So next chapter, Peeta is about to get thrown into the arena, but first he has some explaining to do about his words in the interview to both Katniss and Cinna. I don't own these characters, sadly, just my ideas. Please make sure to review and enjoy.

Chapter 7

I think I was about as shocked as Katniss when I heard Peeta's statement. Why hadn't he told me about this stunt? It was a stunt wasn't it? My mind was in a million different places as I rode the elevator up. When the doors opened I saw a strange sight before me, Peeta laying on the floor with broken glass all around him, blood dripping from his hands and Katniss looking dangerously furious standing over him.

"What's going on?" Effie demanded hysterically, "did you fall?"

"After she shoved me" Peeta snapped.

I gently took hold of his arm and got him to his feet. I glanced at him for a moment and his expression silently told me he would explain later.

Once Peeta got his hands all bandaged up and when we were in the safety of his room I turned to look at him for what felt like forever without saying a word.

"What's wrong Cinna?" he finally asked me, concern obvious in his voice.

I stayed silent for a moment, not really knowing what to say, "why didn't you tell me?"

He looked confused for a moment, but then realized what I meant, "oh Cinna, you know that wasn't real."

"Do I?" I asked and walked past him a little before turning around to face him again, "I can't help but be suspicious when you keep secrets."

A sense of déjà vu fell over me as I gazed at Peeta. This wasn't the first time I had said those words, but not to Peeta, to someone else.

"Why is this such a big deal?" he asked.

"Because…I've been betrayed before. I've had so many people say they love me, then turn around and cheat on me. I'm so tired of being lied to. And I-I just want to know that I'm not the only one that has felt something between us…"

My words were interrupted when Peeta's lips were pressed to mine. It wasn't a soft and gentle kiss like before, but one with deep passion that far exceeded a mere teenager. A deep love flowed through him that I had never seen before and it made my heart soar to know that that love was for me. I knew this was his way of telling me that he was sorry for scaring me and that his heart truly belonged to only me.

When he finally released my lips I saw the same passion I felt projected through the kiss burning bright in his blue eyes.

"Don't ever doubt my love for you" Peeta said, cupping my face in his hands, "you have made me feel so alive. You have shown me how to love and have opened up to me to give me the first true love I've ever known. You are my entire world now Cinna and that's never going to change."

"I believe you" I said and smiled softly, "and thank you."

"For what?"

"For stepping into my life and changing it for good" I replied, connecting my lips with his and giving all my love and pure passion this time.

"Cinna…" Peeta whispered, but I interrupted before he could say any more.

"No" I said simply, my tone not angry or upset, it was just a simple answer.

Peeta gave a small pout, "you didn't even know what I was going to ask."

"I do too. You wanted me to make love with you tonight."

Peeta paused for a moment, not knowing what to say when I guessed correctly, "ok, so maybe you do know, but why is it a no?"

"For one your hands are injured. Shh, don't interrupt" I said, placing a finger on his lips as I continued, "and two you need rest, as much as you can get.

"But I'm not tired" Peeta protested.

"Well there's a celebration going on tonight. Do you want to watch from the balcony?"

I could tell Peeta wanted to press the matter more but finally he just said, "sure."

"Go ahead and go look, I'll be out in a minute" I said and he walked out.

I took a moment to pull myself together and suppress my emotions, it wouldn't do any good to be crying in front of Peeta, I had to be strong so he could be too.

When I came out into the sitting area I saw Peeta was talking to Katniss who sat across from him. Something he was saying caught my ear.

"Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don't own me. That I'm more than just a piece in their games" he was saying.

I silently crept closer, taking care to stay well within the shadows so Katniss wouldn't spot me.

"But you're not" Katniss said, "none of us are. That's how the Games work."

"Okay, but within that framework, there's still you, there's still me" Peeta insisted, "don't you see?"

I could hear the argument coming on in both their voices. When the two had arrived here it appeared that they actually could be friends for a time, but now the night before going into the arena had them both on edge so it was no wonder they were snapping at each other. Katniss was still trying to look out for Peeta, but it seemed the blonde had just given up all hope of winning as he used the nickname that Katniss hated being called by Haymitch.

Katniss stood up and said something to him before leaving. When I heard her door close I turned to Peeta who was now standing up, gazing down at the parade. I came silently up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He immediately relaxed into the embrace, laying his head back on my chest and placed his hands over mine. I noticed that his cheeks were glistening in the light from tears and I gently wiped them away.

"Don't cry, please don't cry. I can't stand to see you hurting" I said softly.

"How can I not. You know I'm not going to come out of this alive."

I had to close my eyes for a moment to calm myself down, I couldn't crack now, not when he needed me to be here for him.

But even when I spoke my voice was still a little shaky, "I know, but does that mean you have to give up before you even step foot in the arena?"

"I don't know."

"Peeta, look at me" I said and Peeta turned so our eyes were locked, "just because you know the odds doesn't mean you can't go down fighting."

"Before I came here I didn't have something worth fighting for, but now I do…you" Peeta said and gave me a quick kiss, "I will fight til my last breath for the hope that we have a chance of being together again."

"That's my brave warrior" I said with tears of joy in my eyes.

"Cinna, I know you want me to rest, but can you just stay with me tonight? Can you just hold me?" he asked, I could still see the fear in his eyes.

"Of course, whatever you need, I'm here" I replied.

Together we walked back to his room and lay down. I wrapped my strong arms around my now more fragile lover to protect him from something that I knew I couldn't. I watched as Peeta fell asleep and continued to watch him for a little while longer before sleep overcame me as well.

I would like to take a moment to thank those of you that have reviewed and are following my story. I do really appreciate it a lot. Also I have some news on my page about some upcoming stories that I'm working on and that hopefully I will be posting soon so I encourage you to check it out and feel free to look at my other stories as well.