Disclaimer: I do not own the Hunger Games, the characters, or anything else Hunger Games related. That all belongs to Suzanne Collins. I simply attempt to create futures for her characters that were left, sadly, unexplored.
A/N: I apologize profusely for my extended absence. The truth is… I wrote Chapter 11 many months ago. Then I decided I hated it, deleted it, and never published it. I was incredibly discouraged after the whole ordeal, and haven't tried to sit down and write since. I hope with a fresh perspective, this story will continue in a way that everyone can appreciate and connect with. This chapter is sort of a "regrouping" chapter. Short, sweet, and providing an opportunity for new story lines.
We lay in his bed a long time, with me clinging tightly to his chest. His arms were strong, as they were during the victory tour. Peeta, with his kind heart, forgave me immediately for my mental and physical absence. Though my health had deteriorated over the past weeks, he remained strong and healthy despite his own mental anguish. It was only a matter of hours before I had become so weak and dizzy that he had to carry me back to my home for examination by Dr. Aurelius.
Dr. Aurelius met us at the door. Despite the heat of early summer, I was shivering with cold. Peeta carried me up the stairs, a growing look of concern was on his face. He placed my limp body on the bed, and Dr. Aurelius began methodically removing my clothing. Peeta turned to leave.
"Peeta?" I asked in a gravelly whisper.
He turned to look at me, a forlorn look on his face.
"Stay with me?" I continued.
He paused a moment in thought, then returned to sit with his back against the headboard, his eyes diverted from my unclothed body. The boy who, through all odds, found his way back to me was still here. I faintly heard him whisper, "Always," as he stroked my hair.
Though he specialized in mental health, Dr. Aurelius proved to be quite capable in general medicine as well. He left my undergarments in place while hooked me back up to an IV drip, proclaiming I was severely dehydrated and malnourished. He called to Sae, asking her to bring some provisions. He took my temperature, which he announced was dangerously high. He worriedly examined my skin grafts, then produced several medications from his case. One by one, he placed colorful capsules into a paper cup before placing the cup in my hand. I had a mind to protest, but didn't have the energy. Peeta helped me raise my torso off the bed. I washed down the pills with a long-forgotten glass of water on the nightstand before slumping back onto the mattress. Peeta looked stoic as the doctor began applying salves to my raging skin. It wasn't long before I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
The next week proceeded in much the same way. I received treatment from Dr. Aurelius for both my mind and body. Pills were administered, as were injections and topical treatments. Though the progress was slow, most of my skin grafts began to lighten in color, the pain they caused subsiding. With concern, Dr. Aurelius announced several may require additional surgical procedures as a result of my neglect.
Peeta was there through it all, my constant companion despite my near constant dozing. We had numerous conversations with Dr. Aurelius. Initially, I was scared to open up to him, especially in front of Peeta. However, I found that Peeta was totally comfortable opening up to Aurelius, even in front of me; in return, I began to discuss my fears and concerns.
As a result of these sessions, I began to come to terms with my situation. I would never be the Katniss Everdeen I had once known: the girl whose primary concern was feeding her family, the girl who hunted with a friend daily, the girl who was skeptical but naïve. Rather, I would be living a new normal: the life of a survivor of two hunger games and a war. My life had irrevocably changed, and acceptance was the first step to learn to live it. And though this wasn't the future I had intended for myself, it was a future I had to accept. It was a future that resulted from my choices, none of which I regretted. And acceptance was easier knowing Peeta would be a part of my future. I didn't know what our future together would look like, but knowing he intended to be a part of it was a relief.