All characters belong to the amazing Suzanne Collins. I am merely a fan and an avid role-player who wishes to continue the story a bit farther. Please be respectful and keep in mind that I am not a professional writer…Positive critiques are welcome.
Author's Note: Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your support! I'm overjoyed by the positive feedback I've been receiving and it's really inspired me to keep going with this! So THANK YOU! Also, I'm always open to new ideas, so if you have any suggestions on certain twists and turns in the story that you think might be interesting feel free to send me a message! I love to collaborate and openly welcome it! So feel free to shout em out! I can't guarantee that I'll take all of them into consideration but you never know what'll inspire me to do next! :D
P.S: I apologize if the chapter is a bit weird, I've been having some writer's block and it's a little wonky. The next one will be better! lol
Chapter 13 – Invaded
The last week has been one of the happiest of my life. Peeta and I are closer than we've ever been and we're continuously learning new things about one another. Between helping build the new houses for the town while waiting for our own materials to arrive and setting traps to catch the dogs, Peeta and I have done our best to spend as much time as we can together. The hunger we ignited in one another on our first night of being intimate has only grown more intense and dare I say, insatiable. We both take every opportunity to touch, kiss or exchange a loving word. Any excuse is a good one; a loose strand of hair that needs to be put back in place, a smudge of dirt on skin that needs to be wiped away, a wrinkle in a shirt that needs to be smoothed. Peeta and I are constantly in contact, much to the amusement of the people that we are working with. They chuckle and murmur about 'young love' and 'public displays of affection', and while we do get a bit embarrassed about getting caught in the act, it doesn't stop us from continuing.
Since our first night of lovemaking, Peeta and I have continued to explore one another, and are quickly discovering what we both enjoy best. We've tried so many new positions that we've begun to get creative, but I love every moment. It seems that no matter how many times we're together intimately, we never get enough… We've also begun to sleep naked, much to Peeta's delight. He thoroughly enjoys running his hands over my bare skin and I can hardly complain. Looking back on our relationship I can't understand why I was so scared of opening up to Peeta, why I was afraid of sharing my body with him. Yes, there is the fear of having my heart broken, of losing Peeta in some way, but he loves me so fiercely that I'm beginning to wonder if he'll ever stop.
Even now, as we help haul the lumber needed for the current house we're helping construct, I catch him stealing glances at me, a smile on his lips. I swear I've never seen him so happy. He says that I've been smiling and laughing a lot more too; I'm discovering new aspects of myself every day, and I like what I've become.
"Go ahead and stack those with the other boards, then take a break for lunch." Brock calls from the other side of the work site. He and the others have begun to open up to us both, welcoming us into their circle if you will. They've thanked us for our continued help, and I believe that a few of them had doubted we would be of any service to them. But Peeta and I have begun to prove ourselves in many ways, not just here at the work site.
Reaching down, I place the boards in my arms atop the others. Wiping my forehead with the back of my hand I look to Peeta, who mimics my gesture. Despite the changing seasons, the manual labor keeps us warm enough to work up a good sweat. "I'll set up the picnic if you fetch us some fresh water." I offer, looking to Peeta expectantly. Nodding, he smiles at me before heading off to get our refreshments.
The other workers have already headed off to eat their own lunches, and to talk about various topics while they eat. While we're welcome to join them, Peeta and I tend to keep to ourselves while we eat unless invited. "Hey! Katniss! Why don't you and Peeta join us?" Maikel, one of the friendlier workers, calls out. "I want to steal some of your delicious bread again!" He chuckles.
"Just as long as you have something to trade this time!" I laugh, grabbing our picnic basket before moving to catch up with him. Everyone usually brings something to share whether its fruit, meat, bread, cheese or something sweet. Peeta's bread is one of the most desired foods, so we usually bring extra, much to their delight. My fresh game is also very popular, but not nearly as precious as Peeta's rolls and cookies.
Joining the others I take a seat up on top of a pile of lumber. Without chairs, you have the choice of sitting on the building materials or the ground. I wait until Peeta's joined us before pulling out the rolls, cookies and fresh cooked meat to trade with the others. In no time we're all chowing down on meat and cheese sandwiches, fresh fruits and cookies, much to everyone's delight. We all chat about various topics; everything from the Capitol to the refugees who've newly arrived from district thirteen, to the wild dogs.
"The Capitol is supposed to be sending out some Peace Keepers from district two sometime soon. Supposedly they've all been retrained and given new orders to protect the districts and their residents." Brock says before biting into a large sugar cookie. "With any luck they'll be here in time to help hunt the dogs."
"I don't trust them, even if they've been retrained they'll throw their weight around, act like they own the place." One worker comments and I have to agree with him. The Peace Keepers don't exactly have the best history when it comes to the districts and their citizens. Our district's Peace Keepers were a special exception up until the Quarter Quell.
"I heard some hot shot from District two will be accompanying them. You know, to make sure they get settled and what not." I can't help but tense at the mention of this little piece of gossip. There's no way to know who the 'hot shot' will be, but at the mention of district two I immediately think of him. From the corner of my eye I can see Peeta watching me closely to gauge my reaction, but I do my best to act like I didn't pick up on the comment.
"The materials for the wall should be here tomorrow or the following day." I state, changing the subject to something different to avoid talking about district two in any way. "Once they arrive we can start on the new fence." I say with a smile. "So which one of you would like to order Peeta and I around for the next few weeks?" All of them chuckle and give evil grins, clearly the possibility of being in charge of a few minions for at least a week or two appeals to them.
"I'll pick out someone to be your supervisor." Brock says with a chuckle, much to the disappointment of anyone willing to volunteer. "In the meantime we'll continue with the other structures. The bakery shouldn't take more than a few more weeks." He says encouragingly, looking to Peeta, who looks pleased as punch at the news. The conversation then moves in various directions while we all finish eating.
The rest of the day was well spent with Peeta and me helping where we're needed, doing small jobs for everyone to cut down on the idle work. At the end of the day while we're getting ready to head home, Brock approaches us with a satisfied look in his eyes. "I wanted to thank you both for your help." He states, extending his hand to first Peeta, then myself. I shake his hand and nod, a smile on my face. "I won't lie, I was skeptical. But you've both proven to be very resourceful, not to mention generous. All the men enjoy your company and we're happy to have you on the team." I have to admit that having something constructive to do every day has lightened my spirits. By helping to rebuild the town, it's almost as if Peeta and I are also working to rebuild our lives, from the ground up, and it feels good.
"We're happy to help in any way, Brock. Thank you for letting us help." Peeta says with a friendly smile.
"When we start on the fence, we'll try to build it to your standard." We all know that Brock's standards are quiet high when it comes to construction. The way he sees it, if we're going to rebuild the whole town, we might as well do it right.
"I'd expect nothing less from you two." He chuckles. "I'll see you both tomorrow." And with that turns to head towards Victor's Village.
Taking one Peeta's hand, we intertwine our fingers and walk hand in hand back towards our home. It's been a productive day, with baking and hunting in the morning, construction during the day, and likely dinner and loving making in the evening. Turning to look at me, Peeta doesn't say anything for a moment before voicing the one topic I had hoped he would think that I didn't care about. "I'm curious about the new Peace Keepers that'll be coming to stay here in the district." He states casually.
Nodding at his words I keep my gaze focused ahead of us. "They'll need places to stay. But luckily we still have a few houses in Victor's Village that we can fill." 'Including my own,' I can't help but think. "Hopefully they'll be nothing like the original Peace Keepers. After all, we fought the war to earn our freedoms. I'd hate to see the new Capitol attempt to govern the districts with an iron fist after all our hard work."
"That's a good point. But if we're lucky the Capitol will be keeping a close eye on them." There's no telling what will happen when the new Keepers arrive. It's possible that people of twelve will give them a chance as well as follow the rules that will likely be set into place, but I have a feeling that many of them will be met with animosity.
Silent the rest of the way home, I'm left alone with my thoughts. Doing my best, I try to steer my mind away from district two and a certain someone who now resides there but it's difficult. Just knowing that there's even the slightest possibility that he could be coming back to district twelve causes my stomach to churn. Gripping Peeta's hand a bit tighter I reassure myself that Peeta and I are together now, and that nothing can come between us.
Feeling the tightening of my grip, Peeta turns to look at me, a bit concerned. "Are you alright?" Slowing his steps, he steps in front of me to look me in the eye. "You seem anxious." He whispers as he reaches up to gently caress my cheek.
Shaking my head I swallow my emotions, banishing them back down, deep inside. I can't afford to have a negative outlook anymore, not now that Peeta and I have a new chance to start fresh. "Just talking about the Peace Keepers…It makes me uneasy." I state, omitting the fact that I'm also worried about other things. I don't want to worry Peeta, or make him think that I'd doubting our connection or our relationship, so I keep my fears to myself.
Frowning lightly he nods. I can tell he senses that something else is wrong, but he doesn't push the subject. He's likely thinking,'She'll tell me when she's ready,' but I doubt I'll ever be able to. "Come on, it's getting late." Reaching up I lightly kiss his lips, which seems to appease him, at least enough to get us walking again.
That night, as I lay wrapped in Peeta's arms, his even breaths lightly playing across my neck; I gaze out the window at the moon, occupied with my thoughts. My nightmares are few and far between these days, but some nights I'm still afraid of falling asleep. But in the silence of the night, there's one sound I didn't expect to hear, at least not this far into town; the howl of a wild dog. Confused as well as concerned, I slip out of bed, doing my best not to disturb Peeta, before going straight to the bedroom window. Looking out into the night, I can't make out the form of the dog that made the call, but I know he has to be close. The howl was too loud to have come from the town square. I can't spot the pack but what concerns me is the fact that they've ventured this far into town.
Standing at the window I scan the tree lines, looking for any movement that might be out of place, but nothing catches my eye. I'm just about to head to my dresser to put on some clothes, and head out into the night to hunt the beasts down when Peeta's voice stops me in my tracks. "Katniss? Did you have a nightmare?" Turning around I see Peeta propped up on his elbow, his eyes half open. His voice is groggy and rough from sleep.
"I'm sorry Peeta, did I wake you?" As I take a seat on the edge of the bed, Peeta reaches out to take my hand in his. The concerned look in his eyes is one that I haven't seen in a while, one that I had hoped I wouldn't see very often now that Peeta and I are together.
"I missed your warmth…" I smile at his words, glad to know that he enjoys my presence when we sleep together. If Peeta had left the bed like I had, I would have woken up too. "Are you alright though? You looked like you were looking for something out there."
"I heard the call of a wild dog. It was right outside the house, most likely in the trees just on the edge of the neighborhood."
"That close? I thought they were only venturing past the fence." His alarmed and concerned tone mirrors my thoughts and my concerns. We all thought that we would be safe in Victor's Village, but we were obviously wrong.
"I was going to get dressed and try to hunt as many of them down as I could before they escaped, but you caught me before I had a chance." There's no point in lying to Peeta, he knows my mentality and what my instincts are telling me to do. If I hadn't told him, he would have figured it out sooner or later. "But hunting at night is dangerous, even with a hunting party." I state clearly; I don't want him to think that I'm going to go sneaking off when he falls back asleep. "We're all safe in our homes, at least for now. So there's no sense in heading out there and putting myself in danger." Lying back down next to Peeta, I can see the relief in his gaze. Reaching out, he caresses my cheek lovingly.
"Thank you for telling me…" He whispers, his words not as rough now. Reaching out he pulls me close, lightly nuzzling my neck as we both get comfortable under the covers. We both know that I wont be getting much more sleep, not after that howl. "I wish I could do more to help with the hunt." He whispers, his thoughts likely turning to the few bow and arrow lessons that I've given him since our talk. He's doing well, but as with any skill, it will take time to master and Peeta should know that well, what with his baking and painting skills.
I snuggle closer to him, holding him a bit tighter. "I know. In time and with a lot of practice, you'll be just as good as me. But for now, I have to do this on my own." After explaining how animals track their prey by using sound and smell, Peeta understood why I had scouted and hunted by myself in the games. He'd been too heavy footed to be of any help and he still is.
"If the Peace Keepers get here within the next few days, maybe they'll be able to help with the hunt." He suggested, optimistic that the new officers will be here to see to our protection and not our enslavement. "If anything they'll be able to act as guards until the new fence is up."
"Let's hope they'll be good for something other than throwing their weight around…" I'm not trying to be negative, but we both know the Peace Keeper's past reputations; before the war they did little more than strut around the district throwing out orders.
"It'll be alright Katniss…" Peeta whispers, his lips lightly grazing my forehead in a gentle kiss. "In the morning, we'll plan out what needs to be done. Until then, try to get some sleep."
Peeta quickly falls asleep against me, his arms wrapped tightly around me to prevent me from slipping away again. I can't blame him for being cautious, but I hadn't lied; I won' be hunting tonight. With a heavy sigh I close my eyes in an attempt to sleep. Tomorrow I will need to prepare for the hunt; the dogs are taking too many liberties and venturing too far into town for my comfort. Snuggling close, I slip into a light sleep, dreaming of the hunt and the kill. Tomorrow, the dogs will become the hunted.
END Chapter 13 – Invaded
Story Continues in Chapter 14