A/N: Holy. Fudge. Okay, I know there isn't much of an excuse, but I'll try. Something you guys should know is that I switch between two houses, my moms and my dads. Now, I only have a computer at my moms, and I've been grounded from the computer for the past couple of weeks I have been here. Thank you all so much for sticking with this, MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL! 3

Chapter 38

Katniss POV

When Peeta gets home, I'm still standing in the middle of the kitchen. He rushes over to me, concerned.

"What happened?" He asks, guiding me over to the couch, and sitting me down. He gently takes the phone from me, setting it on the table.

"T-the president wants to talk to you…" I stammer quietly.

"What? Why?" He sounded angry, and almost scared.

"They wouldn't tell me." I say, my voice quiet. "They are going to call again for you."

He sighs. "They needed me, specifically?" I nod.

He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a hug. "Don't worry about anything, It'll all be okay."

"How can you be so sure, Peeta? Because, it seems every time you say that, nothing is okay!" I'm growing hysterical.

I can see he's struggling to come up with a response. Suddenly, I feel bad.

"I'm sorry." I say quietly.

"No, You're right." He says. "And I'm sorry for-" But I interrupt him.

"For trying to be optimistic? Don't be sorry." He sighs, pulling me closer. He is about to say something when suddenly, the phone rings. I sit back, and Peeta stands up, picking up the phone.

"Hello? Yes, this is he." Peeta starts to walk around the room, nodding occasionally. He was listening more than talking. "When?" he suddenly asks, stopping. "That soon?" A longer pause. "Alright. Thank you." He hangs up the phone.

"What's going on?" I ask, as he comes to sit next to me again.

"They're holding a victor's meeting in the Capitol." He says quietly.

"They why are only you invited? I'm a victor, too!"

"I know." He says. "And I'm not sure why I'm the one who is invited, but I have to go. It's not optional." I sigh shakily.

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know." He admits. "I leave tomorrow." I nod. I have no idea how I'm keeping so calm.

"Well." I say. "You should probably pack, then."

That night, after packing, I don't fall asleep. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking.

What could the meeting be about?

Why is only Peeta invited?

How long will he be gone?

A million questions race through my mind, and I sigh deeply. I look over at Peeta, who is sound asleep. I wonder how much sleep he'll get in the Capitol. I lean over, and kiss his forehead lightly.

"I love you." I whisper.

I lay back down, and close my eyes. I know I'm not going to get any sleep.

Peeta wakes me up in the morning.

I must have fallen asleep eventually I think, sitting up.

"I'm leaving now." He says gently, laying me back down. "You can go back to sleep."

"You'll…. Call?" I ask groggily.

"Every chance I get." He smiles. He kisses my forehead. "But I really have to go. I'll be home soon."

"I love you." I say.

"I love you too." He says, leaning in to kiss me softly. He pulls away too soon, way too soon, and leaves. I sigh, hearing him walk down the stairs, and out the door. I faintly hear a car door open and close. Then, the sound of the car driving away.

I curl back up under the blankets, and close my eyes.

Maybe I can just stay here until he comes back….

But I know he is going to be gone a lot longer than he's supposed to.

A/N: I know this is the shortest chapter in the history of ever, but I have NO INSPIRATION. Truthfully? I absolutely hate this chapter. HATE IT. It's just really hot here, and I'm cranky, and… GAH. I'm not even sure where to take the story. Thinking about stopping it. Thoughts?