Peeta P.O.V.
Ever since I held Katniss in my arms that day at the bakery, my life has been perfect. I finally have been able to be friends with the girl that I love. I've comforted her through her tears, elicited giggles from those sweet lips, and held her when she was lonely. I have never felt so complete than when her small frame is molded into my side. I'm finding myself even more captivated with her every day, something that I would have never dreamed of happening. Every smile, every sigh warms my heart and I don't think I could be happier than if I were in heaven, because here and now, I am in my own heaven here on earth. However, if there was one thing that I would change, it is the fact that I wish I could tell Katniss how I felt. Its just that she is so fragile ever since Gale had ripped her heart out. It takes every ounce of self control to keep myself from ripping him apart everytime I see him. He essentially ruined any chances of any other man holding Katniss' heart. In a way, I should be grateful because we probably wouldn't have ever become friends if he hadn't cheated on her. So with the knowledge that I'm the one caring for the girl he broke, I'm able to be civilized when I encounter him. I know that he regrets that day with Delly and that is enough to satisfy my craving of hurting him because he knows as well as I do that a life without Katniss, isn't a life worth living at all.
All of this thinking about Katniss feeds my desire to see her, so I decide to ask my father for the rest of the day off. Once he realizes that I'm going to go see Katniss, he gladly sends me on my way and gives me a reassuring wink. Even though Katniss' mother's rejection of my father still hurts him, I know that he realizes the next best thing is my happiness with Katniss. He is the most selfless man I know and I'm so fortunate to have him as a father. Any thoughts of my fathers dissipate the second I see Katniss open her door. She never fails to take my breath away. Her brown, luscious hair is in its usual braid and swings over her shoulder. She's wearing her ratty green tee and black jeans, both of which mold flawlessly to her thin figure. I save the best part of my examination, her eyes. Those gray beads tell me everything I need to know about my girl. They mirror any emotion that may cross her mind, and completely do me in everytime I look into them. How could I be blessed with someone so perfect in my life?
"Hey Peeta, I was just thinking about you!" She smiles and it takes everything for me not to grab those plump lips and kiss them. She was thinking about me? I wonder what those thoughts included, knowing her though she was probably thinking how she wanted to go hunting couldn't take me with her because I'm so loud.
"Hey Katniss, do you want to go down to the waterfall with me today?" The waterfall was a beautiful place that many people in District 12 didn't know about. My father used to take Katniss' mother there when they were friends and showed me it so I could bring Katniss there when we came to that point. I remember the first day I brought her there as if it were yesterday.
It had taken every ounce of courage I had to make myself bring Katniss to the waterfall. Even though it didn't seem like a big step in our friendship, for myself personally, it was huge. Seeing as my father used to take Katniss' mother here, I was afraid that Katniss and I would follow the paths of our parents. I walk over to Katniss once I spot her in the town square and tell her I want to show her something special. Curiosity immediately takes over her and she can't help but follow me to the spot that my father and I have bonded over for so many years. I bravely place my hand on the small of her back and lead her towards the opposite edge of District 12 , somewhere I know she has never been. I can feel her relax against my touch, something that makes my heart pound even harder than it had before.
When we finally get to the waterfall, Katniss gasps and takes off in a sprint. I laugh and go follow her. Without even thinking she strips down to her undergarments and jumps in the water. I take in a short breath, that is not something I was expecting. I catch myself wanting to glance at the playful Katniss, but decide to be a gentleman and look the other way. "Peeta, are you coming in or not?" She splashes me and leaves me no choice.
"Katniss, I'm trying to be a gentleman right now, which is kind of hard to do when you're taking off your clothes." I allow myself one glance at her, and I'm rewarded with another round of water, some which lands right in my eyes. I suppose that is what I get for letting my eyes wander along Katniss' figure.
"My God you are such a prude. Get in here!" She giggles and pulls me into the water, clothes and all. Once I finally break surface of the water, I grab Katniss and pull her towards me. She squeals as I pick her up over my shoulder and throw her back in the water. We continue to play like this for at least an hour, and throughout the whole time we get gradually closer and closer to the waterfall itself. Finally, Katniss and I are standing right under the waterfall. I can barely see her through all of the water, but I can definitely feel her. Her soft arms are wrapped around me and I can feel her laughter shake my entire body. I've always thought that this place was special, but now it has a whole new meaning to me. I can't think of a more perfect place to tell her how I feel, but for some reason, I can't muster up the confidence to tell her. So for right now, I'm completely content with holding her in my arms.
As I think about the memory, I look over at Katniss and she seems lost in thought. I wonder what she's thinking about.
Katniss P.O.V.
When Peeta asked me to the waterfall, a whole array of emotions ran through me. I couldn't help but think of the last time we went to the waterfall alone.
There is a stream that my father and I used to play in when I was younger. He taught me how to swim there and we'd occasionally fish. It was such a special place to me and I thought that it was the only water source not occupied by the capitol in District 12. However, when Peeta led me here, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen in my whole entire life. I didn't even think about my next actions, all I cared was being in the water as soon as I could. It wasn't until I saw Peeta standing there awkwardly trying not to look my way that I realized that I had stripped down to just my undergarments. Oh good heavens, this boy is such a prude. "Peeta are you coming in or not?" I can't help the giggle that escapes me. "Katniss, I'm trying to be a gentleman right now, which is kind of hard to do when you're taking off your clothes." Is he being serious? I love the way he blushes the second he glances my way. If it were Gale he would have jumped right in. Peeta is such an amazing guy and any girl would be lucky to have him. Could he be mine if I ever decided that I was ready for that type of commitment? I quickly brush those thoughts aside and pull him into the water, clothes and all. His soaked clothes cling to his body just right, I can't help but stare. He is so beautiful. I see him slowly start creeping towards me and before I can move, he slings me over his shoulder and throws me into the water. I haven't felt this carefree in a while. After an hour or so, we find ourselves under the waterfall. I can't see where I'm going, so I place my hands on his chest. I'm surprised to feel the hard, chiseled body under my hands. I find myself pulling him closer and closer, my longing to see his lips growing more and more. Peeta takes in a deep breath and I expect him to say something, but instead he just sighs and holds me in his arms. I decide not to say anything either and just enjoy this moment with him.
Peeta grabs me before I even have a chance to answer him. I can't help but take off in a sprint with him to our oasis. With the reaping being tomorrow, there isn't much time to relax, so I will take anything that I can get. I look down at our entwined hands and can't help the smile that spreads across my face. I'm slowly starting to realize how much this boy means to me. He's been the only one who can even come close to chipping down the wall I put up after Gale broke my heart, something that thrills me yet terrifies me at the same time. We arrive at the waterfall and immediately jump in the water. Peeta picks me up and puts me on his shoulders in order to grab the old oak tree hanging over the water. I scurry up the tree and cannonball right next to him. His laughter causes the water we're in to quake, making me laugh as well. He dips under the water and cradles me in one swift move. I lay my head on his muscular and just listen to his heart beat. As long as I know that that heart beats loud and strong, I will be content with life.
Peeta locks his beautiful blue eyes unto mine. "Katniss," he whispers into my forehead.
"Yes?" I reply back just as breathless.
"With the reaping tomorrow there is something I want to talk to you about." There is something about the urgency of his statement that causes me to not even want to listen to him.
"Peeta," I interrupt him before he can say anything else, "let's just enjoy this moment and each other's company. I'm sure whatever you have to say can wait." I really don't want to talk about feelings or friendships. There is no point in any type of conversation geared towards such sensitive topics. Peeta and I are friends, I can't and won't let myself act upon these growing feelings inside of me.
Relentlessly, Peeta gives up and grants me my request, we spend the rest of the day enjoying ourselves, leaving any thoughts of the reaping until tomorrow.
A/N: I know Katniss seems to be having whiplash when it comes to Peeta and her feelings. I feel that she is so set on never loving again after Gale, that it is natural for her to try and fight any type of desire that she feels for Peeta. As always please review, I told myself I wouldn't beg for any, but with as many people that view and favorite this story, it would be nice to hear any comments on what you all think of my writing. Thanks for reading and I'll update soon! The next chapter is where everything turns!