The Photograph

Peeta is still not awake. It won't be long, though.

A glimpse of Everlark from Finnick's perspective.

P.S. Suzanne Collins owns The Hunger Games Trilogy.

5 July

Dear Peeta,

Do you know there is a drawer full of letters and crayon drawings beside your bed now? Well. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but the papers sure look plenty. And a lot are from Katniss and not Julian. She has been visiting you every day, brother. I just thought I'd let you know that. Every day she stays with you a little longer than the last.

Katniss often comes here in the afternoons with flowers and a bunch of different things in that leather foraging bag of hers. You already have a quilt, a duvet, an extra pillow, a handful of fluffy socks, and a jar of hand lotion and salve that smells woodsy. I think her sister makes home remedies. There is also a sketchbook with used pencils for your easy reach here, in case you wake up and have the pressing urge to draw. Maybe you'll sketch your dreams while you were away? Are you dreaming of me, brother? Or a certain olive-skinned huntress? Katniss has been very thoughtful these past few days. I remember you saying that about her. It was one of the many qualities you love about her. For all I know, she is the one keeping you alive right now. Are you fighting for her down there? Don't stop, Peet.

Who is Buttercup? Because there is a picture of a muddy yellow cat staring at me as I sit beside your bed and write this letter. Is she Katniss' or her sister's? This cat is fierce and looks like he has been into many fights. Half of his left ear is missing - it's brutal.

What a funny cat!

Let me turn his picture down for a minute. His eyes are boring into my soul!

Anyways, there are also picture frames of a sunset and a lake cabin to your left. I guess these all mean something to you somehow. You did say you loved going to the woods with her. Most of your free days were spent there with Katniss once you two got serious. I think it's sweet that Katniss is bringing pieces of your past life together here in your hospital room. It feels cozy, Peet.

Do you hear her voice when she reads to you? Because she reads to you, bro. There's an old book here under the lampshade that she got you. The staff nurses tell me that she finishes two chapters before fixing your bed and giving you a dry bath. You should see how she looks at you when she runs the soft towel down your skin. It's like how Annie looks at our baby - apprehensive but blooming with care. I didn't expect to witness that at all. Sometimes, Katniss hums when she tends to you too. It's nice. Improves her looks a lot … just kidding.

Brother, you have to wake up soon because Katniss needs you. That boy, Julian, keeps asking her for stories about you that he makes her remember more than she wants to. Julian interviews me too, but not as much as he does Katniss. I think the boy has a crush on your girl. After his parents showed him the cover of Capitol Magazine, he now believes that Katniss is the coolest person ever to grace this planet. He has been a bottomless well of wildlife and Peeta-centered questions after that. I heard him asking about your favorite reptile from Katniss yesterday. Such a bizarre kid. Adorable though.

In all seriousness Peet, there is such sadness in Katniss' eyes that it is awful. She may not say it, but she is so transparent that everybody knows her secret before she even knows it herself.

I think she has forgiven you, brother … Maybe ... I don't know. I am only a spectator of your lives.

Call me crazy, but I see that she still loves you. And I know you never stopped loving her. You have to give this relationship a chance again when you wake up. So hurry up! What are you wallowing up there anyways? It's not real there in Lala Land.

On a different note, I'm putting a picture of Nick Jr. here. Annie and I wanted you to have it. When you wake up, you will see how perfect and beautiful he has grown up in just a few short weeks. If you must know, I'm holding up well on the daddy end. I haven't had much sleep, but that's kind of expected. Dirty diapers are pretty disgusting stuff, but I am pleased with the sweet baby smell after baby Nick is all cleaned up. Baby smell is like nothing else in this world, so pure and unique - and a little sour. It's the milk, brother. Baby Nick loves milk.

I guess it is pretty obvious that I am so happy that Annie and baby Nick are both healthy and safe, huh? I can just hold my world in my arms. This is life, and I am so thankful to be alive now to enjoy it.

You better get yourself a slice of this heaven STAT!

I don't think this life is impossible and out of reach, Peeta. You can have love and a family like this. You deserve it.

xoxo,

Finnick

...

P.S. I almost forgot. Katniss sometimes holds your hand and even puts it on her cheeks for a short while. I know. I sound like a stalker right now with all my input, but I can't help it. I just notice these things.

She loves you. You love her. Yada, yada, yada ...

Maybe you feel her touches too, or something in your dreamlike state? The staff nurses are fully invested in your love story and report everything to me. You two, apparently, have an audience here at the hospital. You might as well be on television.

P.P.S. When you wake up, I hope this letter will make you smile. So much has happened, and I know that much has to be resolved and processed when you return. I have no doubt you will wake up, brother. There is no alternative in my mind. Right now, I take these tender moments of love I see in your complicated life. Everything is not easy for you, Peet, but it will all be better in the future. You know I always remind you of your efforts to work on yourself. Those will pay off eventually. You are a good person, Peeta. Annie and I love you, my brother.

Sorry that this one took long. Real life has been a challenge and will be in the coming weeks. I'm still committed to this story. Seven or eight more letters to go, and this story will close.

I have to work on my "This Would Have Happened Anyway" Challenge for Christmas also, and I have no idea what to write so far! Tiredness does this. So if you have ideas for me, send me a PM. I cannot promise to use them, but it will help stir up some ideas. As always, thank you for staying with The Photograph.