Only one more day until I get back to Katniss. I cannot wait, it will be so good to see my mom and my brothers and most of all...her. She reallyis my world, my everything, my...soul. I open the letter she sent me and gasp at what it says. Rory died? Gale and her are friends again (I feel a pang of jealousy shoot through me on this one)? What!? I can't process it all completely because my head is spinning with questions. I take a deep breath and come back to the real world.

I think of all the pain that Katniss is in over this, Rory was like a little brother to her! I cringe in thought of Rory's dead, pale body and write a response.

Dear Katniss,

I send out my condolences to the Hawthornes and hope they will heal in good time. On a happier note I will be home tomorrow and we will get to be together. I wish you the best of luck and I love you oh so much! See you soon!

Love always,

Peeta

I slip the sealed envelope into the mail chute and walk down the Ray's stairs. It is almost time for Rebecca's lunch break so I grab our sandwiches and walk outside. Now that I've seen the other side of District 8, I no longer think it is ugly or drab. I have opened my eyes up to the world around me and now I really see.

The houses are beautifully constructed and the flowers growing in the people's gardens are gorgeous. The streets may be dirty but the sky is a bright blue and birds are chirping loudly, bringing a chorus of music to this district. I smile in spite of myself and keep walking, slower this time, to Sparks Fly.

Rebecca is already outside waiting for me when I reach the store. She waves and we sit down in our usual spot. It only takes us small amount of time to eat so the rest is spent talking. "So...you're going back tomorrow?" Rebecca asks in a sad voice.

"Yeah, I am."

"Peeta there's something I really have to tell you."

"Go on..."

"I-I-I think I'm in love with you."

"What did you just say?!"

"These days we've spent together have been like magic and...I really like you!"

"Rebecca..."

"No please listen. I know it's silly because you're marrying Katniss and all but I had to tell you!"

"Rebecca, I like you.," she perks up at this, "but not that way."

"I...understand, well I've got to go back to work. See you later Peeta." she says walking away. I can tell she is crying by the way her shoulders are shaking up and down. I want to run over and console her but I stop myself and walk in the other direction.

When I get to the house I walk into the living room and sit on the couch with a distant look in my eyes. Mrs. Ray comes over and asks what's wrong. "Rebecca, she told me that she loves me."

"You didn't already know?"

"No! I feel terrible. I'm going off to marry my girlfriend and here she is crying over me!"

"Oh sweetie. I'm sorry, Rebecca can be a little...upfront sometimes."

"Yeah I know."

"Don't feel bad, she'll be okay. All in good time. You just worry about getting that proposal out to your girlfriend." She left after that and I am alone for a while until Jerry and Emily came into the room with their toys. They sit on the floor, battling with their Hunger Games action figures. I smile but then sigh, thinking about those nasty games.

The kids all think it's fun and games until they are reaped. They cheer on their favorites on television and reenact it, but when it comes time to actually compete they are as scared as a deer in headlights. I can't take being around them or in this room any longer so I walk outside.

I sit on the Ray's porch swing thinking about Rebecca. I realize that it is almost time for her next break but yet I don't get up. Instead I sit and swing softly singing a song I learned in school a few years back.

Possibilities rollin' 'round.

People kneeling to the ground.

I fight, I cry, I wish, I kick.

If only I could win.

Life's confusing please help me.

I'm beggin' here right on my knees.

Nightmares come every night.

Wrap me in warmth, oh so tight.

Possibilities rollin' 'round.

People kneeling to the ground.

I'm begging here can't you see.

Won't you help me please...

I finish and look off into the distance letting a single tear fall down my face. I'm about to walk back inside and lay on my bed when I see someone approaching. "Katniss?"