Chapter 26: Stuck Spinning Wheels

Thanks for Your patience and thanks for reading! Thanks for the constructive criticism. I get that this isn't for everyone, but thanks for reading even if you didn't like it. If you did like it, stay tuned. Chaos calls, but all you really need is to just breathe. "Hope is stronger than fear." Enjoy!

Peeta sat down in the Everdeen living room. Katniss' mom was glued to the screen. Gale's family had also come over. They were alarmed about seeing Katniss pray. They were concerned for their son, but Peeta could tell they hid it with pride from watching eyes.

"He shouldn't even be in the Hunger Games. He's such a stubborn fool!" his mother muttered.

"He saved my life, mam." Peeta spoke up.

"With Gale, Katniss has a better chance of making it out." Prim joined in.

"What do you two know? You're children! My son is wasting his life! He threw it away the moment he took your place!" his dad snapped.

"I never told him to." Peeta said, quietly.

"I don't think he has any regrets." Prim shook her head.

"It's not the boy's fault, or Prim's. They chose this year and they'll choose again. They're killing our children, our future, for sport. It's their fault, not the children's." Mrs. Everdeen spoke up, as tears poured down her face.

"Shh. Hush now. We didn't come mean to upset you now, dear. God is still in control," Gale's mom said, comforting Mrs. Everdeen. "You two, go make us some tea, and get some bread."

Prim and Peeta got up and went into the kitchen. Prim put a kettle on, and Peeta began slicing the bread he brought over. He noticed Prim watching him and smiled.

"You're pretty good at this." Prim noted.

Peeta smiled.

"We have more than most families. We throw out what we don't need anyway. Sometimes it makes me angry." he said, as he continued to slice.

"Why?" Prim pressed politely.

"We could give it to the families who struggle for free. My dad said it's not how you run a business, but he's wrong. We were blessed with much to bless others." Peeta stated firmly.

"Watch out Hunger Games." Prim joked.

Peeta laughed.

"I don't know about that." he said, with a sigh.

"Do you regret not going in?" Prim asked.

"Yeah, for Gale's parents at least, but in all reality, I wouldn't have stood a chance. What about you? Do you regret letting Katniss take your place?"

"Sometimes, when I lay awake in the middle of the night. Then, I remember her praying, and I get a strong sense that what happened was for the best."