Chapter 25 – Proceed With Caution

AN: To all those who left reviews [Trude, Tea4e, kamjam, LACR and guest] and favored my story, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Just an FYI as someone noted, the next couple of chapters will have Peeta facing his stalker and Katniss confronting her demons. It's going to be a long and difficult journey just yet. Thank you for hanging on. All mistakes are on me and the Hungry Games belong to Suzanne Collins.

Katniss POV –

"This is not how I wanted to be awakened, Peeta," I whined as I slipped my arms through a long sleeve. I shouldn't complain since the night air did get a bit chilly. However, I was having the most peaceful sleep I had in a long time without nightmares when he woke me to help put a shirt on.

"Katniss, it's getting chilly and I don't think you would want to wake up half naked only wearing your panties. You'll get sick," he said as he eyed my erect nipples before it disappeared beneath my shirt. I envisioned waking up with his arms wrapped around me as I lay on top of his bare chest. Albeit preferably naked but it was not going to happen with my concerned and protective boyfriend. He had already worn a shirt to cover himself from the cold air. His hair was tousled as his eyes twinkled. I was too tired to pinch his cheeks, which were rosy red when I caught him staring at my chest. How can he blush and appeared shy after what he did for me? I sighed as I remembered the moment he brought me to orgasm missing the feeling of his mouth on mine as he pinched my nipples to hard pebbles. My breasts ached from his ministrations not from soreness but of longing. Peeta yawned realizing that a repeat was not going to happen anytime soon. He's exhausted and I can admit so am I.

"You should have warmed me up next time," I suggested as I lay down next to him and he followed suit stretching his arm out for me to lie upon. His eyes were leveled to mine as I placed a hand on his cheek.

"When you're half naked, the next time will be in my bed," he added. "As much as I like the idea were still outside in the elements and I don't want to get caught half naked in case something happens." Always so cautious and logical, it was one of the reasons why I love him. He's a contradiction between his cool logic and passionate personality. With a straight face he could talk me into an orgasm without the slightest touch from his skillful hands. My Boy with the Bread may be kind and gentle but underneath I detected a passionate and generous lover once we reached that next step. All those years of kneading bread helped him developed strong fingers and forearms. I shivered from the thought of him manipulating my body to his own bidding.

"Spoilsport," I teased as I rubbed my nose to his. "You're too logical for your own good. Most guys would have taken advantage. But you, no my Peeta is a gentleman." I brushed his lips with my thumb mesmerized as he closed his eyes for a moment then sighed.

A moment later, he opened his eyes and licked his lips. The gesture sent a tingle up and down my spine. "Get some sleep," he instructed. "It's still dark out." He lay on his back as I placed my head on my usual spot. I felt warm and comfortable. The last thought on my mind was that I looked forward to sleeping in a real bed half naked with him only wearing his boxer briefs.

My head spun as my blissful sleep was awakened by screams outside my tent. I turned to wake Peeta and find him not beside me. Panic settled upon me as I rose from my sleeping bag. Remembering ever the kind and thoughtful Peeta who woke me earlier this morning as he helped me into a long sleeve shirt and pants since the night air got chillier.

My throat tightened as the realization hit me that he was gone. I rushed out of the tent and found Bron and Delly at the edge of the cliff facing the still dark night with a flashlight in his hand.

"Just let him go," Bron seethed his anger as Delly held onto his arm. I gasped in horror as I watched a hooded figure holding Peeta hostage with his arm around his chest and a gun to his head.

"Peeta," I screamed. This could not be happening. How did he breach the perimeter without sounding off the alarm? I stepped closer as his stalker pressed the gun closer to his head smashing the muzzle to his temple.

"Move one step closer and I'll blow his head to off his neck," he said as he stepped closer to the cliff's edge. I stopped and placed my hands in front of me itching for my bow and arrow that I wished I had brought with me. My throat felt raw and ached with fear. I was scared and angry that this was happening. I failed Peeta. I didn't protect him.

"Why are you doing this?" I seethed in frustration.

"Let him go," Bron continued as he inched forward.

I was so focused that I had forgotten that Delly and Bron were beside me. "What did Peeta ever do to you?"

"Peeta? He didn't do anything to me," he cackled. "You think I doing this because of him?" He pressed the gun to his temple causing Peeta to wince in pain. His eyes never left mine. "I'm doing this because of you, Katniss."

"I don't understand, what I did ever do to you?" I cried. Peeta was being stalked because of me? All this was my fault.

"Of course, you don't understand," he scoffed. "What make you so deserving of his devotion and the love he felt for you? You Katniss Everdeen don't deserve him."

"Who the hell are you?" I shouted.

"He lost everything, his family, his home because of you," he continued. "He nearly died protecting you in the first arena and he lost a leg and what did you do? You used him, you used him to get home." I gasped in shock. It wasn't all true. I felt something for him; something I didn't realize was love but was too stubborn and scared to admit it. "For years he loved you and all you did was ignore him. Threw Gale in his face when he was rescued. Instead of standing behind him and helping with his recovery, you went to Gale for comfort. You abandoned him when he needed you the most." I cried and sobbed for I couldn't find any argument to refute him.

"I didn't know," I bawled into the air. "I was too scared to tell him that …"

"See you still can't say it, can you?" he argued. "He's about to die and you still can't admit that you love him. How does it feel Katniss, how does it feel to lose the one thing you love the most." I almost laughed at the absurdity of his question; I already lost the one thing I loved the most, Prim. But here I am about to lose Peeta too.

"What do I know about loss? I lost my sister," I yelled back. How dare he assumed I lost nothing during the rebellion. "She was everything to me!" My voice grew hoarse and ached from the memory of her presence.

"Yet, you learned nothing," he retorted. "You came back whimpering like a injured animal when someone else needed you. Someone who loved you, was tortured because of you and you went to Gale." The light in Peeta's eyes grew dim and sad. His words killing the both of us.

"I do…but I'm not going to admit it in front of you," I spouted with anger as I wiped my eyes from my tears that were blinding me. "When I tell him it'll be not with audience. What goes on between is us will not be rated, watched or approved by anyone but the two of us. He," I pointed to Peeta, "is the only one who will hear the words or know what I feel for him. I don't need you to tell me how or when I should tell him how I feel."

"Bullshit," he scoffed. "You're a coward. Tell him now when you still have the chance. Tell him before I blow his brains out in front you. Make his last moment count."

"Katniss, don't…" Peeta wheezed, his eyes sad and tearful. Could this be the last moment or chance I had to tell him what I haven't been able to say or admit to him. Delly and Bron stood behind me. She sniffed and wiped her eyes as her blue connected to grey, telling and encouraging me to finally tell Peeta what he waited for so long to hear from me. Bron's eyes were stern as it concentrated on Peeta's stalker. His knuckles white from clutching onto his rifle ready to aim and shot to kill.

"Peeta, I love you," I said as my voice shook. The words left me free and light from the truth I hid from him all these years. The feeling was freeing and liberating as I wondered why it took me so long to say it. My eyes brimmed with tears with joy and sadness. "I do…I love you so much. I love you."

"Katniss, please don't say it if you don't mean it. Not because of him," he replied as he smiled back, sad and wistful. He didn't believe me. I closed my eyes trying to suppress the pain that was lodged in my chest. Why would he believe me now?

"Peeta," I wailed. My eyes seared into his blue orbs hoping that he can see the truth in them. I'm not good with words. My mouth failed to connect with words that were buried in my head and heart.

"See, he doesn't believe you. I don't believe you," his stalker taunted me. "And why should he, you waited too long." He stepped back closer to the edge. "You really don't deserve him."

"Maybe I don't, but I love him. I never loved anyone the way I love him," I cried my eyes never leaving Peeta's. "Peeta, please believe me because it's true. I should have told you sooner."

"It's all right, Katniss," Peeta answered. "Don't pretend anymore. I know you care for me and that was enough. It's enough." My stomach dropped and my heart broke from his rejection of the love I felt for him. It was too late.

"Peeta, I'm not lying or pretending," I pleaded with him. "Please don't shut me out. I do love you, so much. Please forgive me, I love you." I was exhausted and felt helpless. I was losing him before I had a chance to be with him.

"Too late," his stalker stated. "Say goodbye, Katniss." He pulled the trigger and the gun rang into the night air echoing into the trees and foliage. I screamed as Peeta's bloody body fell into the ground.

I awoke with my chest heaving as I caught large gulps of air into my lungs. I sat up to turn to Peeta. Empty, he was not beside me. My eyes grew wide with fear as I experienced déjà vu from my nightmare. I ran out of the tent and searched the campsite. Peeta sat a few feet away from the tent with a blanket around his shoulders. "Peeta!" I screamed as I ran towards him barefoot. I ignored the cold ground and debris on my bare feet. He just turned his head as I barreled into him causing us to fall into the ground. "Peeta!" I cried again as I held him down sobbing.

"Katniss, what's wrong?" he asked as I continued to sob. I bawled all over his shirt as I'm tucked underneath his chin. His arms held me tight as I trembled on his heaving chest. "Katniss, did you have bad dream?"

"He killed you," I wailed as my arms tightened around his neck while I straddled him.

"I'm here, see?" he said as he took my hand and placed it on his chest. I lay on top of him listening to his heartbeat. He sat up and wrapped his arms around my waist rubbing his hand up and down my back. "Shh, it's all right, Katniss. You had a bad dream. I'm sorry I left you alone."

"I dreamt that I woke up and he got you. He had a gun to your head and he shot you," I stumbled with my words. I couldn't reveal the rest of the dream. "I can't lose you, I just can't. Now that I finally have you."

"I'm right here, Katniss," he said. "I'm not going anywhere."

"You're mine," I swore as I lay my head on his shoulder shifting my weight as I continued to straddle him.

"We're in this together," he comforted me. "We protect each other." He reminded me as I held onto him in a vise grip feeling his lean waist.

He gasped and chuckled. "Katniss, I need to breath," he whispered in my ear as I let him go to stare into his beautiful crystal blue eyes. I leaned over, placed both hands on his cheeks. I rubbed a thumb over his rosy lips. He reached over and placed a gentle and reverent kiss on my quivering lips. It was sweet but not what I needed or wanted. It wasn't enough so I leaned down and kissed him with such fervor taking his tongue into mine. I needed to feel him alive and breathing as our tongues tangled with each other. He stiffened for moment that I was afraid that he would pull away. He relaxed letting me melt into his embrace. His hands crept into my lower back underneath my shirt, warming me as they danced on my skin. For a minute or so I forgot to breath that I pulled my mouth away from his. My breath heavy as my lungs heaved. I wrapped my around his neck and leaned over to kiss him again when I heard a familiar sniffle and sigh over Peeta's shoulders.

Delly wiped her eyes as she spied us from her tent. I blushed as I realized that I was about to molest Peeta in front of her. I hid my face on his shoulder.

"Delly, stop watching them and get over here," Bron whispered. "Leave them alone."

"They're so beautiful together," she admitted with a tinge of melancholy in her voice.

"I love watching them together." She disappeared back into the tent.

"You're being creepy," he continued.

"They're my friends," she added.

"And it's still creepy," Bron stated.

"Is she watching?" Peeta asked as his hands continued to skim on my back. He was smiling with an amused expression on his face. Speechless, I nodded my head and sighed. He lifted me off and lay me sideway so I was sitting on his lap. He chuckled when I pouted since I was comfortable straddling him and wanted to continue kissing him with abandon. "Ignore her and watch the sunrise with me."

I turned my head and looked at the horizon. The sky was a beautiful mix of blue and orange hues. It was gorgeous against the green lush landscape that was spread before us. It reminded me of the time we spent on the roof.

"Is this why you're up?" I gestured towards the sun that was rising. He nodded his head.

I understood his desire and reason for taking me here. The area was breath taking and peaceful despite the fact that I can still hear the humming sound radiating from the surveillance equipment that surrounded us. "It's beautiful, Peeta," I said as I melted into his arms. "Thank you for taking me here. Thank you for the best date and night I ever had." He smiled so large his eyes crinkled.

"I had help," he said. "I couldn't have done all this without Effie, Johanna, Haymitch, Bron and Delly. Beetee too while we're at it."

"I'll thank them later," I sighed resting my head on to his. "And I'll thank you later, more properly with no audience." I suggested as I looked back at Delly's tent.

"No need, Katniss," he said. "I wanted this first date as much as you did. I wanted it to be memorable and perfect."

"It was that and more, it was beyond perfect, but next time, please don't leave the bed without waking me," I said. I knew I was being hypocritical since I was always the first to abandon him in the mornings. I swore to not run and hide from him anymore. "I was really scared when I woke up alone."

He turned his eyes and stared back at the sunrise. "Okay," he said. He looked pensive and sad. He looked disappointed. I felt selfish for asking him to not leave me when I didn't promise to abandon him in return.

"Hey," I said as I placed a hand on his chin forcing him to look at me. "I won't leave you anymore. I'm sorry that I did all those times you comforted me. It was selfish of me."

"It's okay," he said not convinced of my statement. It stung that he didn't believe me. So much hurt and damage I had caused by my ignorance and stubbornness.

"You know, I found this place accidentally," he mentioned diverting the strain that developed between us.

"I've been hunting for years and I never found this area before," I admitted. I was too busy hunting and setting traps to appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. The woods have always been a haven and a place where I cherished the memories it brought with my father. But to actually appreciate it's beauty and peacefulness, I ignored. Just like the people around me, shunning the kindness and comfort they could have provided me growing up. My own bias and resentment of the social classes colored and blinded me from accepting people into my life. I cringed as I thought of how my life would have ended up without Peeta. Without the reaping and the subsequent rebellion that changed my life forever.

"It was months after the first games," he confessed. "I was curious about the woods and what you and Gale hunted so I tried to follow you one day." I gasped in horror. "I stopped at the fence since I realized what a creepy stalker I was being." He chuckled at his own memory. "So one day I decided to go out on my own. I would travel a few hundred yards each day, memorizing landmarks because I didn't want to get lost." How very astute and a smart move on his part, but it still frightened me that he could have gotten lost and mostly hurt on his own without anyone to help him. "Each day for months I would take the same path, timing myself and marking a tree or rock."

"You shouldn't have been out here alone, Peeta," I said. "What would have happened if you got hurt or lost?"

"I asked Haymitch to get me a compass," he admitted. "I even drew areas to memorize like a map." I would love to see his drawings but realized that it probably was destroyed when his house burned down a couple weeks ago.

"Still, it took me years with my father and time to find my way around the woods," I returned.

"So I guess, I shouldn't tell you that I did get lost for about a day then," he confessed in a sheepish manner.

"Peeta!" I exclaimed. "When, how did you get back?" It was obvious that he did since he was here with me.

"A month before the Quarter Quell," he continued, "I woke up early and headed out, but my mid morning it started to rain and the new markers I made washed out. I walked around for a while and found his place and stayed here until it stopped raining. But it was nighttime by the time the rain stopped so I had no choice but to camp out here."

I shivered in fear envisioning him all alone, cold and wet. "It was a good thing that I packed enough for a day or two. I guess in hindsight I was conscious of the fact that I could get lost." I held on to him wrapping my arms around his waist. "The next morning I looked down the valley and remembered that I marked the tallest tree in the forest a week before. So I walked towards it hoping to find my way back. It was nightfall by the time I made it home."

"Did you tell anyone?" I asked.

"No one to tell," he shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, who would believe me?" The truth was that he couldn't tell anyone that he had breached the fence. The act was illegal and the penalty would have been 10 lashes.

"Did you encounter wild life like the bears and wild dogs?" I inquired.

"Once or twice," he said. "I was able to climb a tree or large rock before they found me." I'm surprised and impressed since I knew that his prosthesis was problematic at times. He tired easy these days and hid his discomfort from me. I had no right at the time to nag him since I wasn't his girlfriend or friend for that matter. But now…

"I got bit once," he said in a casual manner. "It was a puppy scrounging around for food. He saw me and went right straight for my leg." He pointed to his fake leg. "You can imagine his surprise when he bit into the metal.' He laughed. I was pissed.

"Peeta, he could have hurt you. Where was his mother?" I seethed in anger. I wasn't angry with him but frustrated that he would risk his own life like that. But who was I to be angry and mad. He didn't belong to me then. I ignore his existence after the first arena.

"I don't know and I didn't wait to find out so I kicked him and he ran away," he said.

"Promise me that you won't do something that irresponsible," I demanded. "Promise me that you won't risk you life like that." I stared into his eyes.

"I won't make any promises I can't keep," he said. "We promised not to lie to each other anymore or keep secrets from each other, but to stop each other from taking risks to ensure each others' safety is a promise I can't keep. And I know you would do the same so don't argue with me." We stared at each for seconds, moments or hours. I didn't know how long, but each of us not backing down. He's determined and stubborn to protect me and I felt the same for him. I guess stubborn or obstinate is our middle name. "I know that our lives have never been easy or normal since we got reaped. But I do know one thing with great certainty. Whether by fate or destiny, in this life time or the next, we protect each other."

"Always," I swore back. It wasn't the declaration of love I longed for, but it was as close to what I wanted to admit.

"Delly, damnit, stop eavesdropping on them," Bron voice broke into the air as Delly sighs and sniffles grew louder from their tent.

We both giggled at their banter. "I wish I could stay in this moment forever," Peeta sighed. I smiled at the memory. "I said that to you once before one of the games. Real or not real?"

"Real, Peeta," I answered back. "And we will have moments like this in the near future." Delly's wailed behind us.

"That was so beautiful. Why can't you be romantic like Peeta," she cried as Bron snorted in disgust.

Half an hour later, we broke camp and packed up the tents and turned off the surveillance equipment. As Peeta and Bron hitched up the tents into the trees, Delly approached me.

"What are they doing?" she asked as Bron tied of the rope on one end securing the tents hanging on a large tree limb.

"Instead of taking the tents with us they're tying it up and storing it high into the air so that the animals can't get to it," I explained. "So the next time, we don't have to take it with us. It's always be here anytime you want to camp out here."

"What about the alarm system?" she inquired.

"No one know it's been installed in this area so it's safe to jus turn it off and leave it here," I said remembering what Peeta explained to me early his morning as we watched the sun rise together. Before our departure, she led me to the tree where Peeta etched our initials and found the parachutes.

"Did he tell you how he found this place?" she asked as she fingered the markings on the tree bark.

"You don't know?" I asked. She shook her head. I was surprised that he had kept it a secret. I thought he would have told her about this place. A cold chill passed through me, as I thought of him getting lost and alone in the forest for more than a day.

"He never mentioned it," she admitted.

"Hey, let's get going," Bron yelled at us. "I'm hungry and we still have an hour's trek ahead of us. Delly walked over to him as Peeta met me by his tree.

"I see you found my tree," he said a bit embarrassed as he placed a hand on the back of his neck. "I guess I have a lot of explaining to do."

"Haymitch filled me in when you did this," I said as I took his hands into my shaking ones.

"I know it's creepy considering that you and I weren't even together," he said in a sheepish manner as he stared into our clasped hands. "But I wanted something to remind you of me when you came back from the arena. I wanted you to know how I felt about you without saying the words. I needed you to know even though you didn't feel the same way about me. I had nothing to lose and you couldn't deny or reject what I wanted to say to you then." 'Just say it and I'll say it back,' my thoughts projected to him. In his letter to me, he told me he loved me. I knew that deep inside that he still did but has the Capitol changed him forever? We're both different and changed because of our experiences during the rebellion, but inside I knew I loved him. But a large part of me was afraid to tell him in fear of his rejection.

I kept his letter and read them over and over. His letters to his Prim, father, my mother and Gale remain sealed and unopened. It didn't seem right for me to read them. I should return them to him. For now they are still in my possession.

"I'm sorry, Peeta," I said with such sadness that my eyes brimmed with tears.

"It's not your fault," he said. "I was resigned and accepted it. You can't force someone to love you back." He tugged my hand to move forward but I stood still.

"I'm glad that you're sharing that with me now." I took him in my arms and held him tight. 'One day,' I swore to my self. 'When we're both ready, we will be able to say the words we both need and want to hear.'

An hour later, I held on to Peeta with my arm wrapped around him as I leaned my head on his shoulder. Ahead of us was Bron trying to sing while Delly laughed at his attempt to serenade her. "Why are you laughing at me?" he replied in annoyance.

"You sound like a dying cat," Delly giggled as she gazed at her boyfriend. She reached over to his ear. "You're scaring the animals in the forest."

"I am not," he returned offended and frustrated. "I'm trying to be romantic and you're laughing at my singing. I can't be that bad." He turned around. "Hey, Peeta. I'm not that bad, am I?"

"Bron, you're my friend and I'm not going to get in between you and Delly on this," he answered back. The sun hit the back of Peeta's head making him glow. "Even I know better than to sing to Katniss."

I laughed and shivered as his hand found his way underneath my shirt. His fingers were cool from the morning air. His touch was gentle but possessive. I cringed as I realized that his thumb rubbed against one of the scars on my waist. I grabbed his hand but he held on tight as he leaned down and kissed the base of my neck. Distracted, I intertwined his fingers with my own on my waist underneath the shirt. He was killing me.

As we reached the Victor's Village, Peeta stopped for a moment as he stared at the gutted ground of his former home. "I forgot that I don't have a home anymore,' he sighed. "I guess I have to talk to Thom and make arrangements for another home here in the Village and start over." I almost blurted that he could move in with me, but kept my suggestion to myself. Was it too soon to ask? The real question is would Peeta consider moving in with me permanently because that is what I want. I want to start my life with him in my home and our bed.

"Hey you guys," Haymitch yelled from my doorstep. "Get in here already. Breakfast is getting cold. We don't' have all morning."

I looked up at Peeta as he smiled at me. "I hope you're hungry." Bron and Delly ran up the steps and disappeared into the house. Before entering I grabbed his hand stopping him. "What's wrong?" he asked and before I could answer I placed a hand on his cheek and kissed him. We shared long and deep kisses that went straight to my toes. I knew that any privacy we had were rare and a few. I took any opportunity to kiss and hold him as much as I can without an audience. "What was that for?" he asked as his breathe heaved from lack of oxygen. My temple settled upon his, as our lips were mere inches from each other.

"Thank you," I said in a whisper. "Thank you for being you." I couldn't find the right words to tell him what was going through my mind. I kissed him one more time.

"Um…don't mean to interrupt," Bron said as he cleared his throat and looked down on the floor. "But you need to get in here before the girls eat all the cheese buns, Katniss. I know they're your favorite.

I gasped and smiled as I look at Peeta. "How did you?"

"I had a lot of help," he said with a proud look on his face. "Come on, better get inside before there aren't any left." I ran in and as expected Effie, Delly and Johanna were in mid-chew ravaging my favorite cheese buns. I pulled Peeta to sit beside and grabbed two buns.

"Katniss, manners," she scolded as she handed me a pair of moist wipes for my hands. I scowled at her but relented as I wiped my hands. I took a bit and moaned.

"Who made these?" Delly asked as she reached over and plated her dish with eggs and bacon.

"I had Alec Baylor bake them for me," Peeta explained as he sat next to me. His plate was empty but he took a big gulp of orange juice. "I asked him to work for me once the bakery is completed." The table grew silent. "What? He did okay, didn't he? They're easy to make and he is a baker so I didn't think he'd mess up."

"They're perfect and delicious," Johanna said. "I'm surprised you were going to hire him. That was very generous of you."

"That's very thoughtful and kind of you, Peeta," Delly stated as everyone nodded in agreement.

"You're so sweet," Effie sniffled.

"Aw, hell. What is wrong with you females?" Haymitch blurted. I smiled at my boyfriend. He is sweet, kind and generous.

"He's been making Delly cry all night," Bron grumbled. "He's so sweet. And sooooo romantic." He mimicked Delly's voice. "I'd beat him up if he wasn't one of my best buddies." He winked at me ensuring me that he was teasing Peeta and not really threatening him.

"You touch him and I'll put an arrow through you eye," I teased back but with a tinge of truth to my statement.

"Katniss, that is not proper behavior for a lady," Effie screeched.

"Humph, she's no lady," Haymitch mumbled under his breath as Bron nodded in agreement.

"Hey, don't talk about Katniss like that," Peeta snarled at him. My body shivered from his possessive and protective manner. "For that I'm making the cheese buns just for the girls."

"That's not fair, Peet. She threatened with bodily harm," Bron defended himself.

"You made fun of her boyfriend," Delly retorted.

"That means more cheese buns for me," Johanna cackled. They bantered amongst themselves as Peeta and I ogled at each other. The world didn't exist as I made a plate for him to eat. I placed the dish in front of him as he took my hand.

"Thank you, Katniss," he said as he kissed the back of my hand and released it before picking up his utensil to eat.

Effie and Delly sighed while Johanna snickered at me.

"See, he's been doing that all night and making me look bad," Bron pouted.

"Shut up, Bron and eat," Haymitch instructed. Breakfast was an uneventful affair. Peeta ate half his meal. I was relaxed and at ease for a moment until Haymitch shattered it.

"I need to talk to everything, so please convene at the living room," he instructed us. I led Peeta to a sofa and held his hand. Haymitch had a serious look on his face. Effie was unusually quiet while Johanna looked somber.

"First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful time last night," he commenced. I blushed when I thought of how my date ended with Peeta and I half naked. Best sleep in my life as he held me.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but, the perimeter was triggered last night," Johanna interjected.

"What happened?" Bron questioned.

"Around mid morning the alarm sounded off behind Katniss' home," Haymitch started.

"Scared the shit out of me. I thought we were being bombed like in District 13," Effie added. All of us gasped in surprise and amusement since she never swore, ever. "Sorry, but it so reminded me of our time in the underground bunkers. Worse days of my life with people running around with no fashion sense. Cinna would have been appalled. Imagine my horror of wearing grey jumpsuit with no distinction between the men and women. I felt androgynous. And that Coin woman, she most of all needed a makeover. I would have love…"

"Effie, you're babbling," he snickered. "Anyway, whomever he was got scared off, but he left his calling card before disappearing back into the woods." He took out a brown box and lifted the covering revealing more white roses. At the sight of the flowers Peeta stiffened, his body rigid and he had a grim look on his face.

"At least we know that the alarm system works," Johanna said. "But most of all, he didn't or wasn't able to follow you last night since he was here."

"Listen up, the next few days are going to be hectic with the Reaping Memorial Day approaching and Peeta's session with Aurelius," Haymitch reminded us. I forgot about the damn celebration for the last Reaping. "We also have to keep in mind that Peeta will be opening the new bakery once the construction is over."

"By the way, Thom called and said that you have an appointment to make with the new contractor for the bakery," Johanna directed at Peeta. "And you also have an appointment with Kara this afternoon for your checkup." I glanced at Peeta's wristband. I had almost forgotten that he was still wearing the device. He hadn't an episode in a while.

"Do you want me to go with you, Peeta?" Delly inquired. She wasn't officially assigned to him but was grateful for her care of him. I do have wonderful friends and must remember that they are also my new family.

"No need Delly," Peeta answered. "I think Bron is enough of an escort."

"I'm going as a friend for support," she retorted offended at his assumption of her presence during his appointment.

"And I'm going too," I interjected, ready to refute him if he argued back. I raised my brows in defiance. He opened his mouth and closed it shut.

"I'm glad we had some semblance of normalcy around here but," he stopped and took a deep breath. "We still have to keep our eyes open and our guard up. Don't go alone anywhere and always tell someone where you're going. I know that its inconvenient but everyone and I mean everyone," he stopped and looked at Peeta, "has to make an effort and be responsible." I gripped Peeta's hand tight. A yawn escaped him as I realized that we had a long night and an early morning. During the walk I noticed that he favored his left leg. He never complained when he was suffering from any pain or discomfort. I had slept well but had not considered if he had a nightmare. He looked worn and tired.

"Peeta and I are going upstairs," I said as I stood and tugged him up the sofa. "We're taking a nap." Bron and Delly snickered.

"Katniss, that is not…" Effie started aghast at my bluntness.

"I don't care. I'm taking a nap with my boyfriend," I demanded as I scowled at her. Peeta smiled shyly as he scratched behind his ear. His face turned blink. Bron was giving him thumbs up while Delly and Johanna winked at me. Geez, I don't think I'll ever get past their curiosity and interest with my sex life with Peeta. Hell, I'm interested in my sex life. Not that there is going to be sex anytime soon, right? I didn't think Peeta's ready for that step and the truth is neither am I. I think. Maybe. Oh damnit, now I'm having an inner monologue with a subject that I should address with my kind, and loving boyfriend. I sighed like a schoolgirl daydreaming about him. For he is mine as I am his.

I tugged on his hand as I led him upstairs and into the bedroom. After dinner, I changed so fast the night before that my clothes littered the floor. He turned to me. "I need a shower. I'll go back to Haymitch's and take a quick one and meet you here."

"No," I yelled so loud that he cringed at my outburst. I didn't want a single moment to be without him. So I'm clingy and I admit it. "Don't leave." What if he changed his mind walking back to Haymitch's home? It can happen right? I went straight to my closet and pulled out two bags. It was his clothes that I purchased during my shopping spree with Delly. My eyes strayed every time I saw something that would look good on him that I couldn't help but buy it. I'm allowed to since I am his girlfriend.

"I bought this yesterday," I said as I handed him a bag, ready to blush when he realized what I purchased for him. He reached inside and pulled out a light blue plaid short-sleeve shirt, a pair of khaki shorts and a pair of black jeans. Also, inside the bag were three black and blue boxer briefs and white t-shirts. I even bought him three pair of socks. I had already bought him clothes when he was released from the hospital. That was a necessity. This however, was me as his girlfriend buying his clothes.

"I know you lost most of your clothes in the fire, so I hope you don't mind that I bought you…stuff. Not that I'm telling you what to wear and how to dress but I thought…"

I gasped when he reached over and grabbed my waist to wrap his lean arms around me. "Thank you," he whimpered. "No one's ever cared enough to buy me…stuff." He kissed my forehead as I pouted. I wanted him to kiss me again but waited for him to initiate any intimacy between us. So I wait.

"Please don't leave," I said. "You can take a shower in the guest bathroom. I just don't want this day to end yet with you returning to Haymitch's house." He nodded his head.

"What's in the other bag?"

"Oh, I bought you a hoodie, a sweater and this," I said as I pulled out an oblong shaped wooden box. He lifted it from my hand. "I was going to wait for your birthday but it's still a long ways away…" His eyes widened in surprise and plastered a big smile on his face. I hoped to see that look often. I missed it.

"Katniss?" he asked.

"I'm sorry if I'm presuming too much," I cringed. My hands shook from nervousness. Inside the box was a set of charcoal pencils ranging from soft to hard. Each pencil made distinct impressions. Hard lead for lines to soft for shading. Underneath was another set of basic colored pencils. "I wanted to get some paper but I ran out of time."

He dropped the box on the bed. I was afraid that he was disappointed when I squeaked and moaned as he pressed his mouth to my surprised lips. I was shocked but pleased with his response that I wrapped my arms around his neck pressing him closer to me. He, in turn, clutched me around the waist with one had behind my neck while the other on my lower back. I forced his mouth open with my tongue causing me to moan loader. I hoped that everyone had left but since Effie lived with me until she moved into her new home, I didn't care at the moment. After a few minutes we parted, I felt loss and an ache when his lips left mine. "Thank you. You don't know what it means to me for getting this for me." He stuttered with his words as he trembled in my arms.

"You're welcome, Peeta," I shivered licking my lips.

"I'll treasure and always remember this moment," he commented. I would have been content to stay in his arms but we parted. He moved so abruptly, I was concerned that I had done something wrong. "I'll take that shower now." He grabbed a pair of boxers and a t-shirt and exited the room. My head spun with his change of mood and demeanor. I walked into my bathroom alone as images of naked Peeta swam in my head. I shook it off and headed into the shower.

Half an hour later, after taking a long shot shower and a few minutes drying my hair, I found him already tucked in bed waiting for me. He had the box of pencils in his lap tracing the pencils with his fingers. I could have sworn he had tears his eyes. I went over to the side of the bed and slipped under a sheet facing him.

"Everything okay, Peeta?" I asked as he turned to me. He nodded and placed the box on a side drawer and lay on his back. His hair was still damp from the shower and he smelled of lavender. I wore a simple white t-shirt and shorts that matched his attire. I leaned over and placed my head on his chest. Tired but happy, I sighed and closed my eyes. The last thing I remembered was that he took my hand and placed on his heart.

Delly POV –

Bron continued to pout as I walked along side him. In front of us were Peeta and Katniss.

"You really need to get over it," I said as I squeezed his hand.

"Get over it," he sneered. "You made fun of my singing this morning and you said that I'm just as romantic as a slug. How would you feel if I told you that?"

"I was kidding, Bron," I answered back as anger and frustration simmered in my belly. "What's your problem?"

"My problem is that my girlfriend thinks that her best friend is more romantic than me," he snickered back. For a grown man he sulked like a five year old. It was unbecoming of him to behave this way. It was a side of him I've never encountered until now.

"Well, when was the last time you gave me flowers?" I returned. I knew it wasn't fair to ask him that. But a girl still likes to be romanced even if we're living together. I remembered the days when he courted me with flowers and gifts. He took me to the finest places in the Capitol. I admit I was impressed and flattered with his attention. I knew that living in District 12 changed all that but it didn't mean that i didn't long for the romance and attention. Watching Peeta court Katniss made me mss those days. I knew that Bron loves me and he never gave me any reason to doubt him.

"I'm a little busy trying to save your best friend's life," he retorted. "It's bad enough that's its Peeta Mellark for heavens sake."

I turned to him and tugged his hand. "You can't be jealous of him?"

"Why not? He soooo romantic and sweet," he mimicked me. "It's pretty sickening with all those girls falling and pining for him." I punched him hard on his arm. He yelped in pain. Unbelievable, he resorted to jealous, childish and petty behavior.

"Damnit, Delly. You didn't' have to hit me," he cried. Peeta and Katniss turned to us. They were startled by our heated argument.

"Is everything okay," Peeta asked with concern on his face. Bron sneered at him while Katniss scowled back. Bron was wise enough to relent and back off.

"We're fine, Peeta," I answered back as Bron echoed my sentiment. "Can you give a moment?" I asked. They walked further down the lane to provide us for some privacy but enough to keep us in their line of sight. "You knew what Peeta meant to me when we started dating. He's also my best friend. My best friend who is madly and hopelessly in love with Katniss Everdeen."

"Yeah, and I know that if he was free you wouldn't be with me," he grumbled as he watched Peeta and Katniss in an embrace. Her head rested on his shoulder.

"You don't know that, I don't know that," I added. "And may I remind you that it was Peeta who encouraged and supported me in dating you. It was he who told me to give you a chance. He's always known how I felt about him. Even if he weren't with Katniss, he still wouldn't have been with me. Do you know why?" I narrowed my eyes as I poked a finger into his strong, hard chest. The chest I cried and held onto on days of joy and sadness. Bron Masters was the best thing that ever happened to me. Peeta was right when he told me that the social classes didn't' matter. Only love mattered. Bron shook his head. "Because he will always love Katniss through her avoidance, rejection and the venom in his blood. He would never be mine."

"You love him," he whispered that I almost didn't hear him.

"Yes, I do love him," he winced. "But I'm not in love with him. I'm in love you with you. I love you, Bron. But if can't keep your jealousy and insecurity over my relationship with Peeta, we are going to have a problem."

"I can't help it sometimes," he whined as watched Peeta gather flowers from the side of the lane while Katniss waited for him. She had a big smile on her face. As a matter of fact, she had that smile ever since she and Peeta descended the stairs after their nap. "See he's doing it again." He walked over and handed the flowers he gathered. Then, Peeta placed a bloom behind Katniss' ear making her blush as he took her hand and bent over to kiss it. Katniss giggled. I smiled as Bron sighed in resignation. Peeta proceeded to gather more flowers as Katniss stood watch over him.

"Listen, Bron and I'm only going to say this once," I reiterated as I took his hands in mine. "I fell I love with you for being you. Yes, he's important to me. He's the only family I have left. He saw the good in you. Don't make me regret listening to him. Just be you, Bron. That is all I ask." I tipped my head upward to kiss him. Bron leaned down in response.

"I'm sorry," he whispered on my lips. I smiled and knew that we were okay. We were lucky to have found each other after the rebellion. The social classes and prejudice would have made it difficult for us to be together. Peeta and Katniss made it possible for eliminating that division. If it wasn't for them, i wouldn't have never met Bron. And for that, i will be forever grateful.

"Don't be mad at Peeta," I said in stern voice as I tugged on the front of his shirt. Bron was clipped and short with him as we left the house and walked towards town. Peeta looked puzzled and lost at his cool and abrasive behavior towards him. Katniss screamed at Bron and wondered what his problem was when she sensed hurt radiating from her boyfriend. Even Johanna didn't take kindly to Bron's treatment as I watched her clenched her hands into a fist.

"I wasn't really mad, just jealous and frustrated," Bron admitted. "You can't help but like him. He so damn good, friendly and kind for someone who lacked love and kindness in his life." 'He's not good all the time,' my mind corrected him. I cringed when I thought of his mother. Peeta was slow to anger but when crossed and when someone he loved got hurt, he was protective and would put his life on the line. When he got mad, his anger was dangerous, deadly and explosive. It's why he never got mad often. I never wanted to see that side of him again. But, he also loved fiercely and deeply for once you had his devotion, you had it for life. "Besides, did you see the way Katniss reacted, I swore she was ready to punch me for being rude to him." And Johanna for she too would've acted and stood up for Peeta.

"Well, you owe Peeta an apology," I suggested. I watched the Star-Crossed Lovers for a moment. "Look at them, Bron. You would have never thought that they suffered so much in their young life. I don't know how they did it, but they made it. No one and nothing will break that bond." Katniss called out to Peeta as he was bent over gathering more flower for her growing bouquet.

"Come on," Bron interrupted my thoughts. "We need to get Peeta to his appointment." He said as he tugged on my hand. I watched as Peeta walked over to Katniss with shy smile on his face, his cheek pink from the sun and his hair tousled. As he was about to reach her, a loud bang echoed in the air and the next thing I knew, Bron had shoved me to the ground landing on top of me.

"Peeta!" Katniss' voice was loud and she sounded frightened. I heard her scream as my vision blurred in front of me. I raised myself from the floor as I tried not to swallow dirt that I inhaled. Gasping and choking, I pushed Bron's heavy body off of me.

"What the hell, Bron," I yelled at him. "Get off of me. What did you do that for?" He sat up and placed his hands all over me checking to see if I was hurt.

"I'm sorry," he asked with fear and panic in his eyes. "Are you hurt anywhere?" I blushed as he groped me for a moment.

"Well, you did push me on the ground so…" I snickered at him. "What the hell happened?" He looked apologetic and scared as he turned his eyes towards Peeta and Katniss. On the ground was Peeta laying face down, not moving or making a sound. Katniss grabbed him and placed him on her lap as tears poured from eyes.

She kept yelling his name over and over as Bron and I ran over to them. The sound of her frantic voice and sobs I will never forget as I saw blood dripped on the floor.

AN: Sorry, I had to end it here. Please don't shoot me. I will update as soon as I can by the end of next week. I promise. Until then, thank you always for reading my story and any reviews, alerts or favored will be greatly appreciated. Have a great weekend.