Here's the next chapter! Enjoy! I do not own Catching Fire any direct quotes will be in italics.

Ch. 14

I wasn't expecting this, these words to come out of her mouth. They seem so rushed and not at all thought about. Just a last resort. "I think you should propose to me." We had just been eating dinner and talking about really nothing and she just said this. I know we must do this, if it convinces the districts that we are indeed in love, but I don't want it to be an act or anything like that. I've always wanted it to be real. On good days when my nightmares weren't that threatening I would think about what I would say to her. I always wanted it to be just us two, in the comfort of a home, all alone, not in front of the whole country. But of course that's if the love was real, if she didn't care, then I guess this is what we had to do.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good plan." I stand and listen to the conversation between Haymitch and Katniss for a few minutes, but I feel the tears begin to fall, and I don't think that would be to good in front of everyone. "I'm going to my room." I leave the room.

We are back to the Capitol. Back in the training center were all of this began. Where Haymitch and I planned to keep Katniss alive. My room is familiar, and even though it was the beginning of my nightmares, it's almost like a home, but only almost.

I let the tears begin to fall and the pain that all this acting has done to me come out. It wasn't easy, well it was easy being in love with her, but it wasn't easy knowing that she wasn't. It's almost like staying with a cheating wife, even though she keeps on cheating on you. And what if we really have to get married for the sake of our loved-ones lives? Will she just turn around and go off to Gale? A lie. My whole life will be a lie.

Then when were older and were expected to start having kids. What will we tell them? Sorry, but Katniss and I aren't able to have kids. We were saddened by this news and we hope that we will someday be able to adopt. I can already see the interview with Caesar Flickerman. Maybe if we're lucky we'll just fade away. Only to come back to the Capitol as mentors. Maybe we'll only have to act in love during that part of the year, maybe that would be bearable.

Would District Twelve understand? Would they question Katniss and I not living together even as a so-called married couple? Maybe we will live together. From these past few nights with her in my arms, I can tell that it's bringing me back in. I'm no longer a million tiny pieces scattered across the floor. I'm becoming Peeta Mellark again. Katniss has seemed to get at least a little better as well.

I hear Haymitch's steady knock a gallon of tears later. I'm pretty sure I'm drained for a while. "Come in." I let my tired voice out. If I'm going to be ready for the interview tonight, I should probably rest, but I don't think I can.

"Just coming in to check on you." He walks in and shuts the door behind him. He sits on my bed and looks at me, his eyes slightly glazed over.

"I'm fine. I get to propose to the girl of my dreams don't I?" I try to smile, but it's just too hard, it's almost impossible.

"Yeah, but…" He doesn't finish the sentence, but we both know what it implies. Katniss doesn't really love me. Then there's Marcus back home who believes that she genuinely does love me. I'd be lying if I said I didn't partially believe him. Those nights in the arena had something real to them. I know they did.

"Haymitch I'll be fine. If this is my fate, I have to go along with it. If I am going to be stuck with anyone, I'd want it to be Katniss. You know that." He begins to get up.

"Well, I just want you to be happy." He's almost to the door.

"Don't worry, I will. Most days." He doesn't say anything instead just walks out the door and thankfully leaves me alone again. I'm not sure I'll be completely happy, but as long as Katniss will talk to me, as long as she doesn't leave me again, I'll be okay.

I wasn't excited that my prep team would be coming in, in a matter of minutes to get me ready for the interview with Caesar tonight. They were way too happy. So I was glad and thankful when Portia came in by herself.

"Where is the team?" I ask as she begins to brush out my just showered hair.

"I thought I'd give them the night off. They're getting ready for the banquet. Besides you don't really need a lot of work. Your almost perfect just the way you are." She smiles at me in the mirror, and I thank whoever assigned her to District Twelve, her and Cinna were probably the best designers out there.

"Almost? I thought I already was?" Portia always knew how to put a smile on my face. She had really enjoyed herself getting to tour all the Districts, and despite Effie's efforts had decided that District Twelve was indeed her favorite.

"Oops. Sorry. You are! It must've just slipped my mind." Portia and I go back in forth in easy conversation like this until I'm ready to take the stage. I hadn't seen Katniss since she suggested the proposal. She looked gorgeous and innocent once again. Any man would be lucky to propose to her. And I was the one that got to do it.

Caesar's questions, were easy and light-hearted, and the answers where full of lies.

"How has it been back home?" He had asked mid-interview.

"Oh, it's been a great couple months. Katniss and I have gotten even closer, and our new homes are amazing." The lie comes out of my mouth so easily, but it was better than the truth. The new house is too big for me and Katniss had been ignoring me constantly, but since I found painting, it has gotten slightly better. No, the Capitol would hate that answer.

Soon it was near the end, and it was time for the proposal. "Any words on your futures?" Caesar asked, looking at Katniss and I snuggled in close. I look out across the thousands of audience members. All waiting for something exciting. I try to imagine this different, there are no cameras recording, no people watching, instead just her and me and a candle lit table.

"Yes Caesar, there are some words I'd like to say." I turn to Katniss and get down on one knee, looking her straight in the eye; I hope she knows all the words I'm about to say are true. "That first day I saw you in kindergarten was really the beginning of my life. I had instantly fallen in love with that little girl, braids swinging against her back. I had no idea that girl would take me on such a crazy adventure like this. I had no idea I would love that girl with one hundred percent of my heart. But I do. Katniss you have held me together for a long time, and I would never take back any moment shared with you. No matter how hard some of those moments were. Katniss I love you with all of me and I would be honored to be your one and only. Katniss will you marry me?"

She doesn't even hesitate as she lets out the answer, "Yes!" I jump up quickly and swing her around, getting lost in the moment. I don't hear the screaming people in the background or Caesar shouting congratulations. All I hear is both of our hearts beating in sync. We kiss each other and I forget all the heartache she has caused me. This moment feels so real I almost forget it's fake. But then I'm brought back into reality as President Snow comes onto the stage. We can't fail him. We can't fail him. It all seems good as he shakes my hand and pats me on the back. It all seems good.

I hope you liked it! Did you like the proposal? Hate it? Don't forget to REVIEW on the way out! Thanks! ~boywithbreadlover