Hey guys! I'm so so so so SO very sorry for not updating for so long! Since Easter I've been bombed with school work and when I do get free time I'm taking driving lessons :) All you're reviews have been so kind and motivating, keep it up!

Hope you like this chapter!

Chapter Thirty Six

I was going to half to wait another two days to see my brother on the television screen again. A few hours after Kade had been declared Victor, an announcement had been made on the television by Seneca Crane, that due to the extensive burning of both Kade and Prim, their interviews would be held off until adequate medical attention had been provided. In other words, until adequate skin grafts and Capitol contraptions had been applied. Katniss hadn't made any inclination of moving that night, seemingly content to sit on the love seat next to me.

Her mother had arrived soon after Kade and her youngest daughter where carried away by the hovercraft, fresh tears streaming down her face as she grabbed Katniss into a close hug and eventually fell into my father's arms, exhausted and emotional. He lead her into the small kitchen, closing the door over to allow both them and us some privacy. Katniss and I sat in near silence, enjoying the peace that was washing over us. I knew it wasn't over though, fearing still clouded my head and my heart.

It was approaching eight o'clock, nearing the end of the mandatory viewing for today. Special re-runs where to be played from half eight onwards, relieving the greatest moments of this years games for the Capitol citizens to enjoy. I heard a low grumbling noise, breaking the silence. I laughed as I caught Katniss' face flush in embarrassment as her stomach spoke to her, signalling the need for food. "Hungry?" I said gently, smiling at the girl beside me. She nodded, smiling shyly. I took her hand and paused, waiting for her reaction. She simply squeezed my hand and smiled again, standing up and pulling me with her.

"I think there's some game pie left in the kitchen, lets go warm some of it up?" I asked, not really waiting for a response as I led her to the kitchen. I paused before opening the door, aware of the voices carrying from within the small room.

"..and the time when Maysilee and Hugo Donner hid in the cupboards beneath my father's till! I had never laughed at my father's expression as hard!" I could heard Mrs Everdeen's soft voice, surprised at the change in tone. Never once had I heard it sound so relaxed or happy. I heard my father's rumbling laughter, clearly remembering the scenario as clearly as his companion did. I didn't want to interrupt them, so I turned to Katniss, hoping to think of an alternative food source.

But she was far quicker than I was. "I'm sure there's some rabbit in my hunting bag back at home. We could go get it, if you wanted to?" She asked, copying my actions earlier and not really waiting for a respond, just dragging me along behind her as she descended the stairs. I was tempted to leave a note for my father, should he wish to go to bed before I returned. Something in my head however told me that it would be some time before he retired to bed, not when a certain woman was there to keep entertained.

As we walked through the bakery kitchen to the back door, I grabbed a staled loaf from the worktop, hoping that my father wouldn't mind too much. Opening the bakery door, I felt a gush of fresh air hit my face, cooling me down instantaneously. I hadn't realised how warm I had been, my mind preoccupied with the fluttering sensation in my stomach as I felt Katniss' hand in my own.

As we walked through the town, I kept sneaking glances of her. She looked magical in the moonlight, like something from above as she moved gracefully beside me. Her olive skin emitted a warm glow, her grey eyes shining out like facets on diamonds as the light shined upon them. I couldn't help but feel inadequate, walking beside her when she looked like this. My pale skin and hair made me look washed out in the light, and my bulky body moved heavily as I stumbled along. I caught her eye several times as she returned my glances, smiling as she did and turning away before she could see my red cheeks.

In what felt like no time at all, we were in the Seam. Buttercup was walking around in circles, following his tail as he waited for someone to come home. Letting go of Katniss' hand, I knelt before the creature, stretching my now empty hand out to rub between his ears. "She'll be home soon buddy, don't worry," I muttered as he lifted his head to lick my hand. I rubbed him a few more times before standing up again and taking hold of Katniss' hand. "What?" I asked, suddenly feeling self-consciously as she peered at me intently.

She stuttered a few times, trying to make sense of whatever thoughts where in her head. "He..He only ever licks Prim's hand.." she tailed off, whispering as she stared at the feline. "Wretched thing must have taken a liking to you," She said as she shook her head in disbelief, pulling me behind her as she walked towards her front door. "Come on Mellark, lets get something to eat before I starve." I swallowed thickly at that, not letting the memories cloud my mind as I thought back to the last time that happened. Katniss must have noticed me tense up as her smile fell from her face. "Sorry." She said, guilt rearranging her features, "I didn't mean that literally."

I looked at her for a few moments, taking in the shape of her lips as she bit on them in guilt and anxiety. It took all my will-power not to lean in there and then and capture her lips in my own. Instead, I settled for raising our entwined hands and delicately placing a kiss on hers, watching as the blood rushed to her cheeks and her eyes widened slightly. I stared into the glassy orbs, "Let's go before you get too hungry," I corrected, stroking her cheek as her blush lessened, only for it rise again at my touch. Smirking, I pushed her door open and allowed her to lead me in.

"Go sit over there and I'll put something together," She said, talking the bread from my hands and walking towards the small kitchen, pointing for me to sit on the sofa nearby. As I took my seat, I grew suddenly weary, today's events finally taking their toll on me. I didn't even notcied Katniss take her seat beside me, the only thing alerting me to her presence was the smell of fresh meat alongside the aroma of tomato and basil. Father must have been experimenting with his loaves again, I hadn't tasted this kind before. "Wake up sleepy head," her soft voice whispered in my ear, her gently hand stroking the back of my head where my wound was now finally beginning to heal.

Her touch sent shivers up my spine, the fluttering feeling returning to my stomach as I realised how close she was too me. A breathes distance away. I forced myself to tear my eyes away from hers and focus on the food in front of me, savouring the tastes that erupted on my tongue as my stomach thanked me for filling it. After a few minutes of only the sounds of our eating, Katniss lifted the now empty plate and returned to the kitchen, muttering something about mint tea. I excused myself, saying I needed the bath room.

After relieving myself, I caught sight of my reflection in the small mirror above the sink as I washed my hands. My eyes were nothing short of dull, heavy purple bags bulging below them as I appraised my tiredness. My shoulders looked too heavy for my tired frame, sagging as if there was a huge weight upon them. I don't know why I was even kidding myself. How could I compared to someone like Gale?

He's tall, with a broader knowledge of the world, of anyone else in our district, except Haymitch Abernathy. He carries himself confidently, something I can never find within myself. Sure, I've had a few dates and a few girls chasing after me. But nothing compared to the hordes of girls, illicitly crushing on the Seam heart-throb. They would never admit to it though, they wouldn't dare destroy their family's name by falling for someone beneath them. But it didn't stop them gossiping about him. Something that never happened to me.

Katniss deserved better than I did. That much I knew. But I was going to be her friend, even if it meant I never found someone I loved as much as I loved her. I sighed in resignation, running my hands through my already dishevelled hair in an attempt to tidy it somehow. After five unsuccessful minutes, I heard a small voice from the door, "Hey, you alright?"

I turned, taking a breath as I tried to push away the thoughts that threatened to overflow. "Fine," I replied as cheerfully as I could. Though I think my voice betrayed me, as Katniss' eyebrow cocked in disbelief. I laughed gently as I took in her appearance. She had wrapped her bedsheets around herself in such a way she looked like she had a giant cape that was twice the length and several widths bigger than her. I smiled as I approached her, gesturing for her to lead the way back to the living room.

We had settled down again, sipping our mint tea and letting silence overtake us once more. "Hey Peeta?" She asked gently.

"Hmmm?" I replied, my mind focusing on her as I pushed away idle thoughts.

"I haven't heard my mother laugh like that in so long. In fact, I haven't heard her laugh since before.." She avoided talking about the event. "It was nice. You're father's a good man better, she needs to be surrounded by people who don't judge her. Like your father." She nodded to herself as she calculated things in her head. She suddenly jerked her head up, looking right at me.

"I never got to thank you Peeta. You didn't have to help me search for Prim. She was long gone, yet you trawled through the district for hours because you care. No one else would do that. I also want to thank you for being my friend and caring. No one else would do that either." She said, her features so serious that I didn't know whether to laugh or be frightened at her intensity. So I did the only thing I could.

"Why wouldn't I care Katniss?" With that, I gently cupped her face in my hands, bringing her face closer to mine and tenderly placed my lips on hers. We stayed like that for a few heart beats, until she pressed her lips firmly into mine, prolonging the kiss. We only stopped when we needed air, and she gently rested her head on my shoulder. Soon I could hear gentle snores as sleep overtook her slight body, her deep breathes pressing her close against me.

I reached out and rearranged the blankets, fixing them so we were both covered. As I rested to sleep, I heard her sigh softly, readjusting her position in her sleep as she breathed my name, sighing contently afterwards.

Interview chapter next!

Guys, I have one week of school left. Then I have three weeks of study leave to revise in and two solid weeks of exams, with driving lessons thrown into the mix. PLEASE don't hate me too much if I don't update too much by mid-June. I promise by then I'll be back for good, but I will update at least five times before that, I promise

Thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed, followed and put this into their favourites. Your kindness means a lot and motivates me so much! Please review this and keep reading! :*