Disclaimer: I still don't own any part of the Hunger Games and that's not going to change :)

CHAPTER 2: RETURN.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let us give a round of applause for our very own Victors back home to District 12, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark!"

Crowds in District 12 look so happy, we didn't only win with a single tribute but two. Our District was right to be festive. I stood here lost within the crowd waving and clapping amongst the people as I watched Katniss and Peeta step off the train and meet everyone's faces. I didn't know what I was feeling right now, I was really happy Peeta could come back, he could come back to me and things could be just as they were. The smiles on their faces like they had never been so glad to be in 12 and there it was, Katniss taking his hand and raising it up high. I could see as he looked at her and return his attention to the masses even happier that He was now with whom he loved.

Moments later the crowds parted to form an aisle, I pushed through so I could get through to the edge and maybe get a better glimpse of our victors, maybe even Peeta will see me then. It seems like an eternity as I watch them glide through the people greeting them in tandem. Katniss ever so beautiful if she wasn't already elegantly waves as Peeta gestures with kindness and gratitude.
The aisles weren't separated by Peacekeepers, for that I was glad, I would hate to have been stopped yet again. They were only meters away and I could feel myself become increasingly nervous, peoples screams of excitement become inaudible as I repeatedly called out to Peeta.

"Peeta! Peeta! PEETA! It's me! It's Ashe!" I called and called but I suppose they were still taken back by the crowd they couldn't fully process the people around them. That was when I decided I had to do something. I broke away from the crowd and ran to close the gap immediately.

"PEETA!" I embraced him so quickly he was shocked, not knowing who I was. He quickly prys me off and Katniss just watches as he joins her side. I slowly I raise my head and see that he begins to recognize me. His eyes light up and he smiles.

"Ashe! Thank you." Peeta says as He stands by Katniss.

"I'm so glad you came ba-" I begin to speak and I'm quickly apprehended by a Peacekeeper.

"Whoa, Whoa… don't hurt her!" He defends me. "I'll talk to you later, a little crazy right now" He says almost jokingly as I'm returned to my spot in the crowd.

I couldn't hear them converse but I Katniss as she quietly chatters to him while giving me a look of confusion as they continue to greet people. So close, yet so far. I would have liked to have more time to talk but it really wasn't the time or place. I have to just watch as he ventures off with his love. Eventually they reach a black armored vehicle, the crowds once again disperse as they board and drive off.

I stand there motionless, speechless. I really hoped for more. I have to be happy, for him, He survived the Hunger Games with Katniss no less. He looks so happy he finally has her.

**A few days later**

"Ashe! Peeta hasn't come by since returning to District 12, did you scare him off with that stunt of yours?" My mum glares at me.

"Mum, I'm sure that's not it, I'm sure he is busy adjusting to his new life." I try to explain, though I know she is upset given we don't receive anymore extra bread and there already isn't much food to go between the two of us. "He lives in the Victor's Village now Mum, that's not next door anymore and plus…" I stop as I realize what I'm about to say.

"Plus what?" She questions. "Katniss? Yes he has her now, you really did scare him off, just like your father" She growls.

"MUM! I didn't scare him off! He is doing what he needs to do…" I try to keep my calm. "I didn't even know Dad, I don't know why he left…" I wince. I thought about it carefully as turn my head away and make my way for the door. Maybe she was telling the truth… I haven't heard from or seen Peeta since. I wanted to see him… I needed to.

I made it out without being questioned or blamed further. I make my way to the dam and low and behold I see Peeta walk out of the bakery. His clothes were different, a dark shade of green and black. It was obvious clothes He received from the Capitol replaced his wardrobe; he pulled off the new combinations quite well I take a second to admire him. He notices me walking and called out to me.

"Ashe! Where you going? Wait up!" He lightly jogs to my side. "Come with me, we need to talk.

I nod my head and proceed to walk to our usual destination.

We walked in silence, I just wanted to savor his presence. He now lives much further from me and it's become apparent that I will not be able to see him as often. I also wonder why he hasn't said a word till we get to the dam and we both stand there facing each other. I sigh and I just wrap my arms around him tightly.

"I'm so glad Peeta, you're back!" Not letting go of my embrace I remain soaking it all in. I wasn't alone right now. "My best friend is back! I must be the luckiest person ever!" I was so happy I had this time between us. "Peeta?"

He finally returns my embrace, I was worried he wouldn't and he smiles before he rests his head on my shoulder. Minutes passed and we were just quiet and he finally lets go after minutes. I cannot make out what he is thinking but he doesn't seem as happy as I am.

"Ashe, Thanks for supporting me, I'm really glad I'm able to see you again and talk to you, after all I didn't see you after the reaping"

"Yeah about that…" We both decide to sit on the edge. "I wasn't allowed in but I kept trying to reach you even after… I didn't know what to think. You'd been reaped… with Katniss too" I couldn't face him after mentioning her, it hurt not knowing how I could tell him how I felt.

"It worked out in the end, it took her a while to come around too… We are luckier than most" A little smile crept up on his face as he thought of her.

"Well, look at you, bit irresistible Mr Victor you." I tease.

"What are you getting at?" He chuckles.

"Peeta, you guys made it out alive… I guess only you would fully understand what she has gone through and vice-versa, if your love for her saved you both… I don't see why she wouldn't end up feeling the same. I mean I would…" I stop before I say anything else.

"Wait what?" His tone becoming a little more serious.

"Peeta…" At this point he pulls me in with his arm around me. We are both just looking up at the sky.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" He asks ever so kindly, with that smile of his when he thinks he knows what's on my mind.

"If I say it it will screw up everything." I state as I wrap my arms around his waist."

"So you do? You love me?" He looks down trying to meet my eyes.

I say nothing but nod and bury my face in his chest so he can't see my tears forming.

"I'm sorry I can't return those feelings for you, but I'll always be here for you… when I can." He tightens his grip. "I wanted to tell you… I can't really hang out anymore given that we live a bit further apart now and Katniss… you know my heart belongs to her." It was always her, it had to be especially after the games. I couldn't find anything to say… there was nothing I could say. I was speechless beyond measure. The pain in my chest… I just got Peeta back and now I have to accept that He won't be fully mine. "Katniss, she loves me and not only that the Capitol are keeping a close eye on us after our little stunt at the end of the games… if they know I am with you, they will doubt our love and put you in danger… I can't risk that."

"Peeta, don't worry about me, you're all I've got… I love you because you are the only person I'm close to. I don't see myself with anyone else… you complete me. I couldn't say it before because I knew you loved her and maybe if you never spoke to her it would never happened but after the games. I have nothing else to lose now right?" I chuckle out of the irony of the situation. "Look at you now, handsome as ever all dressed up, same with her, beauty I can't even fathom, Peeta you're lucky."

"With a friend like you, yeah I am. I'm really sorry. We''ll talk when we can, I just don't think I can drop by like I used to. I'll still give you some bread… I've got you covered" He reassures me of his friendship and that's all I could really ask for, that He didn't want to lose me either. "I have to be back soon, whatta ya say, I walk you back home?"

"Peeta, promise you will though… I don't want to lose you. I don't think I can just sit here and watch. Promise me you will come back when you can?" I finally decide to meet his eyes with the sun setting behind him.

"I promise."

Sorry for he late upload, caught up in all the end of year madness so I thought I'd make this one a little longer and I have already started chapter 3, Ashe reflects on what she see's during the Games before we get to kick off the victory tour. I didn't specify only hinted in this chapter but Katniss realizes her feelings for Peeta are real not long after the 74th Hunger Games, I'm still tryna work Her into the story but I will do so more during the events of "Catching Fire." Hope You guys are enjoying! Drop a review or thoughts!
Thanks!