Thank you all for keeping up with this story thus far. I could not possibly leave the story hanging as in the last chapter!

kpkpkp

It was the first time Katniss saw him smile that genuinely, and truth be told, he should do it more often. Now that the initial sting of his survival had worn off, he seemed to take it much better than she had thought.

"I was so afraid that something had backfired, that you were hurt, or that my grandfather had somehow rescinded my father's release." Peeta began. It must have been crystal clear in Peeta's mind, but it wasn't quite in Katniss'. But she got the sense that he had come to terms with Cornelius Snow as his grandfather and Dan Mellark as his father, as convoluted as the entire situation was.

His statement was completely left field for Katniss. Ironic. It was simply wrong to focus on her and Mr. Mellark, especially as she gazed at the hint of his incision on his chest and the multiple tubes coming out of his neck, his arms, and his wrist. He looked like he should have hurt, a lot. His eyes lit up with worry, but that worry was completely misplaced. Everyone should be worried about him instead of the other way around.

"I am so sorry," Katniss spoke, the tears starting to fall in earnest. And then she chanced a question that has burnt holes into her conscience and heart ever since the Coastguard rescued him. "If we had been just 30 minutes or an hour sooner, would it have changed this?"

Peeta froze, even his breathing stilled. And Katniss wondered if her question was too premature. Was he going to get PTSD from just the mention of his time spent with Crane. It seemed that he was swimming in his memories trying to conjure up an answer. It was really unfair of Katniss to ask, but she wanted to know so badly. Yet, knowing the answer would not change anything other than the intensity of her self loathing.

Pain was etched into his features now, not from the physical wounds his body had battled the past 24 hours, but likely from his last memory of Crane. His voice faltered a bit, and Katniss was reminded of how delicate he truly was at that point. "Yes."

Katniss' heart plummeted. There was no sugar coating in his response, no hint of uncertainty. He did not have the energy to waste on embellishments. She did not know how to respond so she simply blurted out a subconscious thought. "But you said there was only one path for you to go, and that it was more an issue of how far you went." Cowardly, using his own words to rationalize her guilty actions.

There was a deep sorrow that laced his features. "I never thought I would have made it this far." He closed his eyes, filled with wonderment at first and now, unwilling to take in the surroundings. "They came too early."

"No!" Katniss said fiercely as she reached for his his hand, but it was like a slap in the face when he retracted, spooked by something so simple as a human touch. "Peeta, I am so sorry, we came too late! I . . . Snow said a few things about you and I just couldn't figure you out, so I took his bait. We . . . we could have come earlier."

Peeta smiled, his next words should have been spoken in bitterness, but they resonated with forgiveness. "Did I give you too many mixed signals?" No. Damn no. There was never anything gray about Peeta. She was the one who lived in contradiction. And why was he giving her an excuse for her troubled heart?

And though it wasn't explicit, Katniss understood. If she had come earlier, she could have saved more than his life, she would have saved his innocence. The rape would have never occurred. And he wouldn't have shied away from her touch the way he just did.

"What did you find in that house?" The only indication he was nervous was his heart rate on the monitor. It went up about 20 points.

"The fourth floor. The videos . . . the equipment." Katniss stammered.

When Peeta opened his eyes, Katniss was startled by them. The forgiveness she had seen earlier must have been a trick of her mind, a misplaced hope. Because the only thing that showed in those bright blue eyes now were shame and betrayal.

And with that, the monitor alarmed. The nurses and physicians arrived at his bedside. Apparently, they didn't like the numbers they saw on the screen as Katniss was shooed out of the intensive care unit, her nerves frayed and her fear for his life once again jumpstarted. She rested her head on the wall and sobbed hysterically.

And even when the doctors came out to tell her that everything was fine in the end, she knew it was not.

kpkpkp

It was even awkward the next day when he was transferred to the floor, the physicians floored by his recovery and unexcited by his little setback. They attritubed his superhuman healing to youth, but Katniss wondered if it was the conditioning Cornelius Snow had bestowed upon his grandson.

Even more awkward was the fact that Peeta shared a hospital room with Mr. Mellark. And when Mr. Foggert entered the room trying to find the perfect spot between the Mr. Mellark and Peeta while trying to avoid sitting on top of Katniss, the room felt more like a closet. So it was wondrous how Effie Trinket and Clove squeezed into the room, making the excuse that there were no chairs, to sit on Peeta's bed. Not a single soul offered to leave as a sort of duel of the wills began. Why on earth was Clove and Effie there? Surely they were not there to visit Mr. Mellark, as evidenced by their petulant seat on Peeta's bed.

"Peeta?" Effie's outrageously dramatic voice boomed in the hospital room. "Dear, you need more nourishment. Look at you, you poor thing." With that, she squeezed his cheeks. "And school only ended less than a week ago. You've been put through a horrible situation, and thank goodness, you made it through alive."

As Effie's voice became more vibrant, Peeta's eyes widened in surprise. How could that woman sound so exuberant in light of his tragedy?

But Effie paid no attention. She simply continued. "Now, there is a decision to be made about your guardianship. I hear that Cornelius is unable to care from you, as he has been . . . otherwise occupied." To put it ephemistrically. "I am proud to offer you my home."

"What?" Mr. Foggert scoffed.

"Well, simply put, Peeta has no home. It is obvious that you have your own ward, Foggert. So Peeta is still a minor. He cannot possibly come to your home. Therefore, I have decided to take him in and make him into a finer young man." Effie Trinket beamed with pride, eyes sparkling as she gazed adoringly at Peeta.

Her exuberance was a little on the annoying side, as evidenced by Mr. Mellark's expression. "Let her have him then," Mr. Mellark said gruffly. "She looks in a better state than the lot of us to care for him. Plus, what is there that we can teach him, huh? Obviously not manners, nor ethics."

Peeta refused to say anything, but his face spoke of melancholy. Clove spoke in his stead. "Awww, poor baby. This is obviously a very difficult time, and this topic is completely inappropriate. Here, let me help you." She reached her hands to massage his back, but Peeta squirmed away.

"My chest tube . . . "

"Oh," Clove startled as she realized she was yanking on one of his chest tubes. Everyone cringed. It looked like it hurt more than justified by a little squirm of Peeta's. It was strange seeing Peeta so clueless as to how to react. Perhaps years spent with Cornelius Snow lent itself to a different type of defense mechanism, one that required intellect. And now, without Snow, surrounded by emotionally charged people, Peeta was at a loss.

But despite his awkward position, Clove did not back down. She scooted a little closer to him, this time watching out for the tubes in his body. "However, I think it is an awesome idea. I can nurse you back to health," and with that, Clove's eyes gleamed with michief.

"Timing is everything. And while it is inopportune to discuss the matter of your domicile, it is necessary, dear." Effie spoke confidently. "Besides, you can see Clove every day. She lives only a few blocks from me. Clearly, you need someone who can actually heal you," Effie's high pitched voice boomed, as she glanced askew at Mr. Mellark.

Silence. Katniss could not find her voice, although she suspected it was more from jealousy than anything else. Shamefully, her focus was not exactly on the topic at hand. She was distracted by the fact that Peeta was naked underneath his hospital gown, which truth be told, covered very little. She could see the incision peaking from the neck of the gown. She could see his muscles through the sleeves. His back was bare. And the gown barely made it down to the middle of his thighs. And when she looked back up, she was startled to see Clove's intense gaze, full of jealousy and challenge.

Peeta, though, was too preoccupied to notice the poisoned darts Katniss and Clove were aiming at each other. He looked confused and exhausted, but he stared intently at Mr. Mellark, whose face was devoid of emotion. Katniss wondered why, when it was so obvious he was worried for his son, that he would choose at this moment to be so stubborn. Mr. Foggert did not make a move, biting his lower lip constantly.

It was sad that Peeta took so much effort to attend to what other people wanted instead of what he needed. He must have stared at Mr. Mellark for 3 minutes before he made a decision. Peeta turned to face Effie, mustering a grateful smile with whatever energy stores he had left. It was obvious he was tapping into his reserves. "If it is not too much trouble. I have . . . " and he stumbled a little, "I can pay for my stay, and when I heal completely, I will go ahead and see about getting the emancipated minor paperwork started." Now that startled Mr. Mellark.

Katniss had no doubt that Peeta was capable of taking care of himself, but not that soon after a major, near-death experience.

"Oh, dear, I didn't mean for that. You can stay until you figure out your education." Effie squeezed his hand reprimandingly.

Katniss was relieved at Effie's statement, but the thought of Peeta caring for himself while rehabilitating was downright worrisome. No way was Peeta breaking off independently that soon."Or perhaps, you can stay with us," Katniss did not even recognize her voice as she blurted it out. Her father had not even agreed to anything.

Peeta's expression changed to one of surprise. Clove immediately stood to block his view of Katniss as her hands freely roamed his exposed flesh. Katniss could imagine her pouting. "Oh baby, Effie's sounds like the best option. She is, after all, an adult." It must have taken all of Peeta's energy to inch Clove back to her spot on his bed.

Peeta smiled briefly at Clove, but those blue eyes lingered on Katniss. It was impossible for Katniss to read his mind. Clove grabbed his cheeks with both her hands, directing his gaze back at her. "Plus, I can help you with our phys ed class and work on stamina."

Even with his serious injury and near death experience, there was no way Peeta did not catch the lascivious tone in Clove's voice. Yet, he chose to embrace it, to Katniss' intense jfury. Well, embrace was too strong a word as she realized that she was being quite affected by the exchange. He chose not to do anything about it.

"Peeta, if you need any money, I can help you," Mr. Foggert spoke softly, a sad surrender for him as it seems that living with Effie was inevitable.

Peeta's voice was soft in his acquiescence. "That is nice, Mr. Foggert" No doubt, earning money for a living was probably child's play for someone who survived eight years under Snow's vicious rule. Thankfully, there were no snide comments from Mr. Mellark at this time. He seemed morose.

Katniss wanted to say something to Mr. Mellark so bad. She wanted to ask him why he was not thrilled about this reunion. Why did he blame Peeta for any part of it at all? Why was it so hard to separate Peeta from the wolf, Cornelius Snow? And why, when Peeta obviously craved the father-son relationship, did he not embrace it?

But she held her tongue. Mr. Mellark did not deserve the inquisition. Besides, Effie's offer of guardianship seemed genuine, though the woman, with her fancy chiffon dress, garish voluminous hair, and brightly rose tinted face did not look it.

Effie's celebratory clap boomed through the room. "Excellent. Now, let me get the paperwork settled and we can talk later about your new life. I know it must have been very very disconcerting the past day or two, but I feel very good about this. And the first thing we will do is feed you." She patted Peeta's cheek like petting a dog. Satisfied that the offer was taken, Effie left to settle the paperwork.

When he realized that he could not wait Clove and Katniss out, Mr. Foggert, too, excused himself. He gave Peeta's shoulder a squeeze. "We could work on an art exhibition for you. We would earn a handsome sum. We'll discuss it once you feel a little better. I'll look into it." An emotion akin to wonder crossed Mr. Mellark's face as he absorbed what Mr. Foggert just said. The idea was actually wonderful.

It was likely the last thing on Peeta's mind, but he smiled appreciatively at Mr. Foggert. "If you think it would, but don't waste too much effort. I have . . . " and at this Peeta paused, unknowingly piquing everyone's interest, "I have a backup plan." It was obvious he was going to reveal something, but thought twice about it.

Clove laughed. "Well, there are so many ways you can earn money. Why, worse comes to worse, you can model, baby. Show people some skin." Peeta blanched a little at the suggestion, obviously quite removed from what he must have had in mind.

His breathing quickened slightly, and the only indication that something was wrong was when the nurse ran into the room and asked if everything was okay. Peeta's heart monitor was now reading an irregular rhythm. Peeta willed himself to calm down. Strange how tormented he seemed by Clove's innocently suggestive remark.

And with an understanding nod, the nurse asked Clove and Katniss to let Peeta get some rest. Clove was petulant as she walked away, but Katniss was almost relieved. The only thing that now worried her was the fact that Peeta and Mr. Mellark were left to themselves. Katniss chanced a glance into the room one final time, only to see Mr. Mellark as blanched out as the sheet that covered him. Peeta looked like he was going to vomit.

Worse, Katniss found herself exiting the hospital alongside Clove, even though she took the stairs and tried to walk faster. The girl was malignant and persevering. Her voice was disenchanted. "Don't think that your presence is crucial to his healing. I would appreciate your filthy hands off of him."

Katniss stopped midway on the stairs, letting out a snort of disbelief. "Ironic, wouldn't you say. I'm not the one rubbing his flesh the entire day."

Clove jumped forward, nearly sending Katniss down the stairs. "Think I don't see you weaseling your way in? Just because your father arrested Cornelius Snow and rescued Peeta from him doesn't mean that you get any dibs. Peeta is mine. But you probably already have seen th evidnece."

For some reason, Clove's reminder of the video of the backseat of the limo during the Winter's Ball reminded Katniss of her little excursion with Peeta in the boy's locker room. Instead of incensing her jealousy, it only fueled her desire for Peeta.

"You didn't hit a home run, Clove. You barely got around first base. I wouldn't go around flaunting it," Katniss said sharply. Why was she being such a teenager about this, Katniss wondered. What Peeta needed now was not a girl's fight. But there was just something so infuriating about the girl in front of her. Clove stomped down the stairs and exited the building. As Katniss exited the building, she was surprised to find Gale at the bottom. He was unshaven, his eyes blood red. He smiled sadly at her. "Hey, Catnip. I brought you some soup."

kpkkp

Needless to say, the next day, Katniss was immediately back for visiting hours after a quick and sloppy breakfast. Katniss almost expected Clove to be at the bedside, fighting for a spot on Peeta's bed. But Clove wasn't there . . . yet.

The bed space to Peeta's left was empty. Funny, she did not remember Mr. Mellark saying anything about discharge.

"He was discharged yesterday," Peeta explained tiredly. Hopefully, they had a heart to heart yesterday.

"He cried when you were in the operating room, you know," Katniss offered. Peeta deserved a family.

Peeta nodded. "It's shocking for him. I don't blame him. He needs time." But as he said this, he looked so burdened and faraway. "That much, I'm okay with, but . . . . he's ashamed of me and how I handled myself with Crane," Peeta choked.

Katniss walked over to sit next to Peeta and held his hand. None of it was Peeta's fault. How could he be blamed for sacrificing his innocence. "You are the purest person I have ever met." And that was the truth.

Peeta laughed bitterly. "Innocence." He repeated the word a few times, a bitterly amused expression on his face. "That's an interesting adjective."

"Snow forced so much pornography on me. He would lock me up in a room and just blast the tv and make me watch them over and over again. He called it my homework. And then, he would make me practice the moves. That's why Brutus got ideas. He would video tape me for Snow."

This bit of information caught Katniss by surprise, and to a certain degree, incited a lust in her that was completely inappropriate. The thought of Peeta performing sexual acts on video tape made her mouth go instantaneously dry.

Focus Everdheen. Focus.

"Hello, baby!" Clove cried out as she made her entrance, signaling that Katniss' private time with Peeta was over. Peeta looked away, but the blush on his face was obvious. This was such a different side to him. Gone was the calm facade, replaced by vulnerability. Cornelius Snow was a devil. Was there anything that he did not strip away from Peeta?

Clove walked to the other side of Peeta's bed, where Peeta's head was turned. "I brought you some soup, approved and all by our hospital staff. Can I feed you?" her voice was sickly sweet. And without waiting for a response, she pulled out a spoon, holding the first bite to his lips.

Not waiting to see what was happening, Katniss got up. "Try to get some rest, Peeta." She quickly left the room, though her heart raced. The last thing Peeta needed at this time was more drama. And she did not want to watch as Clove force her touches upon Peeta. She could only imagine how much bolder Clove would be with her in the room. She did the only thing she could think of. The moment she left the room, she called Mr. Foggert and told him that Peeta was ready to discuss details of the art exhibition with him. Despite Mr. Foggert's doubts that Peeta was recovering, Katniss assured him that now was the right time.

So began the dance between Katniss and Clove. The few hours she spent with him each day, he spoke truthfully about his past, leaving Katniss the feeling that he trusted her and cherished her as a confidante. But when Katniss left Clove for a few hours and returned, she pretty much always found Clove trying to dry hump Peeta while he was in bed. What irked Katniss more was the fact that Peeta would not put a stop to Clove's outrageous advances. The one time Katniss found her straddling Peeta, their lower bodies perfectly aligned, his eyes were closed, and his upper body reclined, as if he were enjoying a relaxing day at the beach.

And where were the nurses? Surely, they can't approve of this type of impropriety in the hospital setting! If anything, Katniss was beginning to wonder that Peeta was giving her a message, that he was inclined towards Clove.

Mr. Foggert would sporadically show up, always excited about Peeta's art exhibtion. He had put together a last minute art exhibition at the school and invited quite a few prominent folks. Katniss wondered how she pulled it off, but Mr. Foggert dismissed her questions. "Peeta's work speaks for itself," he said beaming with pride.

kpkpkpkp

The days passed by slowly. Peeta was still dazed by the events, and oftentimes, when Katniss sat by his side, she could tell that he was struggling to focus. He seemed distracted most of the time, even though Snow and Crane were behind bars. Mr. Mellark sent him a note while he was there, but all it did was make him tearful.

Katniss was too anxious to ask him about the note. And while it was not overtly stated, Katniss still got the sense that Peeta was affected by her delays on Christmas Eve. His physical engagements with her were at most a touch of the fingertips here and a squeeze of the hand there. Unlike with Clove. Clove was virtually throwing herself at Peeta, her clothes skimpier as the days passed, despite it being the middle of winter.

It had been a week and the doctors, amazed at Peeta's recovery, had cheeerfully stated that he was ready to go home. Clove beamed happily, her hands curled around Peeta's waist, her fingers directed south. From where the doctors stood, they could not see. But from where Katniss stood, little was left to the imagination.

Untouchable! That was how Katniss felt about him. And as time passed by, the word forbidden took on different meaning when it came to Peeta Snow. Initially, he was taboo, something that was downright condescending to even discuss in private conversation. Then, when she finally took the initiative to interact with him, albeit for dubious reasons, there was a web of lies that resulted in a physical and emotional barrier between the two. But now, as another's arms were wrapped around his waist in the most scandalous manner possible, she desired what was no longer hers.

Yet strangely, these overly possessive actions of Clove only strengthened one thing. She watched as Clove's hand wrapped tried to find their way to the front. It was a feat to do that and not get the physician's attention, but she somehow managed it. Two can play at this game.

"Doctor," Katniss asked quietly, getting everyone's attention.

"Yes, Ms. Everdheen?"

"Do you mind looking at the chest tube site one more time just to make sure it healed properly."

That successfully stopped Clove's ministrations. As the doctor moved forward to look at Peeta's site, Clove was forced away. She stared daggers at Katniss, who now smiled innocently at Clove. Game on.

Katniss did not miss Clove's lips silently speaking the word 'bitch'.

But what she did miss was the corner of Peeta's lips curving into a smile.