DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own The Hunger Games.

Chapter 14

Back in the main room of the gym I stand to the side, in between Annie and Finnick as we silently observe the teary reunion of Peeta and his brother. They hug each other tightly for several minutes, each trying to put up a farce of manliness as they clap each other on the back roughly. A tired smile slowly starts to form on my lips. I try to ignore the lump in my throat. I hear a sniffle to my left and turn to see Annie wiping at her eyes. She elbows me playfully in the side when she catches me watching her with a raised brow.

Seeing the two brothers next to each other now, the differences in their appearance seems much more obvious. While Rye is taller, Peeta is stockier. They have the same curly hair, though Rye's is slightly darker. It's their eyes, though, that holds the major differences. It's no doubt they both hold the same tortured look, but something in Peeta's eyes shines with forgiveness… an odd happiness that lacks in Rye's. There's an innocence in Peeta that I've only ever seen in Prim, and it seems like his eyes are an exact reflection of that. Eyes are the window to the soul…

Soon after, Rye and Peeta excuse themselves, heading for the stairs in hopes of more privacy. By now the gym is almost completely empty, only one of the treadmills occupied by an elderly lady. Without a glance at Annie or Finnick, I head towards the supply closet, braiding my hair back as I go. The absence of footsteps behind me causes me to let out a sigh of relief. I had half expected Annie and Finnick to start hounding me with questions once we were alone. Grateful for the first bit of peace today, I open the closet and pull out a dusting rag.

With meticulous, well-practiced strokes, I walk around the gym dusting the equipment as I go. With the use of the distraction, I gladly empty my mind, allowing myself a few minutes just to rest even if it's only mentally. I feel like my brain has been working on overload ever since I got up this morning. I scrub at the sweat on the benches, watching almost impassively as the once white rag slowly turns grey. The cloth is rough and torn. I'm surprised it's not falling apart in my hand. I guess as long as it gets the job done it doesn't really matter what condition it's in.

As I clean, my mind begins to wander. Suddenly, I'm planning a trip to the woods tomorrow. Our meat is running low and I haven't been paid yet so I can't go to the market. I'm not really bothered by that; fresh venison tastes better anyway. After I visit Prim- the thought automatically sobers me. Here I am planning a trip to the woods while Prim's locked away in a community home. I'll get to see her tomorrow, though, and I can make sure she's okay…and somehow figure out how to get her out of there.

Then there's the matter of my mother to worry about. With a shock, I remember no one is home to feed her. She's probably still sitting on the kitchen floor, shatter pieces of a coffee cup littered around her. She probably fell asleep, I think bitterly. For her it's easier to sleep reality away than actually face it. I realize that it's going to have to be me now that takes care of her. I'm going to have to spoon feed her. I'm going to have to stare at her dead eyes on a daily basis. The idea sickens me, but I have no other choice.

I look down at the rag in my hand to see my knuckles white from the death grip I have on it. Slowly, I release my grip, letting the rag fall to the bench. I bite back a bitter laugh. No matter how much I try to relax, it seems that my thoughts will always end up there or someplace worse. How typical. I pick up the rag again, this time scrubbing with more vigor. My braid falls over my shoulder and I push it back angrily. I stop quickly, pausing to listen. My shoulders sag when I hear someone sit down on the bench to my left.

"So…what happened?" Annie asks curiously, her voice a whisper. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprise. It was useless thinking they would leave me alone for the night.

With an aggravated sigh, I rush through an explanation. "I saw him at the Laundromat, punched him in the nose, then forced him to come here and see Peeta."

"No, no, that's not what I meant," she says with an impatient wave of her hand. She pauses suddenly. "Wait…. You punched Rye?"

At my nod, she grins. She glances behind her, where Finnick is cleaning around the boxing ring. I roll my eyes at the t-shirt that's obviously too tight for his frame, his muscles practically ripping the fabric. His shiny golden hair just completes the whole ensemble.

"I'm sure Finnick would have loved to see that." Annie says, drawing my attention back to her. "You should have seen the look on his face when he walked in the gym to see the handsome Rye with his arm draped over my shoulder." She giggles, her green eyes glowing.

I raise an eyebrow. "Finnick didn't kill him? Or proclaim you as his fair maiden?" I ask dryly.

"Well at first he thought he was Peeta, which made it even funnier. I'm pretty sure he was going to declare a boxing match." She shakes her head in disbelieving amusement. "Then he got closer and realized that it wasn't Peeta. Oh, I had never seen him look so bewildered!" She says, laughing loudly. She wipes at the tears in her eyes before continuing. "Once I told him he was Peeta's brother he laid off a bit, but I think he's still mad."

I look back at Finnick, just now noticing the rigidness of his shoulders, the way his brows draw down intently, casting shadows over the angry look in his eyes. I smirk.

"Anyway…" Annie says, the laughter slowly draining from her voice. "That wasn't what I meant. I meant how did it go… with Prim."

I freeze, the blood draining from my face. With a rigidness that could match Finnick, I continue scrubbing the bench, my eyes hard. I can feel the tension building, the flush growing on my cheeks… the panic that's slowly building. I close my eyes tightly as I try to calm the erratic beating of my heart. How does she know about that? I made sure no one knew of that. How could she know, and if she knows, who else knows? The only person I told was Peeta.

I stop, my mind racing.

My fists clench. I told him that privately! Not so he could go gossiping around the gym about my pathetic excuse for maintaining my family. I grip the side of the bench tightly as I try to contain my anger. I can't believe he actually told someone. I laugh bitterly. So much for trusting him. I should have known. I should have known that he would be just like everyone else in this sorry excuse of a city. I bite my lip, silently screaming at myself for being so completely stupid.

Annie must have sensed the anger building in me for she leans over, her eyes concerned. "Katniss?"

I turn to her sharply. "How did you know about Prim?" I asks through clenched teeth.

Her brow furrows deeply. "Well I-" she halts, her eyes growing wide. "You think Peeta told me." She states.

"He was the only one I told about that." I say bitterly.

Her expression turns pleading. "Don't be mad at Peeta! He didn't tell me anything."

I stare at her, clearly disbelieving. I'm not an idiot. "He was the only one I told." I repeat again, my tone cold. "That's the only way you would find out."

"He didn't tell me, I promise. Don't be mad at him." She says intently.

My eyes narrow. "Then how did you even know that he knew? I'm not stupid, Annie." I say, my anger rising even more.

She pauses, bites her lip. Hesitantly, she says in a quiet voice, "I can't tell you right now." I open my mouth to argue, but she cuts me off, her voice pleading. "Just believe me when I tell you that Peeta didn't tell me."

I glare at her skeptically, my jaw clenching tightly. A weary tiredness slowly creeps over me, and, if it wasn't for that, I probably would have interrogated Annie more, but I'm too tired. This day has pulled my emotions in every direction possible, and I feel if I strain myself even more I might actually break. So, casting her one last annoyed glance, I continue wiping down the bench, hoping beyond hope that she won't bother me anymore. Just leave me in peace. That's all I ask.

I practically growl at her when she speaks once more.

"So Prim's okay?" She asks again.

"I don't know, Annie!" I half yell in a mix between anger and extreme annoyance. "I haven't seen her since this morning. Now are you done asking me questions? I just want to finish this."

She smiles a lopsided, sympathetic smile. With a nervous hand running through her dark hair, she nods meekly. I close my eyes at the sudden pounding in my head. Almost on cue, the front door of the gym opens, the hinges screeching loudly. Annie and I flinch as we turn to see who entered. I almost stalk out the door right then. Because there, standing lazily by the front desk, is none other than Johanna Mason. My teeth grind together from the pressure of trying to contain my scream of disbelieving anger. Of all people!

She surveys the room, her eyes narrowing hatefully once they land on me before quickly turning bored as she turns to find Finnick cleaning the ring. Her hair sticks out in spikes on top of her head, short and brown and completely ridiculous. With sluggish motion, she crosses her arms over her chest, looking as if she would rather be any place but here. I couldn't agree with her more. Leave, just like you want to; no one will miss you. I promise. Instead, she eyes Finnick with a smirk, her eyes filled with an unnatural, playful malice that I didn't even know was possible.

"Wow, Finnick." She says, effectively gaining his attention from the edge in her voice, the poorly hidden smirk. "Just when I thought your clothes couldn't get any tighter, you prove me wrong. They practically scream, 'I'm a douchebag!'" She exclaims as she throws her arms out exaggeratedly.

I scowl. Finnick flushes slightly before he recovers. He puffs his chest out, striking a provocative pose that only deepens my scowl.

"Why?" he asks. "We both know you find this," he glances down suggestively, a smirk on his lips, "…distracting."
Johanna scowls in disgust and I almost laugh. "The day I find you attractive is the day you grow a brain"

Finnick laughs. "Then you're in luck!" He taps the side of his head. "I've got knowledge beyond your dinky imagination." He says dramatically.

Johanna scoffs as she crosses her arms over her chest. Once again, the bored look his back. A lazy smile slowly forms on her lips and she raises her eyebrows in amusement. "Dinky imagination? Really?" She asks. "You couldn't come up with anything better?"

He shrugs. "It sounded good at the time."

I glance at Annie to find her watching them in amusement, her head resting in her hand as she leans forward. She notices me looking and turns to me, flashing me a quick smile. I resist rolling my eyes. It's amazing how someone's mood can change so quickly. I glance back at the pair on the other side of the room as their annoying banter continues.

"Would you like a dictionary for your birthday? Maybe I could you one on tape. Then you could work on your comebacks and your bench press at the same time." Johanna says in a falsely bright voice.

Finnick pauses in thought. "That's actually not a bad idea, Jo." He says as he scratches his chin.

She throws her hands up in aggravation and Annie giggles. "It was a joke, Finnick!" Johanna exclaims.

He smirks, his eyes twinkling. "I know. I was testing out my acting skills." He glances at her annoyed expression before smiling in triumph. "They're fine."

The rest of the night continued in the same way. Finnick and Johanna argued more times than I thought was possible in one night. Most of the time it was over something completely stupid that consisted of them trying to out-do each other in a battle of wits. What was even more annoying was the fact that neither one of them won. By the end of the night my head was pounding and I came so close to yelling at them to shut up.

By the time closing come, Rye and Peeta still hadn't come down from Haymitch's.

I left as soon as the clock hit eleven.

Silently observing the area, I try not to let my hatred for this place overwhelm me. I try to focus Prim and nothing else. I don't focus on the fact that she's only here because of me, that I'm the sole reason that she's locked up in this tomb. Even though I know it's true, I try to ignore it. I can only hope that if I ignore it, I won't end up lashing out at the employees. I'll get thrown out before I can even see Prim if I do that.

I walk down the grey hallway towards the dormitories. The hall is narrow and poorly lit, the paint barely hiding the rusting, metal walls behind it. On the walls, varies paintings of flowers and animals fade, the paint slightly chipped. I shake my head ruefully. What a sad attempt to try and cheer this place up. Why do they even bother? This place is a prison. Even the kids know it; it's obvious from their dead stares.

More than once, I've passed a kid in hallway. Every time it's the same thing. The glace up at me wearily because scurrying around me like serpent about to strike. My nerves increased every time it happened. What could they possibly be doing here to make the kids so jumpy? Anxiously, I hurry faster down the long hall, my need to see Prim increasing with each passing second. I silently scold myself. She's only been here one night. She can't have turned into a robot overnight.

The hallway leads into a large room at least twice the size of our house. On either wall, a row of small beds line it. There has to be at least twenty on each wall. The blankets are a dull, pink color made from what looks like an extremely scratchy wool, the frames a plain metal. As soon as I enter the room, I automatically notice the chill. Apparently they can't afford heaters here and would rather have the children die of colds. I scowl, already completely hating this place.

I scan the room, searching for that flash of blonde hair that's so familiar. Children talk quietly, huddled together on their beds as they gossip about the latest hair ribbon styles, or maybe even the boys that are located down the hall in their own room. Some sit on the old wooden floor, cards spread out among them. I raise my eyebrow when I notice their attempt at building a card house. At least it's better than gambling. Although I doubt they have anything to bet with.

To my right I hear a giggle. I pause, a smile forming quickly on my lips at the all too familiar sound. I turn to see Prim siting crisscrossed on a bed, laughing with a darker skinned girl across from her. I can't keep the relief off my face, glad that she's already made a friend. I shouldn't be surprise, though. Prim makes friends like it's the easiest thing in the world.

My eyes do a quick scan over her, checking for anything abnormal. Her blonde hair is shining, tumbling down her back in waves. With a wave of relief, I can't see any bruises on her skin or signs of abuse. She seems normal from here. But the thing that worries me the most is her eyes. From my point of view, I can't see them. I don't want to see that same dead stare that the rest of the kids seem to have. It's irrational, but I don't really care.

I walk over there quietly, making sure she doesn't see me. Her friend looks at me with curious brown eyes and I place a finger to my lips, silently telling her to stay quiet. She smiles slightly before returning her attention to Prim. They talk for a few more minutes, their giggles echoing around the room in stark contrast to the practical silence. The whole time I stand off to the side, just out of Prim's view as I try to hide the smile on my face. Her friend glances at me again, her eyes shining with amusement.

"He ended up tripping on his shoelaces right in the middle of the cafeteria!" Prim exclaims.

"Oh, the poor boy. That must have been awful." Her friend replies, frowning. She fiddles with her dark hair, twisting a tight ringlet around her finger.

"I know. Some kids can be so rude. I just don't get it. I mean, how can people actually find it funny to embarrass people?" Prim asks, shaking her head in confusion.

Prim... You just don't realize how many horrible people are on this earth.

"They're just bad, I guess." the girl says with a helpless shrug.

"Exactly." I say suddenly, startling Prim who whips around to face me. Her face breaks out into a huge smile, her blue eyes as bright with excitement as I've seen them. I return her smile gratefully. No dead stare.

"Katniss!" she exclaims, jumping off the bed. She slams into me, her arms wrapping tightly around my waist in a crushing hug.

I kneel down in front of her, laughing as she practically bounces up and down on her feet.

"How many times do have I remind you about all the bad people around, Little Duck?" I ask teasingly.

She rolls her eyes playfully. "Too many times."

She glances over her shoulder before grabbing my hand and dragging me over to the bed. The plops down gracefully, patting the empty spot next to her. I sit down, grimacing slightly at the rusty sound of the springs. Prim gestures to her friend who's sitting quietly on her own bed, her legs cris-crossed.

"Katniss, this is Rue. My bunk mate." Prim says excitedly.

Rue smiles shyly as she gives a slight wave. "Hi."

"Hello." I say, slightly awkward.

"So you're Prim's sister?" she asks. "She's talked about you nonstop."

Prim beams proudly. "Yep. Hunter extraordinaire, best big sister on the planet, and could beat up a boy if she wanted too." she says.

I smirk, thinking of Rye's bruised nose. She's not far off. "That reminds me," I say suddenly, turning to Prim, "I can't stay for long. I have to go hunting later."

Prim pouts. "Those poor deer..." she says solemnly.

I laugh, tugging at her hair gently. She smiles crookedly at me. "You know we have to eat, Prim. And it's cheap."

"I know." She says with a resigned sigh.

"At least when I'm done, there's at least one less pesky squirrel."

"Katniss!' Prim gasps in horror.

"I'm kidding, Prim." Not really.

She eyes me skeptically, before turning back to Rue. "As you can tell, she hates animals." She says seriously.

"Prim! I don't hate animals." I say, slightly shocked.

She giggles, placing her hand on my arm in what's supposed to be a comforting manner. "I'm kidding, Katniss." She says as she tries to imitate my voice. My eyes narrow slightly in warning and she quickly splutters out an apology, "Sorry."

I snort as she glances at me in apology. I open my mouth to speak when I hear loud voices floating in from down the hall. Shortly, one of the workers walks into the room, a clipboard in hand accompanied by a sickeningly fake smile on her face. She pushes a lock of hair behind her ear before motioning for the couple behind her to follow her. The couple lock arms happily as they glance around at the children, their eyes glowing with poorly hidden excitement. A hush slowly spreads over the room, the girls all alert as their chatter slowly dies into silence.

From the corner of my eye I see Rue stiffen uncomfortably. I turn to look at her to see her eyes locked fearfully on the floor. A light tap on my shoulder grabs my attention and I turn to Prim. She motions for me to lean down and I do. "Rue has a couple coming to meet her soon. For adoption." She whispers in my ear. My stomach twists. I look back at the couple. They slowly walk past us, their eyes lingering on Prim and Rue and my heart stops in my chest. Almost unconsciously, my arm wraps around Prim protectively.

The couple moves on as they continue to follow the assistant farther down the row of beds. I watch silently, my heart beating painfully in my chest as they approach a girl with strawberry blonde hair, no older than six, where she sits with her knees pulled under her chin. She watches the couple frightfully as they approach her, tears brimming in her eyes. With a lot of persuasion, she follows the trio out the room, silent tears streaming down her small face as she trails behind, her hands folded neatly in front of her.

They disappear down the hall, the dim light slowly swallowing their image. All at once it seems like the room literally sighs in relief as everyone slowly relaxes again. The rest of the girls continue with their games, though less enthusiastic than last time. Rue looks back up, her face a mixture of weary relief and delirious joy. She sighs shakily, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Prim watches her with a sympathetic look, her blue eyes filled with sadness. Letting out a silent breath, I try to contain my own nerves. I smile slightly in an attempt to ease the tension.

"Have you settled in okay, Prim?" I ask her, relieved when my voice comes out stronger than I thought it would.

She blinks. "Oh… yes. Yeah, I'm all settled in." she says as she shakes out of her thoughts. She glances at Rue again, concern written all over her face.

"Good." I say, suddenly at a loss for words. The silence stretches for a few awkward moments. "I have something funny to tell you guys." I say as I try to sound excited.

They both look at me curiously and I smile slightly, though feels more like a grimace. "Yesterday night when I was walking home for work down the alley, it was really dark and couldn't see very much." I say, hoping beyond hope this will work. "I was just walking past one of the dumpsters when all of the sudden a cat jumps out and scares the living daylights out of me!" I say, and their eyes widen. "I got so scared I screamed and ended up running right into the dumpster."

They start laughing and I roll up my sleeve to show them the bruise on my elbow. They laugh harder, both of them clutching their stomachs. "I didn't realize it, but I had actually stepped on its tail. The stupid thing followed me down the alley, hissing at me the whole way."

They laugh even more as they wipe away tears in their eyes. It echoes around the room and I smile, glad that the tension is gone. Glad to see them smiling again. Even if it was at my own expense. That actually had happened to me last night, but instead of screaming I yelled at the cat in anger, using a few choice words that I obviously couldn't retell. The only reason I hit my elbow was because the stupid thing started walking in-between my legs and tipped me.

"Oh, the poor cat!" Prim says though her chuckles.

I look at her in surprise. 'Why are you feeling sorry for the cat? I'm the one who ran into the dumpster!"

"You stepped on his tail, Katniss." She says, smiling at me.

"Unbelievable." I mutter under my breath. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the cat is cared about more.

"At least it didn't bite you." Rue offers. Prim laughs and nudges me in the side.

"Yeah…he could have had rabies." I say. Prim rolls her eyes.

I sigh as I look at Prim. "I have to go. It's going to be too late for me to see anything if I wait any longer."

She frowns. "I'll come back soon." I assure her as I stand, stretching out my back.

"Do you have work tonight?" She asks.

"No. Not until Monday."

"And mom's doing alright?" She asks tentatively. I hesitate before giving her a quick nod. She looks relieved as she stands up to give me a hug, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist. "Can you come back tomorrow?" She asks hopefully, looking up at me with pleading blue eyes.

"I'll try."

The subway rocks back and forth unsteadily. I grip the pole tightly in an attempt to keep my balance. I glance around at the familiar yellow walls, browning from age. I almost smile at the lack of people in today, glad that for once I'm not shoved up against some sweaty old guy who's hands have a 'mind of their own'. My braid flies forward as the subway car jerks to a stop, the wheels screeching loudly. I wait for the rest of the people to file out before hopping off after.

I pull my bag over my shoulder as I glance up at the smog filled blue sky. The afternoon sun beats down, heating the concrete beneath my feet. For once it's not cloudy and rainy, or suffocating from the humidity. The air is mild and cool, the perfect temperature. A slight breeze stirs the loose hair around my face as a feeling of peace spreads over me. Adjusting my bag, I head for the direction of the gym, taking my time as I soak in the perfect weather.

Once I arrive at the gym, a pause momentarily before yanking open the heavy door regretfully. I should have called in sick. Today would have been perfect for hunting…or really anything other than this. As the door opens, a cool blast of air rushes against my flushed cheeks. I walk inside, my eyebrows rising at the amount of people in today. The normally quite gym is now filled with the sound of people talking, the clanking of weights being moved around, and the scuffle of feet originating for the fighting ring. I guess the weather was affecting everyone. Although, you would think they would want to exercise outside instead of inside.

I walk over to the front desk, throwing my bag underneath. Annie beams at me.

"Jo's already cleaning the locker rooms so you can sweep or something." She tells me.

My mood deflates slightly. So much for a peaceful afternoon. Looks like I'll be spending most of my time avoiding evil incarnate. I nod. "I'll sweep."

As I pass the boxing ring, I see Peeta and Thresh circling each other cautiously. Thresh throws a punch that Peeta easily deflects as he ducks out of the way before circling behind him. Thresh moves just in time, successfully avoiding a tackle. He seems like he's getting better. Both of them are breathing heavily as sweat drips from their foreheads and I grimace slightly.

Finnick watches from the ground, his arms crossed over his chest thoughtfully. "Hey, Finnick." I call.

He turns around in surprise. From the corner of my eye, I notice Peeta looking over, his hands dropping slightly. I glance over at the ring just as Thresh tackles Peeta to the ground, taking advantage of his distraction. My eyes widen and I laugh before I can help myself. Finnick turns around at the sound of Peeta hitting the mat and groans.

"Keep your fists up, Peeta! If you keep doing that every time a pretty girl distracts you, you'll never leave the mat!"

I chuckle under my breath as I hurry away. Opening the supply closet, I pull out the broom and quickly start sweeping my way around the room. My mind wanders as I watch the pile of dirt and dust slowly grow. As I make it back to where I started, the pile is at least the size of a watermelon. I sweep it into the trash, dusting my hands off as I walk over to the small group that's gathered by the boxing ring. I almost turn the other way when I see Johanna, instead I steel myself for the argument that's bound to happen and stand beside Annie, across from Jo.

"We'll need to start a workout routine that's bigger and better." Finnick says excitedly to Peeta. He nods, his eyes thoughtful. "It's going to be a hard competition. Nothing like fighting Thresh." Finnick says. He glances at over at Thresh as he scowls. "No offense."

"None taken. I guess." Thresh says solemnly. Johanna smirks.

Finnick continues without losing a beat. "It's going to work in elimination rounds. You

lose one fight, and you're out of the competition. There's going to be a lot of fights, though. A lot of people who join in this competition have been training for years…at professional gyms."

Everyone groans. "He's doomed." Thresh says. Annie frowns at him while Johanna snickers.

Peeta smiles slightly. "Thanks for the confidence boost, Thresh."

Finnick waves his hand impatiently. "No. You would be doomed, Thresh. Pete here, who beat you twice today even after you had him pinned on the mat, will completely destroy the competition."

"When does it start?" Annie asks.

"Two weeks." Finnick answers.

"So soon?" I ask, causing everyone to turn to me in surprise. Apparently they didn't realize I was here.

"Well we've known about it for a while but certain…events kind of delayed us." Finnick explains. I bit the inside of my cheek and Peeta quickly adverts his eyes to the floor. I ignore Annie's knowing smile and Johanna's curious glances back and forth between me and Peeta. Thankfully the boys don't notice.

"What do you say we get started this afternoon?" Finnick asks Peeta.

"Actually, can we do it this evening? I have to talk to Haymitch about some things first."

"Yeah, yeah, that's fine."

"Thanks." Peeta says, and with that he leaves the group, heading straight for Haymitch's office.

I watch him go, my eyes slightly narrowed. There's something that the two of them are keeping from me, but I don't know what. My arms cross over my chest and I force myself to look away as the door to the office closes behind Peeta. Suddenly, I wonder how it went with Rye last week. I'm surprised I hadn't even thought of it until now. I guess visiting your younger sister in a community home and taking care of your incompetent mother leaves no room for anything else.

Guilt suddenly floods through me. Am I really that wrapped up in my own problems that I don't even pay attention to anyone else's? Especially since I could be the cause of them.

The group breaks up, Finnick and Thresh heading back to the ring and Annie back to the front desk. Johanna stares at me, her eyes narrowed.

"What?" I snap defensively.

"Nothing…yet." She says before turning her back on me and walking back to the locker rooms. I watch her walk away in confusion, my fists clenching at my side. I really hate her.

By the time night falls, the gym is practically empty. I cleaned most of the day, avoiding both Peeta and Johanna for completely different reasons. My guilt built each time I walked the other way when Peeta approached, the hurt and confused look on his face haunting me. I ignored it as best as I could, silently telling myself that it's for the better. Johanna on the other hand, glared at me each time, her own anger flaring to match mine. At one point, as I was once again making a hasty retreat away from Peeta, my heart racing, she stalked over to me, grabbed my arm and hauled me out the door of the gym.

I followed her, shock overcoming me as she tugged me into the street. Finally, I realized what she was doing and yanked my arm free, my fists clenched in anger. We both stop as she turns around to glare at me.

"What are you doing?" I demand angrily.

"Will you shut up and follow me?" She bites back and my jaw clenches.

I hesitate for a moment before my curiosity gets the better of me and I nod curtly, gesturing for her to lead the way. It doesn't take long to realize she's leading me to the alley and I suddenly wonder if she's going to try to murder me. It'd be the perfect place; where no one would hear my muffled screams. Before I can help it, I'm searching to see if she has a weapon hidden.

Finally in the alley, she turns around, her arms crossed over her chest as she glowers at me. I glare right back, already upset at the unknown reason of her anger.

"Okay, what do you what?" I ask impatiently.

"What's going on with you and Peeta?" She asks bluntly.

My mouth opens but no words come out. "That's none of your business." I hiss. "Did you seriously drag me all the way out here in the middle of the night to ask me that?"

"Don't lie." She snaps, completely ignoring my question. "There is something going on, but I'm not sure what. Whatever it is though, I can tell you're hurting him and you don't even seem to care." She says angrily.

My eyebrows raise. "Why do you care? You hate everyone!" I accuse.

"Just because I find people annoying does not mean I hate them. And Peeta's probably the least annoying out of all of you."

"That doesn't mean you care about him." I say.

"He's my friend, he's been hurt enough in his life and if you cause him one more ounce of pain, I swear-"

"You'll what? Beat me up?" I ask with a mirthless laugh. She glares at me but I cut her off before she can speak. "Look, I'm not trying to hurt Peeta. I have my reasons for avoiding him and if you could please just leave it alone that would be great." I say sharply.

"Why?" She asks, her own fists clenched.

"It's none of your business so drop it!" I yell, my face flushing in anger.

"Why?" She presses again, her voice a hiss.

"Because I don't want to lose him!" I yell.

Her expression changes to one of shock and she stares at me in confusion. "Everyone I've cared about has left me in one way or another and I don't want the same to happen with Peeta, okay?" I ask, my voice almost shaking in anger and desperation.

She looks at me like I'm stupid. "And you thought avoiding him will help you not lose him?" She asks.

"I figured I'd cut it off before it got any worse." I say lamely, shaking my head at how ridiculous it sounds out loud.

"That's stupid." She says simply. "Do you care about him?" I hesitate. "Don't lie." She warns.

"Yes, I care about him." I say reluctantly, kicking at the dirt in aggravation.

"Do you love him?"

"Yes."

It's silent for a moment as both of us are lost in thought. The night is warm, clear. I glance in the direction of the gym, a strange feeling settling in my stomach.

"Don't avoid him." She says sternly, as if I'm a child. "You'll regret it. It's better to have happy memories with someone than none at all. Trust me."

I glance at her in curiosity, my brow furrowed. She rolls her eyes. "Think of the people that you cared about that left. Would you rather have never met them and never have gotten the joy you did, or to actually have that joy in your life…even if it doesn't last long?"

She walks past me, her spiky hair reflecting the moonlight as she walks back to the gym. After a moment I follow her, an odd determination growing inside me.

I find Peeta by the front desk talking to Annie. He looks up, a small, hesitant smile on his lips. I walk over to him, standing so we're less than a foot apart. His eyes never leave mine, the blue bright and curious. Slowly, as if I'm afraid he'll disappear at any moment, I reach up with one hand, gently resting it against his cheek. The room falls silent in shock and I shake away the unsettling feeling of being watched as I slowly pull his face down to mine. Our lips meet in a soft kiss and that alone sends heat rushing through my body. I have to resist the urge to pull him closer.

I pull away, smiling slightly at the look of awe on his face. Taking one of his hands in my own I ask, "Can we talk in private for a minute?"

He nods, his blonde curls bobbing as I lead him outside.