it, very genteel. Here, like most colonies, there are still pockets of support for England. However, yet again, I am hearing less and less about how to deal with occupation and instead hearing murmurs of independence.

To the rest of your correspondence. Your letters have become food for my soul, they are the only thing that keeps me going every day. However, I am deeply saddened that you would even have to questions my feelings for you. I had thought I had made myself clear, but I was wrong because I never told you, never said those words that you deserve to hear every day for the rest of your life. If I am also being honest I fell hard the minute you came out of your room dressed like a boy. You knocked the wind from my lungs and I don't think I have breathed right since, but it wasn't until this goddamn distance between us, which kills me a little every day, that I truly realized the truth. That truth is that I love you Katniss. I love you, I love you, I love you. The moment you were in my arms I knew I would never want to hold another. The moment your lips were on mine I knew that I never wanted to feel anyone's lips but yours ever again.

My mind and heart are at war. My heart tells me that the growing distance between us is killing me just a little bit more at every mile, while my mind tries to tell me that every day forward is a day closer to seeing your beautiful face. You asked me to remember you, but I couldn't forget you if I tried. So, my love, let this be a comfort to you until we see each other again, that I feel the same way you do.

Yours,

Peeta

My Darling Peeta,

You say those words now, but I have heard rumor of the astounding beauty of women from Georgia. I am assuming you are in fact there as you read this letter. Do you look at them? If you were ever to find a woman you prefer over me I would understand.

That said, I do hope Mr. Abernathy was not teasing and you get to come home for awhile very soon. My heart carries a constant ache and I want you to ease its pain.

Please come home soon Peeta.

With Love,

Katniss

April 21, 1772

My Dearest Katniss,

Of course I look at the woman around me, but only so I can see that they are not you, could never compare to you, could never fill the emptiness I feel. An emptiness caused by my distance from you.

I do however have four words to say to you. I am coming home. We leave here in a fortnight, and I will be heading towards you as fast as my horse can carry me. When I think of seeing you again, oh my. Until then.

Yours always,

Peeta

Who sees a steamy Everlark reunion in these guys future... I do I do!

Fun Fact: And completely unrelated to the American Rev. I had a song stuck in my head while writing this...

Pepper by Butthole Surfers (circa 1996)... I realized at some point that some of the people reading this may have been born in 1996...total Mind F-

Well no matter how old you are I hope you enjoyed! Thanks so much for reading! :)

***It keeps giving me trouble with saving the separation lines...Sorry if it makes it hard to read if any are missing...