Chapter 9

People say that they want longer chapters. I'll try my best. Oh, and btw, the story is drawing to a close. Give me ideas if you want it to be extended! ENJOY!

I sit there, shaking a little, until Gale leaves. I remember him being my best friend. Why would my best friend hit me? I'm not accepting his apology.

I stay in my little hidey-hole a while longer. It's really peaceful; I can sort through my memories in peace, with only the melodious calls of the mockingjays. They begin to repeat my song. Thank goodness it's after Gale leaves, because I'm certain he would know the tune.

Eventually, it gets really dark and cold. I'm sure Peeta is really worried about me. He would never intentionally hurt me. I mean the real Peeta, not the Capitol Peeta who tries to kill me.

Well, now I'm stuck. I don't think I could make it out of the woods in pitch black without getting lost. The problem is, it's really cold, and I'm wearing a green shirt, black pants, and my leather jacket. The jacket is kind of warm, but not especially.

My dreams include Prim, Rue, a weird clock lady, Finnick, and Peeta. Yay nightmares!

Finally, morning comes. I sneak back to the house; climb up the side; and plop into my room. I hear Peeta in his- our- room. I tap lightly on the door.

Peeta opens the door, with sorrow visibly shown on his face. He immediately brightens when he sees me; Peeta wraps me in a giant hug.

"I'm so sorry." I whisper into Peeta's ear.

We go downstairs. I offer to make Peeta some breakfast. His amazing reaction- hysterical laughter.

"And just what is so funny?" I ask angrily.

"You." Peeta chuckles. "You can't cook."

"Just watch me!" I snap.

I then proceed to take out eggs and make an omelet. Something must have gone wrong, because when it tasted like cardboard.

I try to nonchalantly hide the plate behind my back. "You know, eggs are overrated."

Peeta holds out his hand, and I give it to him. He bites into it, making a face.

"What did you put in this? My dirty socks?" Peeta jokes.

I say, "Fine. You can make breakfast."

"Gladly." Peeta states, standing up.

He turns on the oven. Peeta makes cheese buns. Yum! I may not be able to cook, but Peeta sure can.

Peeta heads off to work. I decide to catch up on some much needed relaxation time, with a book and popcorn. I know I can't cook, but even I should be able to work a microwave.

There goes the fire alarm.

Subtract the popcorn, and I still have a pretty decent day. Once I clear out the smoke, I grab a leather bound book from Peeta's room. When I return to my room, I head to my bed, lie down, and open the book.

It's full of illustrations and notes. A lot of things are described, like my father, Prim, Finnick. The pictures I can only assume were drawn by Peeta, since I have no artistic ability.

After lounging for I while, I head downstairs to make lunch. I don't think that I can mess up a sandwich. Hopefully.

I take out the roll, and use a knife to cut it in half. My hand slips; the knife makes a gash in my palm.

"Ouch!" I scream.

I quickly wrap some towels from the bathroom around my hand, to staunch the flow of blood. How do I mess up a simple sandwich?

For lunch, I end up eating a fresh roll. Not very filling.

I leave Peeta a note and head out to the woods. I feel so claustrophobic, in this empty house. Not to mention it smells like blood.

In the notch of a familiar tree, I find a bow and arrow. I really hope I don't kill myself on this sharp object, too.

Surprisingly, my hands know what to do. Within a half an hour, I've shot two squirrels. I must have done this before, in my old life.

I return to the house, to which Peeta is not home yet. More time in an empty house for me.

Upon my wait for Peeta's arrival, I fall asleep. I seem to be doing that a lot lately.

When I wake, it's evening. There is a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. As if almost in a trance, I make my way to the kitchen.

"Hey," I say with a sleepy smile on my face.

"Hello, you." Peeta glances down at my hand. "Oh my gosh, Katniss, what did you do?"

I look at the floor. "I can't cook."

Peeta gives me a questioning glare.

"I was trying to make a sandwich." I mumble.

Peeta tries to suppress a laugh. "We have pre-cut sandwiches in the bottom shelf of the fridge."

"Really!" I say exasperated. "I had a roll for lunch!"

"Let's fill you up then." Peeta says.

Longer chapter . I checked- the actual story is 800 words. It shows more of Katniss's relationship with Peeta. Keep reading amazing people!