We're in the endgame now, so the new chapters will stay mostly in Katniss's POV while we read with bated breath who will be the first to crack. I've had so much fun writing this story, and I hope you've enjoyed reading it.
Peeta drove us back to my place, the car ride quiet, but not uncomfortably so. My adrenaline was up and my palms sweaty, so I kept them pressed against my thighs.
"I'd like to do this again." Peeta broke the silence as we pulled onto my street. I look at his profile as he drives.
"Yeah, it was fun." I admitted quietly. His mouth twitched upward.
"I'm gonna miss spending time with such an interesting person once this bet is over." Peeta remarked, more to himself than to me. I shrugged.
"I'm sure you can find someone to hang out with that's more your speed." I tell him, looking down towards my feet, suddenly wishing that I was more normal. If only I wasn't a witch and had some social skills, Peeta would like me for real and we wouldn't have made this stupid bet.
"What if I don't want that?" Peeta asked, so quietly that I almost didn't hear him. My heartbeat picked up again, and I had to remind myself that he's under a spell - there's no way he would really want to keep me around. I leave his question unanswered.
We pulled into my driveway at last, and I moved to get out. I didn't miss the soft sigh he gave as he turned off the car and got out. He offered me his arm, which I had to smile at, and we walked up to my front porch arm-in-arm. I might as well enjoy these last few moments, as the bet is almost over.
"Would you say yes if I asked you to come with my to my cousins' again?" He turned to face me as he spoke, hand drifting down my arm to hold my clammy hand.
"I... yeah sure, that sounds nice." I agreed, figuring once we broke up, I wouldn't be expected to go anyway. "When?"
"Tomorrow night? I know it's a bit short notice but Annie just got a promotion at work and they want to celebrate."
"Good for her, I'm sure she more than deserves it. I'll go with you." I promise, meeting his eyes. The bright blue twinkled at me in the dim glow of the moon behind me. It felt so magical... so I leaned in.
Our lips met softly, gently, and I felt a warm hand cup my cheek as his tongue ran along the edge of my lip. I met his with mine and tasted him, the minty flavor catching me off guard. He must've popped a mint when I wasn't looking after we had the wine. My thoughts scattered when Peeta hmmed into my mouth.
Seconds later, he pulled back, a smile on his face crinkling the corners of his eyes.
"I really like you, Katniss." He told me, and for a second, I almost believed he did. "I know this is all a stupid bet that I'll probably lose, but to hell with that. You're so different from everyone I've met and it's refreshing and fun. I'm glad I can get to know you like this, and I don't look forward to it all being over."
I felt my eyes misting, and I was glad the moon was behind me and he couldn't see me too well.
"I uh... I'm not that good at saying stuff, but I like you too, Peeta." I admitted quietly. There, it's real now. I've told him, and now he's gonna walk away all cute and warm and perfect and I'm gonna be biding my time until he ends the bet and comes out of the spell.
My tears fell down my cheeks as he wrapped me up in his warm arms and hugged me tight. This is on me, I chose to do this. Any evidence of sadness was gone from my face when he released me, and I smiled brightly. "Thanks for walking me up, I'll see you tomorrow for the thing at your cousins." I tell him, unlocking my door with a movement of my hand.
"I'll pick you up at eight." He promised, keeping hold of one hand as he retreated from my porch with a smile.
"Sounds perfect." I smile back as he releases my hand and turns to his car. I wave as he turns back one last time before getting in and driving away.
Why can't I just hate Peeta Mellark?
I walked inside, already dreading any conversation with my nosy cat.
"I don't wanna hear it, Buttercup." I told him as he opened his mouth.
"You never do, since when has that stopped me?" He taunts, following me up to my room. "Seems like someone cheated."
"Yeah yeah, I know. I gave him the potion, I can't keep doing this."
"You know, there's a very easy way out of this. Just tell the man you love him. He's not going to hold you to the arrangement if he actually cares about you. Which he obviously does, since he's willingly kissed you on several occasions."
"No, Buttercup, that's a terrible way to do it. If I tell him that, he'll say something like 'yeah okay I love you too, see you around I guess.' See, I love you means end of relationship, bet is over."
"That's not how it is for either one of you anymore. It was a stupid bet then, it's a stupid bet now. Both of you know that, you're just being stubborn."
"Shut up, you stupid cat." I groaned, getting into bed and turning the light off. "You talk way too much."
"You know I'm right." He left the room and I rolled over, facing the wall.
xXx
(Peeta's POV)
I could barely sleep thinking about the kiss we'd shared on her porch. Adrenaline ran through my veins and whatever the happy chemicals are ran through my brain.
She totally likes me, and I'm way in over my head for her. I can't really tell her how I feel until I'm sure she feels the same way, or she'll dump me and tell me I lost the bet. I have to get her to love me before I 'lose' the bet so she won't cut me out. Strange as it is, that's what has to happen.
I pull out my phone and send her a couple texts before I think about it.
Peeta: hey beautiful
Peeta: just wanna say goodnight
Katniss: *typing*
Katniss: *typing*
Katniss: goodnight Peeta. See you tomorrow
Katniss: :)
I smile to myself at her simple but friendly reply. I remember another time when we texted and she was the opposite, and I count this as a success.
I roll over, my heart happy, and finally drift off to sleep.
What did you think? I'm really excited for the next couple of chapters, I've started writing them and they're going to be full of twists. Leave me a review and let me know what you think! Do you want more mischievous Annie? How do you feel about Buttercup interfering with everything?