Chapter 10

Friday

By Friday morning my body clock seems to have gotten in sync with Peeta's and we rise at the same time. Today is jammed packed with a garden brunch, the rehearsal dinner and "fun" quiz in the evening. The only bright spark being that this is the final day of pre-wedding activities and that this whole circus will be over soon. But as I watch Peeta rise shirtless off the bed I get an unexpected bout of sadness at the thought of going back to my normal life without him.

Once we are both showered and dressed, Peeta grabs his sketch book and looks at me challengingly.

"I'm teaching you how to draw today," he announces with a grin.

I roll my eyes.

"If I remember rightly, you pissed yourself laughing at my attempts of drawing a picture of my family cat for Prim's birthday when we were in middle school. I believe your exact words were that a monkey had more talent," I reply.

Peeta smiles at the memory.

"Ah but that was before you had any of my expert tutelage. Didn't I tell you the zoo hired me to train their monkeys? I believe one is very successful in Japan," he says teasingly.

"Don't make fun of me. I could kill you with a bow and arrow. What are you going to do? Draw me to death?"

"Of course. Painting, the final defence to dying."

I shake my head at him as he gives me a puppy dog look. His blue eyes shine and, for whatever reason, I can tell he really wants to do this with me. I nod my head reluctantly in agreement and the massive grin that appears on his face instantly makes my heart flutter with excitiment.

He bounds down the stairs excitedly, desperate to share his wisdom with me. His enthusiasm is infectious and I can't help but look forward to actually spending the morning with him.

Peeta seems to have already picked the perfect place for sketching. He drags me to the corner of the woods and plonks down on an old fallen log. He pats the spot next to him and hands me a pad and pencil as I sit down. We sit with our backs to the woods and look out over the preened grounds and house.

I instantly know why he chose this spot. The grand house is just to the left with the fantastic rose garden taking centre place. The image is framed on the right by the looping tree line of the forest. The contrast of the man made structure, the slightly preened roses and the wilderness of the forest creates a striking image. I stare in awe at his ability to find the most beautiful landscapes. Peeta catches me staring and grins.

"Okay. We'll start with the house. It's just a lot of straight lines," Peeta begins.

I draw my eyes from the view and sigh as I look down at the pad. The blank page is intimidating. Where do I even begin? Peeta shows me where to start drawing and I finally commit pencil to paper.

Peeta is patient with me as he shows me where to put pencil marks and to include shading. There is a lot of erasing of lines and in normal circumstances I would have got frustrated and given up, but with Peeta's steady presence beside me and encouraging remarks, I just relax and let myself enjoy the fact I am sketching with him.

Even with his guidance I know the picture is bad. The roses are just a bunch of squiggles and the house is horribly out of proportion. I put my pencil down to look at the finished product but as soon as I catch sight of Peeta's amused look we both burst out laughing.

"Well it's an improvement on the portrait of Buttercup," he laughs. I elbow him in the ribs. Peeta clutches his side in mock pain.

"At least this time you can tell it is a house!" I declare.

Peeta flashes me another grin.

"You are right. Add a splash of colour and you could pass it off as abstract art," he replies.

"Well that monkey is doing well in Japan…" I say.

Peeta shakes his head before flipping the cover of his own sketch pad down and standing up. He offers me a hand to help me get up and I take it eagerly.

"We'll just leave me to be the creative one in our relationship while you go out and kill things," he says as he pulls me up.

My heart flutters at the words "our relationship".

I interlock our fingers together as we make our way back to the house to prepare for the brunch that will start shortly.

The entire back decking of the mansion has been set aside for the brunch this afternoon. Round tables with freshly pressed, baby pink tablecloths cover the decking. A small forest of lilies surrounds the decking and everyone has a bronze cutting of a lily as their name card. To top it all off there is a long buffet filled with a variety of fancy brunch cuisine. There are rose flavoured pancakes and bacon smothered in maple syrup. My eyes bug as I pile my plate high with as much food as I can.

Peeta watches me and shakes his head.

"You would think the world is going to end tomorrow the way you scoff down food," he says.

"Anything is possible at Glimmer's wedding," I say with a shrug of my shoulders as I pick up a delicious looking danish pastry.

Peeta grins as he finishes topping up his own plate with bacon. Deciding I finally have enough to satisfy my appetite I turn and place my free arm around Peeta's waist as we make our way to our seats. Our fingers brush slightly as we pull apart and a shiver goes up my spine. I peek a look at Peeta, but he seems unaffected by the brief contact as he launches into conversation with Plutarch Heavensbee. I ignore the feeling and instead tuck into my mountain of food.

Plutarch and Peeta engage in deep conversation about Peeta's paintings and my ears perk up when I hear Plutarch's interest. I had almost forgotten how enthusiastic Plutarch had seemed about Peeta's paintings at the cocktail reception. However it seems Peeta has not and, by the sounds of it, has been talking regularly with Plutarch about his art throughout the week.

"Those sketches you drew me were remarkable!" Plutarch declares. "I know they were only supposed to be rough drawings but the detail was incredible. I would happily hang those sketches in my bathroom!"

"They are only some of my ideas. Obviously I would want to commit the paintings on a much larger scale and full of colour. From what you describe of your office it sounds like my paintings would be in stark contrast to the rest of the room and that would make them more striking," Peeta replies earnestly.

"My boy, you don't need to say anything more to convince me. I can't think of anyone better to adorn my walls. I would be delighted if you could commission 4 paintings for me," Plutarch replies.

I can't help but smile at the big, genuine grin that appears on Peeta's face. He is always so attractive when he smiles. He smile is so big, almost reaches up to his ears, and his eyes sparkle like precious gems.

"I would be delighted too!" Peeta replies enthusiastically.

Plutarch gives him a warm smile.

"I'll get my secretary to arrange a meeting for Monday. We can talk numbers then," he replies.

Peeta nods his head eagerly and their conversation winds down to a natural close.

As Peeta turns back to me I squeeze his hand in congratulations. I don't want to hide my genuine pride that he has managed to pull this deal off. Peeta's grin seems to get impossibly wide.

"That's such good news! Now I don't feel so bad for dragging you to this wedding," I say genuinely pleased for him.

Peeta exhales.

"I was getting worried Katniss. Interest in my paintings had seriously dwindled. I was almost coming to terms with the fact that I was going to have to work in the bakery on a more permanent basis. I never thought I would say this, but thank you for bringing me here. I'll finally be able to get back on my feet again!" he replies happily.

His last comment catches me off guard slightly. He's right. With the money from Plutarch he will be able to stop working at the bakery and save enough money to move out. He will leave.

My disappointment at this fact hits me hard. I have gotten used to him being around, making me baked treats and just being there to talk to when I get home. It will be strange not having him around. I can't deny it. I will miss him.

I give him a small smile trying to hide my disappointment. This is good news for him. I should celebrate with him.

I quickly push my feelings aside and join in with the rest of the conversation at the table. Peeta is, of course, leading the conversation with his self-depreciating jokes and amusing anecdotes. At one point Plutarch is laughing so hard, orange juice squirts out his nose. I smile along with them and I move in closer to Peeta as the conversation goes on.

By the time the plates have cleared I am practically sitting on his lap with my head on his shoulder. He has a protective arm round my waist and has been rubbing soothing circles on my back for the last ten minutes. I pretend that I don't know what has made me to become so comfortable with these intimate gestures. However, somewhere deep inside of me, I know it has a lot to do with the man beside me. But I'm not ready to question what that means so instead I just quash any of those thoughts and enjoy the warm feeling that occurs whenever he is near.

As the brunch is winding down Dad comes over and takes a seat in the empty chair that Plutarch has just vacated. He smiles at the sight of Peeta and I snuggled together.

"I had been looking forward to spending time with my daughter at this wedding. Katniss, Haymitch and I are normally the naughty school children that hide out back drinking the hard stuff and making fun of all the other guests. But I see that all her time has been taken up by you Peeta!" Dad announces with a grin.

Peeta pretends to look ashamed and pushes me off him and towards my dad.

"I'm so sorry Heath. From now on she is all yours," Peeta replies jokingly.

Dad chuckles.

"Don't worry Peeta. You can keep her!" Dad laughs. "I enjoy seeing my daughter so happy. I have to thank any man that can put such a big smile on my daughter's face."

My Dad is serious now. He is genuinely happy for me. He believes I have found someone I love and who loves me back. He thinks I have found my happily ever after. I feel a little ashamed that I have been able to fool my family so easily. I don't think I will ever be able to admit to them that it is an act.

Peeta responds by pulling me closer and turning to look in my eyes. He brushes a strand of hair off my face and his hand trails down my cheek, then neck before his finger tips lightly brush my exposed collar bone. He blues eyes stare down at me with a serious intensity that makes the hairs on the end of my arms stand on end.

"I would do anything to make her happy. I would rather die than hurt her," he replies with such sincerity that I almost believe him.

My grey eyes fix onto his and, without thought, I reach up to cup his cheek to lock him in place. We smile softly back at each other, both of us perfectly content.

I am broken out of my trance by the sound of Dad clearing his throat.

"I'm glad to hear it. I am really happy for you both. And don't be afraid about making me a grandfather sometime soon. I want to be the cool young granddad that takes my grandchildren out camping and hunting," My dad jokes.

I blush at his comment while Peeta laughs and gives my waist a squeeze.

"You'll be waiting a while Dad," I say. "Remember how successfully I looked after that goldfish? If I can't even keep a goldfish alive for a week, what am I going to do with a baby?" I say trying to joke the comment off.

"Don't worry," Peeta chimes in. "I aced the flour baby project we did in high school!"

Dad lets out a hearty laugh before he and Peeta begin talking about how unrealistic that project is.

I try to join in but my mind drifts off to an image of Peeta playing with a small blonde haired, blue eye child who looks just like him. I already know Peeta will make a great Dad. He is so patient and caring. I remember in high school he taught pre-schoolers how to finger paint and draw. He would get right down with them and come out messier than any of kids. I bet his child would be creative and caring just like him, always covered in chalk and paint. And it would be the most charming child ever. Everyone would fawn over the adorable and sweet little person and the child would have Peeta twisted round their little finger. I know Peeta would give his child the moon if they asked. I suddenly become desperate for Peeta to have that.

I shake my head to rid these thoughts. I don't know what has come over me today. I don't know why I am thinking about Peeta's child or why I feel so disappointed about him leaving my apartment. These things shouldn't concern me.

By the time the brunch has ended there is not much time before we have to attend the rehearsal dinner. I'm not that concerned about the dinner itself. Peeta and I have got pretty good at handling these situations but I am nervous about the quiz Glimmer has planned for afterwards.

Not one to ever pass up a chance for competition, Glimmer thought it would be best to end the pre-wedding festivities with a quiz testing you on the knowledge of your spouse. Again as one of the bridesmaids I am expected to take part. If there is any event that is going to catch Peeta and I out, it is going to be this. We are not a real couple and don't know many of the things real couples would know about each other. I don't think this is something we can bluff our way through.

I jab myself countless times in the eye with my mascara wand as I get myself worked up about the situation. Peeta sees my anxiety and comes over to me after he has finished tying his tie. He comes up behind me and gives my shoulders a gentle squeeze before turning me around, keeping his hands on both my shoulders and looking me straight in the eye.

"Relax. If anything this will be the easiest part of the whole week," he says trying to reassure me.

"How can you say that? We are not even a real couple!" I cry.

"But we know everything about each other," he stresses. "Katniss, I have known you since you were born. You practically lived in my house growing up. Do you really think there is that much I don't know about you?"

He seems so calm about the whole thing and as I stand there and look into his eyes, I see the strength in them. I instantly relax and release the tension in my shoulders.

"I suppose you are right," I mumble.

Peeta tilts his head to the side and raises his eyebrows at me.

"You know I am right. We've known each other the longest. We have the biggest advantage," he says firmly.

I nod my head finally acknowledge that he is probably right and stand up straighter to smooth out the royal blue dress I am wearing. Peeta is wearing a matching tie, but it is slightly crooked. I reach up to straighten it out and run my finger down the lapel of his suit jacket after I have finished. My fingers linger a little on the spot above his heart. I can feel the steady rhythm beneath my fingers tips. I snap my head up to be met with his blue eyes boring into my own. He watches me carefully.

"Well I guess we will just have to go out there and show them," I say softly.

We stare at each other for a few moments, neither of us making a move. My heart seems to be pounding in my chest. I get that urge to kiss him again. His lips look so inviting. My tongue darts out to wetten my bottom lip.

Finally Peeta breaks the stare and reaches for my hand.

"We can't be late. I think Effie is going to explode from all the unkempt schedules and lateness this week," he says back to his usual self.

I take a deep breath and smile in response.

"I think we will have to have her on a heart monitor tomorrow to make sure she doesn't have a heart attack. You just know something isn't going to go as she planned," I say with a grin. Peeta returns it and with that the tension is broken and we make our way down to dinner.

Glimmer and Cato greet us cheerfully as we enter. Glimmer is once again dressed in something that lives up to her name; a glittering gold dress complete with a diamond rose shaped head piece. Even her hair seems to shine and sparkle in the soft light of the dining room.

"I look forward to going up against you in the quiz tonight, Katniss" Glimmer says with a saccharine smile. "Don't let the brief length of your relationship put you off. It's the taking part that counts anyway."

I give her a forced smile.

"Oh don't worry about us. We've got 28 years worth of knowledge on each other. Remind me how long you and Cato have known each other," I reply.

Glimmer screws up her eyebrows at my response. She clearly didn't like my answer.

"Just focus on yourself," Glimmer says pointedly. Cato shakes his head at his soon to be wife.

"It's just a bit of fun, Glim," he says squeezing her waist. She turns to him with venom in his eyes.

"Do you know what it would look like if we lost the quiz at our own wedding? It would be mortifying!" she exclaims throwing her hands in the air.

Peeta and I give Cato a sympathetic look as Glimmer rants on and we both slip away unnoticed as she carries on.

As we leave Glimmer, Prim spots us and makes a beeline for us, dragging a medium built, redheaded guy behind her.

"Katniss, Peeta, I want to meet Darius," she says gesturing to the man beside her. As her relationship with him is still quite new she didn't feel she could ask him up for the whole week, so instead he came up early this evening and will be attending the wedding with Prim tomorrow.

Up close I can see the sprinkling of freckles across his nose and a small scar just above his left eyebrow. He has a boyish looking face and he smiles kindly at Peeta and me as he sticks his hand out to introduce himself.

"Nice to meet you both," he says with a soft southern drawl. "Prim won't shut up about you both. You do know she is planning your wedding."

Peeta and I both chuckle as Prim beams up at him.

I normally put the guy Prim is dating through a pretty intense vetting session when I first meet him. Like a protective parent I don't think anyone will be good enough for my baby sister but tonight I don't try too hard. He is a bit cheeky, but in a good natured way and it is obvious that he really likes Prim. Peeta is really good with him and makes sure that he is never left out throughout the night.

During the dinner Prim leans over to me and whispers in my ear.

"So what do you think?" she asks nodding her head towards Darius.

"I thought you said it was just casual," I say.

Prim blushes and looks down.

"I thought it was, but being away from him this week has made me realise how much I like him. We talk for at least an hour on the phone every day! And I guess seeing you so happy with Peeta makes me want a piece of that," she admits.

"Prim, you have been holding out on me. With all the questions about Peeta you have been hiding what has being going on in your own love life!" I tease.

"Oh please. Like you want to know any way," Prim says batting me off. I grin at her before tucking into the beef that has just arrived.

After some cringe worthy speeches from Effie, Glimmer and Cashmere the dinner part of the evening ends and the tables are soon cleared away ready for the quiz later.

Glimmer has arranged for all guests not taking part in the quiz to sit and watch as the various couples are placed on high stools and quizzed about what their partner's favourite colour is and how old they were when they had their first kiss.

I try to hide out in the bathroom as they are setting up. Peeta may be right about the fact we have known each other for a long time, but I don't like the thought of being scrutinised in front a bunch of people I don't particularly care for. I put a brush through my hair as I try to stay relaxed. It is just a quiz.

However I am interrupted by a sharp knocking on the door.

"Katniss I know you are in there. You can't hide. You and Peeta are up next in the quiz. We are waiting," Glimmer announces impatiently.

I stuff the brush back in my purse and make my way out the bathroom with my head high. I won't let her see how much she irritates me. I starglare at her as I leave.

Peeta is waiting for me when I arrive and he places a kiss on my temple as I put my arm around his waist.

"Remember we know everything about each other," he whispers into my ear.

I nod my head and let Peeta walk me up to the stool. Peeta gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before he takes his own seat beside me.

The quiz works by one of us being asked a question about the other. The other person writes down the correct answer on a small board while the person being asked has to answer verbally. We get a point for every answer that matches. Every couple is asked 12 questions and the 2 couples that get the most questions right go head to head in a final question.

The questions start out easy enough. I get asked what Peeta favourite colour is (sunset orange) and he gets asked what my favourite food is (he easily answers cheese buns) but the questions get progressively harder as they go on. What was my SAT score and the age when Peeta started shaving.

I am surprised with just how much I know about Peeta. I answer most of the questions quickly and most don't cause me to think too hard. I guess as I spent so much time at the Mellark's house I picked up on things. After the round of questioning, Peeta and I each only get one question wrong and this puts us in second position behind Cato and Glimmer. I relax at the fact we were able to get through it unscathed. Even if we don't get to the final, our answers did nothing to suggest we aren't a real couple.

Some of the other couples don't do so well. Unsurprisingly Effie and Haymitch just end up fighting after he can't remember the name of her first pet. I begin to wonder if Cashmere and Brutus even talk to each other as they score a measly 1 point. I am pleased to see that Gale and Leevy only score a 7 and can't hide my smirk as the walk past us. Gale can be pretty competitive and the stare he gives Peeta and I tells me he doesn't like being beaten.

I am glad that he hasn't tried to confront me about the kiss. My silent treatment at the dance rehearsals yesterday seems to have got through to him and he has realised that there will be nothing more between us. I hope for his twins' sake he can put the kiss behind him and be there for them.

After everyone has been, Peeta and I remain in second position and have to go head to head with Cato and Glimmer. Glimmer looks at us challengingly and bumps my shoulder as she makes her way up the stage.

I sigh at her childish display. I feel like I have been stuck back in high school with some of the drama she has caused this week. Peeta pulls me up onto the stage and we take a seat opposite Cato and Glimmer. Glimmer continues to glare at me.

A family friend, Caesar Flickerman, has been running the show tonight and once we are seated announces how the final round will work.

"Ladies and gentleman, I am delighted to bring you the final round of the Know your Spouse Quiz! One question is all that separates Katniss and Peeta and Cato and Glimmer from winning this fabulous trophy!" Caesar announces gesturing to a small sparkly glass object with Know your Spouse Quiz Winners written in diamantes. Just another bit of tack at Glimmer's wedding.

"The final round is simple," Caesar declares. "The men have to answer one question. Something to prove just how well they know their other half. Their girlfriend will write the answer down on the board and whichever couple has matching answers wins!"

I take a deep breath. One more question and I am one step closer to this weekend being over. The crowd all cheers as if it is half time at the Superbowl. Clearly everyone has had too much to drink tonight. Caesar calms them all down and the lights dim. This is turning more and more into a cheap daytime quiz show by the minute.

"Alright listen up gentlemen. The question is simple. What has been your partner's favourite day in their life so far?"

Peeta and Cato get time to think as Glimmer and I write down our answers. Glimmer is scribbling furiously and I know I should be doing the same.

Instantly one day comes to my mind. It was a summer's day when Dad had taken me hunting. He had been teaching me archery for a few months by that point but I had yet to kill anything. I had been getting increasingly frustrated that I couldn't hit anything like my dad. But that day was different. After a few near misses I finally hit a squirrel and it came tumbling to the ground. When we retrieved it we saw that it was skinny and had a wounded leg but it didn't matter to me. I was so happy that I had finally hit something and was desperate to experience the thrill it gave me again. I didn't hit anything else that day but I soon became a good shot and was bringing dozen of squirrels home. To this day I still feel a buzz when I hit something, but nothing quite as big as when I hit that first one.

I sigh before committing my pen to the board. That is without a doubt my favourite day, but I don't think Peeta would know that. I don't know what his favourite day is so why would he know mine? I briefly consider putting something he might think of but decide against it. Winning doesn't matter that much to me.

I write my answer and put my pen down signalling I am done. Caesar looks at me for confirmation and I nod.

"Okay gentlemen. Let's hear your answers. Cato you go first. What was Glimmer's favourite day?" Caesar asks.

Cato looks a bit nervous and flashes a glance at Glimmer. She stares back at him expectedly, urging him to answer as she clutches the board tightly to her chest.

"Err... the day she won Miss Panem Beauty Pageant?" Cato answers clearly unsure.

The rage in Glimmer's eyes makes it clear he has got the answer wrong. Caesar doesn't even get a chance to ask Glimmer if he is correct as she jumps off her stool and throws her board down.

"You idiot! It's the day you proposed! How can you not know that!" she shrieks as she begins slamming her hands against his chest.

"I'm sorry, okay. I panicked," Cato replies as she continues to hit him.

"You better be sorry. You should know this!" she squeals.

I sit back as the scene unfolds. Effie is the one who eventually stops it declaring it is bad manners to behave in such a way. Glimmer stops attacking Cato and sits back down in a huff. Caesar waits a few minutes to make sure Glimmer is over her tantrum before turning to Peeta and I.

"Let's hope our next contestant isn't wrong, eh?" Caesar says looking at Peeta with a grin.

"I hope so Caesar. Katniss is deadly with a bow," Peeta replies in jest.

The crowd chuckle and Caesar relaxes again.

"Okay Peeta. I'm almost afraid to ask, but what was Katniss's favourite day?" he asks.

Peeta waits a beat before answering.

"It was a day she was hunting with her dad. She shot her first squirrel and brought it back to put it in a stew," Peeta replies keeping his eyes on me the entire time.

It takes a minute for it to register what he has said. How did he know that? It is never something we have ever talked about.

Caesar looks at me expectedly. I realise the room is quiet as everyone waits for me to answer but I am so shocked that he actually got it right that I am momentarily lost for words.

"Well Katniss, is he right?" Caesar asks.

I tear my gaze from Peeta's to look at Caesar and slowly turn round to reveal the words "The day I shot my first squirrel".

The crowd gasp and then cheer as they see Peeta is indeed correct. Caesar congratulates me and Glimmer immediately storms off in a strop. Peeta smiles brightly, jumps off his stool and then pulls me up for a deep kiss. The crowd all whoop as he does so.

"See I told you I knew you," he whispers with a grin as he releases me.

Goose bumps arise on my arms. Everything about this scenario is confusing me.

Caesar congratulates us some more and presents us with the ridiculous trophy. I am in a daze as people come up to congratulate us and Peeta chats amiably to them as he jokes about the grilling sessions we put each other through to prepare ourselves for the quiz.

I stand through it all completely befuddled.

Eventually we are free to go and make our way back to the room. Once inside Peeta puts down the silly trophy and begins taking off his tie.

"I don't think Glimmer will ever forgive you for beating her tonight," he says as he pulls the tie from around his neck.

I stand by the door still confused about how much he knows about me.

"How did you know that was my favourite day? We've never talked about that," I ask perplexed.

Peeta undoes the top button of his shirt and his whole demeanour suddenly becomes more serious.

"You came round to our house that day bragging about how you had finally managed to shoot something. I remember you were so excited. You were bouncing off the walls as you re-enacted how you shot it. I never forgot the smile on your face that day. It reminded me of how I felt about painting. That's how I know it was your favourite day," he says seriously.

During his words we have gravitated towards each other and I find myself standing right in front of him.

"I told you Katniss," he says softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear and letting his hand linger there. "I know everything about you, but it is only now that I realise what that means. Just how much there is I love about you."

He takes a deep breath before proceeding, as if he is psyching himself up for what he has to say next.

"I said it the night of the bachelor party, just as you fell asleep, so I need to say it again. This isn't fake for me anymore," he states softly.

All the air seems to be sucked out of the room. His stare locks me into place. I can hear my heart hammering inside my chest. I can't look anywhere but into his brilliant blue eyes. We stare into each others eyes with an intensity that hasn't been there before. Instead of the usual jovial sparkle in his eyes, there is a mixture of sincerity, hope and, dare I say it, longing.

I should be scared by his use of the L word but I find in this moment I don't care. Everything I have been feeling this week just falls into place. I no longer have to question what it all means. I know now.

I care about him too.

Not just as a brother or just in a sexual way. I care about Peeta, the person, and I too know everything about him and I want to continue to be that person that knows him completely.

I want this to be real.

But as usual I don't have the words to articulate how I am feeling. I have always been better with actions so I decide that is the best course to take. I tip my head up and our lips briefly brush.

The thrill that runs through my veins at the mere touch is no longer unexpected and exhilarating. I stand on my tiptoes as I go to wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss. Just as Peeta goes to pull me closer we are interrupted by a frantic knocking on the door.

Both Peeta and I snap out of our daze and jerk our heads towards the door.

"Katniss, it's Dad…" Prim's voice sounds hysterical through the door.

A/N: Sorry to leave it on a bit of a cliffhanger. You will just have to wait until next week to find out what has got Prim so upset. And please don't hate me for interrupting them there. Katniss will not be forgetting her revelation in the next chapter and will confront that more next week. Your patience will be rewarded.

I know a lot of people have been wondering what Peeta has been thinking and I hope that this chapter makes his feelings clear. I am still thinking about writing a few outtakes in Peeta's POV once this story has finished, so this will have to do for now.

Thank you again to everyone that supports this story. I really do love hearing from you.