Again, short chapter I know and I'm sorry! I have a lot going on but I promise that I won't forget about this or any of my other fanfics, it just might take awhile. I appreciate all the reviews and they really do help motivate me to keep writing! Thank you for all the kind words, it really means a lot!

Chapter 14

I woke up in the middle of the night dripping with sweat and shaking uncontrollably. I didn't realize I was screaming until I heard Peeta's voice try and quiet me down. I curled up in his arms as he held me and played with my hair, waiting for the sun to rise because I knew I wouldn't be sleeping anymore tonight. I placed my head on Peeta's chest and listened to his slow and steady heartbeat under my ear, his breath was slowing down as he entered into a deeper sleep. I lifted my head slowly off of his chest and looked carefully at his face. Although it was dark in the room, the moonlight was shining in our window and I could see dark shadows under his eyes. I began to trace the dark shadows with my fingers and then my fingers found the worry creases on his forehead.

"What are you doing Katniss?" Peeta's soft voice scares me and I jump slightly. He laughs "Sorry."

"No, I'm sorry," he looks at me confused.

"For what?"

"I've been so wrapped up in my life and what's wrong with me that I haven't realized how much pain your in and how worried you've been."

"It's fine Katniss, you're my top priority, after everything you've been through-"

"But that's the thing; you've been through everything I have! Even more! I wasn't tortured by the Capitol I didn't have my brain messed, I wasn't tricked into believing the person I loved was my enemy." I feel tears trickling down my face as I think about everything that has ever been done to him, and how I was never really there for him. "I'm so sorry Peeta. In the arena I just used you as my escape and I completely ditched you when it was over. The second time I let you get captured, I never should of let you out of my sight! And when you were rescued, I never even put the energy into trying to help you, I just thought I had bigger problems to deal with. But I didn't, after everything you have done for me I never should have turned my back on you for a second. I truly am sorry, but I'm also thankful. I'm thankful that you've been able to forgive me for everything I've done or not done, for still being able to know that I love you and being patient and gentle with me for the best few years as we've gone through all of this. Even with everything I've lost, I'd never change going into the arena with you if it meant I wouldn't be here now. I want you to know I would do anything for you Peeta, and you've made everything worth it in the end, knowing you'll always be here. Thank you." I make the last word out and Peeta's arms wrap around me and I can feel his body shaking under mine. I know what I said meant a lot to him and he was trying to find a way to respond, but his body was doing it for him.

"You are so welcome Katniss," He finally whispers in my ear and a smile forms on my lips and I kiss his wet salty cheek. I look at his face and I see a smile creep onto his lips as well and he leans slightly down and gently kisses my lips. "I love you Katniss Everdeen."

"I love you Peeta Mellark."

I'm staring out the window lying on Peeta's chest as the sun finally rises. I move slowly out of bed, hoping not to wake him up and walk into our bathroom. I turn the hot water on in the shower and then I brush my teeth while waiting for the water to reach the perfect temperature. I shed my clothes and slowly step into the shower; scents lavender and mango fill my nose. I take a deep breath welcoming the wonderful scents and the warmth of the water. I gently undo my braid in the water and begin to wash my hair and body. As I'm washing my face I hear a soothing voice enter the shower behind me.

"Mind if I join you?" Before I have a chance to respond, Peeta's arms are wrapped around my waist and he's pulling me close to him.

"I tried not to wake you," I apologize.

"Oh, don't worry, I don't mind," He has a smug grin on his face as his eyes wander down farther then just my face. I playfully hit his shoulder and he mocks being hurt so I kiss his shoulder, I feel his body tremble under my lips.

"Are you okay?" I ask coyly.

"Mhmmmmm," He replies as I turn around to face the water again. I've barely turned away when I feel his hands move my hair over my left shoulder and then I feel his lips on my right shoulder. His hands are sliding up and down my sides as his lips travel up my neck; I turn around as his lips travel to mine. His hands run through my wet hair as he pulls my face closer to his to intensify the kiss. We continue kissing until we're both panting and we have to force ourselves apart. I turn the water on cold for a second before stepping out and wrapping myself in a towel.

"Aren't you getting out?" I call to Peeta.

"Uhm, give me one minute."

I laugh to myself as I walk out of the bathroom and put on some hunting clothes. I'm in the middle of braiding my hair when Peeta comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist.

"You better now?"

"For the moment," He replies as he bends down and kisses my forehead "Welcome home honey."

I walk to the Hob while Peeta's getting dressed to try and grab us something to eat. I'm still amazed when I walk into the beautiful building to see all of the people I love looking to happy… and wealthy. My eyes widen as I see Alice and Chip at a stand that has a lit up sign that reads "Beautiful Breakfast" I quickly walk over to them and Alice comes out of a half door and gives me a huge hug.

"You moved here?" I nearly squeal.

"Yes we did, neighbor!" Alice squeals back "We got the house right next to yours!"

"You could afford that?" I ask surprised.

"Between the two of us, we could pay off the first month, and from how much we've earned off of our new business, I think we're set for a few more months at least!" Chip joins into the conversation.

"I actually came here to find some breakfast for me and Peeta, I'd love to give you some business." Alice hurries back behind the counter.

"What would you like?" I carefully look through a menu that is on the wall above their heads.

"What in the world is a donut?" They both laugh at me "What?"

"We've been getting that a lot here, we never really understood how different food were depending on where you lived." Alice pulled out a circular treat with a hole in the middle, it almost looked like bread but I could tell it was going to be sweeter, it also had a layer of icing on top and some form of edible color on top.

"What is-"

"We call those sprinkles," Alice explains about the colorful toppings as she hands me the donut. I take a bite and I'm instantly in love. We have a little more small talk as I load up on their delicious breakfast treats. I head home with a bag full of donuts, muffins, and containers of what Alice referred to as "Breakfast Potatoes".

Peeta looked confused at the items I set out on the table, he didn't question it though like I did and just dug in, he seemed quite pleased with what I had picked out. He looked up at me as if to ask a question and before he could get a word out.

"That is called a donut, and those are breakfast potatoes," He nods and takes a fork-full of the potatoes.

"So who is selling this?" Peeta asks and I smile, he looks at me confused.

"Alice and Chip, they moved into the house next to ours and they have their own shop in The Hob now," Peeta smiles at me and pats his good leg for me to sit down.

"That makes you happy doesn't it?" He asks.

"It does Peeta, it really really does." Peeta smiles at me "Oh and they would like to know it they can order bread from you to make breakfast sandwiches and crescents and also bagels."

"Of course they can, if you see them today, tell them I'll be at the bakery and to stop by anytime and we'll work something out," Peeta pulls me closer "I'm glad you're happy Katniss"