You've been waiting patiently for some Everlark and this week the chapter is dripping with it. It's a whopper nearly 6k and it wouldn't have happened without my beta and friend extraordinaire, Norbertsmom. MUAH! Love you!

Love is in the air and Corky is driving the bus people...

The following week

Peeta was at it again, another Sunday where he had to work. This time he had to get up extra early. The flu was going around and Mrs. Everdeen was busy, he had seen her go next door to Delly's; her father got sick. He hadn't seen Katniss since she'd skipped school on Thursday and Friday. Prim was sick. He knew she'd stayed home to tend to her sister while her mother went around helping the others.

He wiped his face. Peeta spent the better half of his early morning cleaning the ovens. His mother was very strict about maintaining the bakery cleanliness. Thankfully, he was done, and his mother was happy with the job he did. Currently, he was staring at the apple tree through the screen mesh of the back door. He was thinking of Katniss and the strides that he made with her. She was still shy with him and sometimes he had to tell himself to back off, to give her time to come to him because Katniss didn't flirt like other girls.

She was a hunter. She was independent. She was smart. She was not the average girl. Not that he had much interaction with the average female, but he saw the way his friends treated the girls they liked and he decided none of that would work with Katniss. She'd sooner shoot him through his eye.

He looked down at the floor.

"What are you doing?"

"Uh, nothing." Peeta was startled by his brother's question.

Rye's grin was slow., "Is that cologne I smell?"

Peeta looked at his brother as if he had two heads. "No!"

Rye got close and sniffed Peeta. "I don't know. You don't smell like funky teenage boy."

Peeta pushed his brother off of him, "Rye, seriously. There isn't a part of my body that isn't covered in soot and sweat. The last thing I'd smell like is cologne."

"I don't know. Your hair is looking nice." Rye smirked trying to mess up Peeta's hair.

"What do you want?"

Rye patted his brother on the back. "Nothing, kid, nothing."

"Rye whenever you're nice to me, it's because you want something, now spill," Peeta said, annoyed with Rye. He was the only one who could always get under his skin.

Their father piped up as he came into the back. "Well, it could be that your brother heard that your mother wants to put up a fence in our backyard and Rye wants to volunteer you. She doesn't want people coming into our yard and stealing the apples."

"Ugh, the only people she's referring to are the ones from the Seam." Rye shook his head.

Without much preamble, their dad said, "Rye your mother has her reasons."

Rye made a face.

"Peeta, now go down to the hardware store and buy the materials."

Behind their father's back, Rye did a happy dance, pointing at Peeta and made faces.

"Rye, go wash up and put on a nice shirt. Widow Core requested you to help her design a cake for her niece Darla."

Peeta chuckled as Rye became crestfallen at the mention of the Widow Core. She wasn't an old woman, she was in her twenties, but you couldn't even consider her plain. Widow Core had a thing for Rye.

Rye exclaimed, petrified, "But DAD!"

"But nothing, Rye. Get upstairs, and Peeta, here's the money."

"Okay dad," Peeta said doing as he was told.

By the time he'd gotten started, the morning was nearly gone. It was not a hot day, but it was still warm enough that he was sweating. He used the outside pump that connected to a well to pump fresh water into a bucket. He quietly wet his face and neck as he pumped the water. It felt good.

He was taking off his shirt when he caught her scent. That earthy spicy scent that belonged to Katniss. He was about to greet her, but as he removed his shirt he saw that Gale was hovering over her and both of them looked out of sorts.

He tossed his shirt aside, and proceeded to wash his arms.

"Morning Gale, Katniss." His dad greeted, Peeta could hear the back screen door swing open and close.

"Morning Mr. Mellark. We have some things to trade with you," Gale responded.

"What do you have?" His dad answered back, Peeta straightened up to watch them.

Gale held up the bird. "Well I have some rabbits and this fine turkey Katniss shot."

Mr. Mellark whistled. "Through the eye. That's a pretty impressive shot, young lady.

Katniss stood still, her eyes were cast down and her cheeks were inflamed.

"She's a fair shot." Gale grinned and patted her head.

"I think she's better than fair. Don't you agree Peeta?" His dad turned to look at him.

Peeta put his shirt over his shoulder smiling slowly. "I bet you the turkey was running when she shot it."

"Yeah," Gale admitted. "How'd you know?"

"Its foot is bunched up like it was running." Peeta felt the way her eyes cautiously looked at him. He wondered what was going on with her. She wasn't normally this shy with him.

"Well, how much for the turkey, son. This is a treat. We won't have turkey for a long while. The almanac says this winter is going to be a harsh one."

"Yes sir, it will be. That's what my ma says." Gale nodded.

"How about ten gold coins? That bird is worth it."

Katniss looked up at the mention of the amount of coins. Ten gold coins was what they would have gotten from a peacekeeper. They would have gotten half that at the Hob and only after haggling. Her eyes crashed into Peeta's.

Gale grinned slyly, and shook Mr. Mellark's hand. "That's very generous of you."

"What about you, Katniss? What do you have?

"I have a few squirrels and rabbits."

"I'll take two rabbits and three squirrels. Go inside with my Peeta, Katniss. He'll give you flour and bread. Son, get me the coins."

"Thank you," Katniss said as she looked over at Peeta once again.

"So Gale, how goes the studies? This is your last year?" His dad asked as Peeta headed toward the house.

Peeta walked into the back of the bakery and Katniss followed him. The porch door closed behind them.

"How is Prim feeling?" He questioned, wondering if her sister was well enough now.

Katniss' eyes slid away from him and she nodded, then shrugged. She hadn't done this to him since before they became friends.

"Are you okay?" Peeta whispered.

Katniss did not look at him in the eyes.

He wanted to touch her, but, kept his hands firmly planted at his sides. "Katniss, have I done something?"

"Peeta you're naked!" Katniss said in a strangled voice.

It then dawned on him that she was not good with seeing him without his shirt. He chuckled. "I am sorry I'm so offensive."

"It's not that, you're not offensive." Her voice was quiet and she looked like she was ready to bolt from the room.

"If I'm not then why are you red like a tomato?"

She opened her mouth then closed it. "Just give me the flour and bread."

He laughed. "You know it's okay if you see me like this. I'm not doing anything wrong. I was just trying to wash up cause I stink."

Her nose wrinkled then she muttered something under her breath the moment he turned his back on her. He found the largest bag that he knew she'd be able to carry and filled it with flour.

Katniss shifted her feet. Normally she was quiet, but she was so agitated he could hear her moving about.

Peeta turned around to face her with the package of flour and loaves of bread. He was having a grand time teasing her. She looked adorable at this moment. "What did you say?"

Katniss looked away, her scowl in place as he slipped his shirt back on.

"I know you, Miss Everdeen. You have something to say, so say it. I know I stink. I've cleaned the ovens this morning and then I had to haul wood back so we can build the fence my mom wants."

Katniss rolled her eyes then uttered, "You don't stink."

Peeta got in her space, forcing her to look up into his blue eyes. He winked. "Thank you."

Her eyes drifted to his lips momentarily then they zipped up to his eyes as if startled by her own reaction. "It's okay to like me you know, Katniss. We're friends, remember."

Katniss nodded her head up and down unsteadily.

"Can I have the rabbits and squirrels?"

"Oh yeah, sorry, I just," Katniss stumbled over her words as she jammed her hands into her bag and pulled out the three plumpest squirrels and the best rabbits for his family.

"Thanks, Katniss," Peeta said as he handed her the flour and bread.

Their hands brushed and both felt the sharp jolt of electricity. They stared at each other, mouths dry. Until she found the ability to force her feet to move, and began walking away.

She paused and looked back, like she wanted to say something to him.

Seeing her like this made him think she enjoyed the view, but wasn't willing to admit it. His smile was slow and deliberate. He watched the way her sparkling grey eyes widened and her mouth parted. "I'll see you in school."

Katniss nodded, and walked out. She joined Gale out in the backyard.

"You got the flour and bread?"

Katniss nodded then walked away with Gale.

Her mind was clouded with the image of Peeta's chiseled chest. She had been wrong. He wasn't stocky, he was built. She didn't know guys had muscles like that. Or backs that rippled when they did something simple as pouring flour inside of a sack. Her mouth salivated like when she was hungry and was staring at food.

She couldn't understand why she felt hungry all of the sudden.

Next, to her, Gale was going on and on about the coins and how it was going to help out his family. Katniss could not focus in on his words. In her mind, she kept on replaying they way water dribbled down Peeta"s chin, over his neck, over his pectorals, over each ridge of his abdomen until it ran down the valley underneath his belly button into the front of his pants.

She shook her head and swallowed several times. She forced her face to take on a scowl as she listened to Gale and suddenly she was annoyed by his presence.

Gale yammered on. His voice was irritating, just like when Buttercup decided to meow in the middle of the night. She tried to block him out, but was unsuccessful. The last thing she caught was, "Katniss I can come over and seal up your windows with my brothers if you want. We can check your roof as well."

Katniss jerked her head in agreement.

When they reached Madge's house she was waiting for them outside. She wasn't wearing an overly done frock. She had on instead a dark skirt and simple shirt. She held a pouch in her hand.

"What happened, they ran out of lace?"

Katniss hit Gale in the stomach. "Behave."

Gale scowled at her and she gave him a nasty face back.

"Seriously Gale, you're like a horse with blinders on who refuses to take them off. You need to stop and take a look around you, see that not everyone is the enemy," Madge said.

"I'll wait outside," Gale complained and stormed off.

Both girls started laughing.

"He's such a big baby," Katniss said.

"Ugh, but he's a gorgeous one," Madge whispered.

Katniss looked at Gale, while he was good-looking, the memory of Peeta's chest flashed in her mind. "Yeah, sure."

"Seriously Katniss, how do you not see that he is freaking handsome?"

"I don't see him that way." Katniss shrugged. "He's just Gale."

"Well, I guess if I looked like him, I'd be in the same boat as you. You guys look like your related. You know, like cousins." Madge shrugged.

Katniss smirked. "I wouldn't be surprised, everyone's related somehow."

Madge pushed back her blond locks. "So can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah?"

Katniss watched Madge glance back at Gale before looking at her in the face. "I know that you're not into Gale, but I know you're into someone else."

Katniss lost her balance and tripped standing up.

"Yup, knew it. You do like him." Madge laughed and slapped her knee.

Katniss sputtered, "What are you-?"

"Peeta. I've caught you staring at him when you don't think anyone else is looking," Madge crooned.

"Madge, we're friends," Katniss said between her teeth.

Madge rolled her eyes. "Really, he's a friend that you look at dreamily."

"I do not stare at him like a stupid girl."

"News flash, Katniss, you're a girl, a teenage girl with wild hormones." Madge gripped Katniss by the shoulders and stared at Katniss.

"Madge," Katniss whispered, blushing.

"Seriously Katniss, it's okay to like a boy without compromising your beliefs." Madge let go of Katniss.

Katniss did not know how to reply to Madge, though what she said gave her food for thought. She swallowed and choked on what she said, because she knew friends didn't ogle friends. She was just so confused about him. "Peeta and I are just friends."

"Alright," Madge rolled her eyes. "Keep telling yourself that, but if you ever need any advice, I'm open for business."

Katniss shook her head.

"Now down to brass tacks, do you have the berries?" Madge pointed to bag.

Katniss pulled out the paper bag. She wondered how Madge was able to guess.

"Here, this is for you." Madge gave her the coins.

"Madge, this is too much." Katniss gasped counting the five coins.

"Nope, it isn't Katniss, besides these are the last of the season."

"Madge," Katniss warned.

Her friend shrugged then winked at Gale, who glowered back at Madge. "Take it, Katniss, and just know when we need you, I'll send Arabella to get your mom."

Katniss nodded. "Okay."

Madge snapped her fingers. "Oh, I almost forgot. Darius said you and Gale can come and pick up the paperwork tomorrow after school."

"Do you know anything?"

"I don't know, but my dad is scared. I've never seen him like this. Just be careful okay. Be careful when you go hunting and make sure Gale does the same."

Katniss nodded. She was rattled, but couldn't say anything to Gale as she approached.

"Why is she so annoying?" Gale grumbled the moment she joined him.

Katniss looked at him as he watched Madge like she was prey. "Get over yourself, Hawthorne."

"What?"

"Why don't you like Madge? She's nice and my friend."

A strange look crossed his face, then Gale said, "She's too high maintenance." He shrugged then looked up and Katniss saw his eyes were staring across the street. Katniss looked in direction Gale was staring at, all she saw was Delly handing Veronica Wells a package. Katniss rolled her eyes. Veronica was one of the prettiest girls in school. Gale rubbed the back of his head and said, "I like simple down to earth girls."

Katniss walked ahead. It was funny how Gale always put down the Merchants but he didn't have a problem staring at the Merchant girls.

Gale walked behind her, dragging his feet. When they walked past the bakery, they saw the Mellark's standing outside with planks of wood. Gale frowned as he watched them laughing. Katniss stopped to gaze at Peeta. He was without a shirt again and she nearly tripped.

"Whoa, be careful, Catnip."

Katniss blushed, but remained quiet.

"Look at them. They're building a wall against our kind,-" He didn't continue with his rant. He slapped his hand on his neck. "Ow."

Katniss looked at Gale. "What's wrong now?"

"I think I got stung."

Katniss looked over Gale's shoulder and there was that evil furry creature with its little paw extended, rock in hand. Then a slow smile came to her face as she realized Corky had thrown the rock at Gale. "Come on Gale. I'll have my mom take a look at it."

"Is it getting bad?" Gale sounded a little panicked. The things Gale feared most of all were bees, wasps, yellow jackets and tracker jackers. He turned into a frightened child.

"No, I don't think you were stung. Maybe an acorn hit you," Katniss suggested, moving on.

"I don't know, Katniss. I think I was stung!" Gale said, walking after her.

She barely contained her laughter as Gale spent the entire time spewing the dangers of being stung. She wanted to tell him it was Corky the squirrel, but he wouldn't believe her or she would have to explain how the Squirrel got a name, so she let him yap away.

When they reached the Seam, she asked, "Well, do you want my mom to take a look at it?"

Gale rubbed his neck. "I think you were right. It was a nut. It feels better."

Katniss had to hide her smile. She did not have the heart to tell Gale he acted like a baby over nothing.

"Here's your take." They divided what the money they made and what they didn't sell. "See you tomorrow."

"Okay," Katniss said, confident she was going to see Peeta.

But she did not get to see him at all. The following day he wasn't in school, but neither was his brother. She did not have an opportunity to go see him because Darius had given her and Gale the paperwork that would help them should the Peacekeepers show up at their houses. It was strictly implied by Darius not to hunt for a while.

She was forced to stay in, to ready her home for the fast approaching cold weather. They had gone about making the chicken coop for the rooster and chicken she purchased. The coop was easily transferable to inside the house.

While Katniss did not want the rabbits, Gale did. They also made a makeshift garden on the side of the house. Prim was excited about the animals. Katniss hated it. They were extra mouths to feed, and she had to keep that darned cat of Prim's away from the coop. Katniss spent her free time preserving and canning food for her family, and securing their home for the winter. The windows were eventually sealed. The cracks in the wall were filled with the cotton she procured from the goat man who kept a few sheep.

Katniss implemented her winter strategy. They were going to have one and a half meals a day. But for herself, she began to only eat a single meal the first week, and a half of a meal the second week. She knew this would help out later on when food was scarce.

The cold frigid air settled over the district, and they were expecting snow to begin. The grey clouds churned with the promise of the white wintry mix.

The hardest thing she endured was negating her needs to see Peeta. She had not seen him in over two weeks and she was anxious. Neither one had attended school, but this was normal as people got ready for the harsh weather. She heard through the grapevine that he was working from the house alone with his brother, and thus why he had not made it to school. Katniss was more than ready to see him.

She was glad when Mrs. Thatcher went into labor before dinner. Her mother and Prim went out fifteen minutes before the new earlier curfew of seven at night. Katniss immediately went into her room and got ready. Before she left, she picked up a few nuts and a slice of cheese. She wanted to try an experiment.

A trip that normally would have taken her fifteen minutes took nearly a half an hour. She had to dodge so many Peacekeepers. It was only a little past seven, but the curfew was set, which meant her mother and Prim had to stay at the Thatcher's. Most of the kids in school were in their homes on a Friday night.

When she arrived at the bakery she saw the fence. Hearing the click of a Peacekeeper's radio, she quickly scaled over the fence and hid. She heard them as they walked by. Once she was sure the coast was clear she made her way to the tree.

Katniss climbed the tree and there sat the squirrel as if waiting for her. "Okay pest, I've got something for you." She pulled the cheese and the nuts out of her pocket. "You let me go through and I'll promise you won't go hungry."

The squirrel stepped closer and sniffed the food. It immediately called out and another squirrel popped out. It narrowed its beady eyes at Katniss before it chittered to the other. It climbed down and watched her momentarily then nodded its head before both squirrels took the nuts and cheese and scampered into their den.

"I'll be, it worked," Katniss said as she moved freely.

She jumped in through the window to find Peeta's room was empty.

His door opened and they stared at each other for a moment.

"Hey," Peeta greeted.

"I," Katniss rubbed her hand against her jeans right before she was crushed into a fierce hug. His warmth and scent enveloped her and she swallowed, feeling good to be with him once more. Her body relaxed, and a small fire spread from within her heart to the very tips of her fingers.

"Can I tell you something without grossing you out?"

Katniss nodded as she stood on tiptoe to hold on to him. His words vibrated through the skin of her neck. It caused electricity to flow through her. "Yes."

"I've missed you."

Katniss fisted her hand in his shirt and hugged him tighter at his confession. She too missed him.

"Why haven't you come to trade?"

"I haven't been able to come into town. The Peacekeepers are watching the Hob. We can't trade or sell anything right now, not until it snows."

He brushed her hair away from her face, and she let him. "I heard rumors that they were watching the Hob. You shouldn't be here."

Katniss simply nodded, not able to speak, to find a reason why she came here to see him that sounded logical. She blurted, "Corky has a wife?"

"Oh, so you've met Shirley?" Peeta grinned.

"Shirley?" Katniss smiled and shook her head.

"Yep, they toasted over a nut. The ceremony was simple, but beautiful. You should have been there. There wasn't a dry eye in the tree."

Katniss laughed at his description. "Did they get hitched in the middle of the day?"

"Nope at sunset, it was truly magical. I'm just glad I got to share that special day with them."

She chuckled and snuggled closer to him.

"I'm just glad you're safe. I haven't been able to go to school. We had to build the fence, and get the house ready for winter."

"Same," Katniss said inhaling his rich scent.

"Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"

Katniss was about to deny it, but her stomach grumbled. She hadn't eaten in two days. She gave her portion to Primrose.

Peeta cupped her face and his smile was like a thousand fireflies lighting up the night sky. "I'll be right back; we had dinner a few hours ago, but I think I can score something."

"You don't have to. I'll be fine."

"No, you need food. You've lost weight."

Katniss did not want to let him go, but she allowed it. She sat on his bed and leaned back and immediately felt relaxed. She took off her boots and put them under the bed. She undid her braid and snuggled on to his bed. She put her nose into his pillow and sniffed it. It all lulled her to fall asleep.

"Hey," Peeta said coming into the room with the tea and plate of food. His father didn't question why Peeta was looking for food. He only served him a smaller portion.

He noticed she was asleep. He put the food on the table and sat on the bed. Reaching out, he gently pushed her hair away from her face. Peeta noted the dark stains underneath her eyes. Katniss had not been sleeping well and she hadn't been eating well either. He was worried about her.

Peeta thought he loved her before he got to know her. He now realized that what he had felt was an infatuation. What he felt now was concrete, resolute and all-consuming. She was loyal, she was independent, she was stubborn, she got angry and her temper was nothing to laugh about. But she was also shy, and sweet; she didn't know how to verbalize how she felt, so she did it with actions. Because of her, he had paper, rolled up canvas material, paints, brushes and pencils that he could never have dreamed off.

They were all carefully hidden in his room. He hid the small painting he was making of Prim in the attic where he was sure no one would find it. The painting was such a small request, and he wasn't sure it was good enough. He wanted to show her what he felt for her without saying the words. It was not any easy feat, because Katniss was scared of falling in love.

She didn't say it, but he knew her talk of not wanting kids or marriage was because of what happened to her mother. They even spoke of how he was able to forgive his mother for her behavior, something she disliked. Katniss bristled at not being able to confront his mother, and he found it adorable. No one ever stood up to his mother, maybe his father, but only on those rare occasions when she got under his skin.

He was glad Katniss was nothing like his mother. Tenderly he tucked her in, making sure she was covered. On impulse, he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Rubbing his face, he stood and yawned before he went to the bathroom and got ready for bed.

He made his pallet on the floor and fell asleep.

An hour later he heard her whimpering in her sleep.

He got up immediately. "Katniss, Katniss."

Tears spilled from her eyes even as she slept. Her body thrashed on the bed. Not wanting to wake up his family, Peeta got into bed with her. She was tense and her eyes moved rapidly underneath her lids. Using his most soothing tone he murmured into her ear, "You're alright, you're with me. It's safe, we're safe."

She gasped as she slept, as if a silent scream was caught in her voice.

"Katniss, you're safe." He kissed her temple. Murmuring to her that she was in no danger, and he would keep her safe.

"Peeta," She whispered, slowly coming out of her dream.

Her arms tightly held on to him.

"Hush, you're safe. Nothing is going to happen to you. I'm here, okay."

She nodded, her eyes conveying her panicked state.

For a little while, they stayed in the bed wrapped up in each other's arms, neither one letting go. Her stomach protested its empty state.

"You need to eat," Peeta said pulling away from her.

Katniss sat up in the bed. "How long was I out for?"

"When I came in you fast asleep. I hope you don't mind I tucked you in." Peeta didn't flick on the switch for his light bulb, instead, he turned on the oil lantern on his desk next to his bed It was set low.

A slight blush crept up her cheeks.

"Here, the tea is cold, but it should be still good."

"Thank you." Katniss carefully sipped the tea, even though it was cold, letting it drip into her stomach. The added weight of the liquid made her feel good. The amount of food on the plate was more than what she would normally eat during this time of the year.

"Eat as much as you can, what you can't. You can take what's left with you tomorrow."

"Okay."

Katniss ate, but felt bad knowing Prim would have benefitted from the fresh vegetables. She yawned, the feel of a full stomach made her eyes droopy. Peeta left her in the room and she, out of practice, went to the dresser to find the things he reserved for her, but found nothing. Instead, she found a journal. It was mostly random pictures, but then she saw a picture of herself sitting on his bed with her hair askew and a few words written underneath it. Curious, she read it.

"She is beautiful and I am struck by not just her physical attributes. Katniss is amazing. Every conversation with her I discover something new. I value her independence, and her ability to care for her family, though I wonder who takes care of her. Who takes the time to see to her health, to her well being? Someone has to, but I don't know if she'll allow me to help her. I just want to make sure she's okay. I'd do anything for her."

She shut the book closed and then a loose page fell down. She gasped when she saw the two sketches on the page, one he drew of her and her father and the other of her and Prim. In the picture of her and Primrose, they were both smiling. In the other picture, she was bursting with joy. She hardly recognized the happy carefree girl in the drawing as her fingers caressed her father's image. Tears sprung into her eyes.

She questioned how or when Peeta managed to see her like this. Katniss missed that girl who believed everything was possible. She missed that non-cynical girl who was unaware of grief and sadness. She missed feeling the bubble that her dad created where everything was sound.

She missed her dad.

He was the only one who took the time to take care of her. He was the one who loved her just as she was. The only other person who did that was Peeta. By his own admission, he strove to make sure she was happy. Katniss put the book in the drawer, but, held onto the drawing. She hugged it to her chest.

A feeling of being sheltered washed over her. She was secure with Peeta. He would not hurt her and he did not have ulterior motives toward her. The last time she'd felt this way was with her father. The feeling of being loved, cherished and protected only came when she was with Peeta.

"Katniss, you okay?"

Startled she clutched his sketch. "I, I, I," She stuttered as she cradled his drawing in her arms. She was looking at him in a new light.

"You were looking for something to wear?"

Katniss nodded.

"I could have gotten you something to wear, but you could use anything of mine," Peeta said as he looked in his dresser for clothing.

Katniss couldn't speak.

Peeta was strong. She knew what he looked like shirtless. She had seen him lift things twice his weight and throw them easily as if they weighed nothing. Yet he was soft, as gentle as a petal. Her grey eyes took him in carefully as her heart raced in her chest. Something terrifying bloomed within her and she felt it gently pluck at her heartstrings. It overwhelmed her and made her want to run away.

She was mortified at having these sentiments.

The palm of Peeta's hand came to rest on her forehead. The shirt and shorts were fisted in the other. "Katniss are you okay?" Peeta asked worriedly.

It was then she saw the way he gazed at her, and it wasn't simply concern. It was the same look her father gave to her mother when she was a child. It was the look of pure love.

She opened up her hands, but they only opened partially, giving him the drawing. It was how she felt. She could not and would no fall for Peeta Mellark. She could not afford to love him. Her words came stumbling out like rocks not wanting to move inside of a river bed but the current was too strong and pushed them forward.

"I found the picture. I'm sorry I shouldn't have been snooping."

"It's your dad." Peeta smiled crookedly at his drawing. "He was a great man Katniss, if you want it, it's yours."

They were not talking about the picture.

She did not want it, but she needed it. Greedily she hugged it to her chest, and right then and there she decided this was going to be her last night with Peeta.

"I'll leave so that you can get dressed."

"No, it's okay," Katniss said, calming down her voice. She did not want him out her sight. "Turn around, I trust you."

His cheeks bloomed. "Okay."

As soon as he turned around she undressed and redressed in his clothing lightning quick. She put the picture gently on top of her folded clothing, then walked up to him and slid her hand over his shoulders, and down his arm until their fingers twined. She led him to the bed.

"I don't…"

Shyly she asked, knowing he wouldn't be able to say no, "Please stay with me."

"Okay," his voice was unsteady as his blue eyes widened as she slid into the bed, patting the spot next to her. His larger fame filled up the space and she sighed from contentment the moment they were settled next to each other.

Her head sought out that spot on his chest that was hers exclusively.

Peeta reached his hand out toward the glass lantern; he slowly turned down the nozzle until the flame flickered off, and then wound his fingers with hers.

Katniss could hear how quickly his heart beat. She listened to it for the last time and as she fell asleep a silent tear fell from her eyes as she tried to close herself off from him. She fought against her own heart, body, and soul as she fell asleep. In the morning, she was not sure she was successful as she stared back up at the tree. The squirrel and its mate came out of hiding. They stared at her, at the tears that poured from her eyes.

"Take care of him," Katniss whispered to Shirley.

Its little hand extended as if telling her to return, but she shook her head, and she swore it looked saddened right before she forced herself to turn around and leave.