Chapter 11: Jealous

Peeta is extracted from the arena and cleared by the doctors in no time. He received very few physical injuries. The interview with Caesar goes live very quickly.

When Peeta strides onstage, looking beautiful and whole, I feel a wave of... love wash over me. Standing from my seat in the front row, I approach him. Smiling, I reach for him, but then shrink back, feeling shy. I've never... kissed anyone this openly before... But a promise is a promise.

I kiss him passionately. In front of the entire studio audience. Caesar is beside himself, the Capitolites are hysterical. Thrusting my hips forward, I lock my pelvis against Peeta's as I wrap one arm around him to pull him closer. With the other, I fish at the waistband of his pants. Slipping my fingers past the elastic, I finally clasp his length in my grip. I stroke it clumsily, but vigorously. I pump the shaft up and down, rubbing him faster and faster.

Peeta moans like a dying man and begins to hump his hips into my palm. Thankfully, from the way we are positioned, no one can even tell or is aware that I am literally giving him a hand job.

After several minutes, Peeta groans into my mouth and explodes in my hand. His juices burst forth, soaking my fingers. Retracting my hand sneakily, I lick my fingers one by one sensuously, still so only he can see.

Peeta finally gets to watch the marathon of his Games. His win was actually more impressive than mine, given that he killed four tributes to my three. President Snow places the Victory Crown on his head, and our entourage heads for the train.

We stay up all night as we ride through the darkness for home, chit-chatting and laughing. Finally, Duke turns serious, leaning across the table to look Peeta dead in the eye.

"Peeta, we owe you an apology."

"Well, the old man and I do," Haymitch clarifies. "Sweetheart is clean."

Duke holds up a hand; he wasn't finished. "Haymitch and I did not do enough to help you before the Games. And that is because... we sadly let some of our personal prejudices get in the way. We made pre-conceived notions about you as a Merchant. But you're one of us now - a Victor. We're sorry."

Peeta blinks, as if this is news to him. And maybe it is - he is rather innocent and always tries to see the best in people. "Thanks, fellas. I forgive you. Besides," And here he gives me the most tender smile, "I have everything I could ever want."

My breath hitches in my throat and my eyes prick with tears. How could someone so... pure love someone like me? I feel blessed almost to the point of feeling unworthy of such love.

It is early morning by the time the train pulls into the District 12 station. This time, we decide to change up our group's procedure, letting Peeta bound into the crowd of friends and well-wishers. He embraces his family on the platform as Duke, Haymitch and I sidle up.

Predictably, Peeta's witch of a mother is viewing us Seam folk with deep mistrust. Even if we are Victors, she will always see us as Seam. But the Baker is genuine when he holds out his hand.

"Thank you... for saving my son's life."

After a moment, Duke shakes. Haymitch and I follow our leader, shaking the Baker's hand as well. Then we all head up towards the Village to induct the newest member of our little family.

It's a few weeks after the Games before I see Gale again.

Getting Peeta acclimated to Village life, as well as getting to know him better on a romantic level, has been so busy, I forget to hunt for a time. Not that we Victors are wanting for anything in terms of food.

When I finally do meet Gale for a Sunday hunt, we shoot game and set snares as normal. However, as we are approaching the fence for home, I am just telling him how I will take over the trading for the week when my hunting partner suddenly takes my face in his hands and kisses me.

I am completely unprepared. Gale doesn't taste anything like Peeta - and he certainly doesn't kiss like the baker's son either. Indeed, there is something about Gale's kiss that is rough, almost angry. It's as if he is... no, he couldn't be... Then again, he did see me kiss Peeta on TV...

Gale draw away almost violently. "I had to do that," he whispers intensely. "At least once." And then he's gone.

I sit in the Meadow for a long time after that, pondering what just occurred. I manage to decide that Gale probably is jealous of my blossoming relationship with Peeta.

What I also come to a realization on, though it is more tepid, is that... his rough and almost violent kiss?

I actually liked it.

Which only begs one question: do I love Gale, too?