"Peeta," her voice is quiet, almost too soft to hear. He glances up from his painting and waits for her to continue. Her expression is troubled, gray eyes clouded with doubt. He sets down his paintbrush and crosses the room to kneel before her. The gentle pressure of his hand on hers pulls her gaze to his. "What happens after?" She asks quietly.

"After what, Katniss?" He returns; brow furrowed uncertainly.

"When this is over, what will happen with us? What will we do then?" Her fears are clear in the slight quaver in her voice.

"We'll be together just like we planned. There'll be moments just like this; a whole lifetime of them. It will be like living right here exactly as we are now but forever." He promises.

"Do you really believe that?" She queries, a sliver of hope manifesting in her tone. It is small but sparks in her eyes like the sun. He smiles to see it. "You promise? You'll stay? With me?"

He twines their fingers together and leans in until his forehead is pressed against hers, noses touching as he meets her wistful look with a loving one of his own. His one word response is spoken solemnly, reverently, a vow. "Always." He pulls her into his arms, buries his face in her unbound hair as he repeats it firmly. "Always."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXOXO

Gale Hawthorne had been sitting unmoving in the same spot for ten minutes as he stared blankly at the floor beneath his boots. The Mellark brothers traded confused glances as they watched their friend. He was usually quiet, often moody, and habitually thick-headed. He was never still for very long. This out-of-character behavior had his friends somewhat baffled as he glared fixedly at the floor.

Typically it was Seth who broke the silence as he nudged Gale's shoulder. "What's up, buddy?" He inquired laughingly. "You haven't said a word since you got here."

Gale shrugged and resumed his intent examination of the floor. He glanced at each in turn and then shook his head. "I don't know why I'm letting her get to me. It's just stupid." His fingers knotted together, knuckles white. "Just forget it." He bit out angrily. "It doesn't mean anything."

Seth exchanged a dumbfounded look with Peeta, who plopped down next to their disgruntled friend. "Who's getting to you? You're going to have to string a few more words together, Gale. We don't understand."

Gale scowled and raised his head, glowering at a spot on the wall just over Peeta's shoulder. "She's irritating as hell. I tried to be polite and when that didn't work I tried to walk away but she followed me. She actually followed me. I've never been so damned mad at anyone in my life. The ridiculous thing is that I don't even know her name. She wouldn't tell me." His fiery gaze swung accusingly to Peeta. "She said that if I was so interested, then I should ask you. So tell me, buddy. Who is the annoying little spitfire that's been following you around today when she hasn't been pestering me? I at least want something to call her other than 'hey, you' before I wring her neck."

Peeta couldn't contain his laugher and was soon echoed by Seth as the other Mellark brother figured out who Gale was referring to. "She works fast, doesn't she?" Seth commented ironically. "Now I'm really glad to be a blonde. I told you that girl was crazy. I can't believe that you egged her on. I hope you're happy, Peeta."

"I didn't hear you complaining when I pointed him out to her." Peeta returned caustically. "In fact, you offered to introduce them personally." Gale's wounded look swung to the middle brother who let out a bark of laughter upon seeing it. "I didn't think that she would be so enthusiastic about goading him. It's like waving a bottle of white liquor in front of Haymitch Abernathy. If you don't get out-of-the-way, you only have yourself to blame when you get flattened."

Gale snorted. "Thanks for the support, Peeta. That still doesn't answer my question. Who the hell is she and what is she doing here? More importantly, why is she following me everywhere that I go?"

Rubbing a hand absently through his hair, Peeta eyed his friend warily. "Her name is Johanna Mason. She's going to be staying in Twelve for a while. She's originally from District Seven. She knows a bit about hunting and the woods. You should take her with you the next time you go out, Gale. She might enjoy it. "

"Why would I do that?" Gale asked, genuinely confused at the suggestion. "The girl's crazy. She chopped up one of my arrows with a little hatchet that she keeps in a specially made sheath. It's about as long as your hand and sharp as a razor. When I yelled at her, she threw it at my head." Peeta's eyes widened at that. "After she pulled the damned thing out of the tree, she grinned at me and said it was the best first date she'd ever had. She then told me that she would see me around. I find out now that you're the one responsible. I ought to punch you in the face for that, Mellark. What the hell were you thinking?"

Seth snorted and then laughed outright when Gale's furious gray eyes shot toward him. "I'm thinking that he's brilliant is what I'm thinking. Man, I haven't seen you this worked up over a girl since Leevy stood you up at the slag heap last year. You have strange taste in women, Hawthorne. You were ready to fall at Katniss's feet when she schooled you in archery. "

That comment caught Peeta's attention and he sent his friend an inquiring look. Gale's rapidly reddening cheeks gave him away. Peeta grinned unrepentantly as he remarked, "So he was impressed by my girl, was he? She is something special." He chuckled at the memory of her shooting performance behind the bakery. She had been flawless, easily outpacing Gale's best efforts. His face softened at the thought, a small smile turning up the corners of his mouth. The sound of his brother's stifled laughter drew Peeta from his reverie. His cheeks heated at his brother's obvious amusement and he hurriedly sought to steer the conversation back to Gale's predicament. "I still don't understand what the problem is with Johanna. She is a little unconventional. I'll give you that. I don't think that she's the hard ass she makes herself out to be. You might want to look a little deeper before you write her off completely, Gale."

Seth guffawed, "Would you listen to him? He finally decided to come out of hibernation and notice a girl. Now all of a sudden, he's an expert." He playfully punched his younger brother's arm. "My task is clear. You are clearly whipped, Peeta. That girl has completely unmanned you. It's my job as your brother to kick your ass in this tournament and knock some sense back into you otherwise you'll be completely useless."

Peeta smirked knowingly, "Why don't you tell us again about the smooth moves you put on Tansy? How many times did she go out with you? Correct me if I'm wrong but you didn't even get past the first date. Didn't she slap you silly and leave you standing in the square? Not to mention that there is no way you'll kick my ass in this tournament. I have a very good reason to win so don't count me out just yet."

The two brothers shared similar grins only to laugh uproariously when Gale interjected, "That still doesn't help me. What am I going to do about this Johanna? I can't hit a girl. My mom would kill me."

Seth merely rolled his eyes but Peeta soberly looked at his friend. "Gale, if you want me to tell her to cut it out then I will. Just say the word. I really thought that she might be good for you or I wouldn't have encouraged her. "

Gale opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the opening door. Finnick Odair sauntered through, his eyes reflecting amusement at the startled expressions and wide eyes that greeted him. "Gentlemen, I'm sorry to interrupt your palaver but two of you are requested immediately in the Arena. There's some type of tournament going on. Apparently they can't start until you grace them with your presence." Seth and Peeta immediately leapt to their feet and grabbed the rest of their gear. Gale watched them morosely. Finnick eyed him with wary interest. The dark-haired archer moved uneasily and shifted foot-to-foot before finally raising an irate brow at the latecomer.

"Is there something that I can help you with?" Gale asked tightly. His frown deepened as the other's pleased smile widened.

"It's not me that needs help, friend. However, I'd be glad to offer you a few tips when you're ready. I understand that Johanna has taken a liking to you. She's a little odd but behind the prickly exterior beats a good heart. She tends to leap before she looks which is bad both for her and the poor sap that she inevitably leaves in the rubble. You and I should talk. I've picked up a few tricks over the years for handling the feisty types. I'd be happy to give you some pointers. Look me up later. We'll talk."

Gale's eyes bulged and his mouth opened soundlessly before his jaw tightened in ire. Peeta cut off what was shaping up to be a fine tirade. He asked, "Finnick, I thought that you were staying with Katniss. What are you doing here? Who's with her?'

Finnick held up a placating hand. "Relax, Bread Boy. Johanna is taking care of the little darling. She's surrounded by your friends and family. If that doesn't set your mind at ease, Effie Trinket hasn't left her side since she stopped off at the bakery. Well, there were a few minutes when some tight-eyed blonde pulled her into a back room at the bakery but other than that she hasn't left my sight. She's right as rain."

"Tight-eyed blonde woman at the bakery? My mother? She talked to Katniss alone? What? Why?' Peeta's panicked expression wasn't lost on the others. Even Seth began to look worried. Peeta closed his eyes and let out a long breath. Finally, he met Finnick's careful gaze. "Is she okay? "

Finnick grinned. "I believe that the young woman in question is doing considerably better than okay. You'll have to see for yourself whether I'm telling the truth. I did promise not to ruin the surprise. She would be so disappointed if I did. Now why don't you two get upstairs so that we can get this party started? The bouncy girl is about to bust something and she squeaks when she gets excited. Johanna won't be able to hold out long with that type of incentive. If you want your friend to stay healthy and happy, it might be a good idea to get going." Finnick darted another furtive look at the sullen boy who continued to glower at the wall. "By the way, Gale, Johanna wanted me to tell you that she's fixed your archery problem. She said that your arrows had been made by a near-sighted idiot using whatever sticks they had fallen over in the dark." Gale's cheeks suffused a ruddy crimson. "Anyway, she said that she went out and got you the proper materials. She has about a dozen shafts finished and that she should have a full quiver in a day or two. She'll drop off the ones that are ready after the tournament so that you can get the feel of them."

Gale was rendered speechless by this announcement. It was Seth who clarified for the group's understanding, sure that he hadn't heard the man correctly. "She is making him arrows because the ones that he has are crap." Finnick nodded and smiled sardonically at the disbelieving looks he was getting. Seth cackled, making no effort to hide his enjoyment. Peeta smirked knowingly as he watched the play of emotions that crossed his friend's face: anger, puzzlement, shock, embarrassment, and finally grudging gratitude.

Finnick was clearly able to follow the reaction as easily as did Peeta. He shook his head in bemusement. "I don't know what they teach you boys here in Twelve but obviously you need Uncle Finnick to explain a few things to you. I told you that she has a good heart. She's not exactly articulate. She's more of a woman of action than words. She seems to have taken a liking to you. If you're not interested, make sure to tell her straight away. She's one of my best friends so if you hurt her, then I'll have to hurt you. No hard feelings."

Gale's eyebrows rose at the blunt announcement. He met Finnick's unsmiling look with a somber one of his own. "I didn't know. She just surprised me. I'll find her afterward and thank her properly." Finnick's mouth curved into a pleased grin and he slapped Gale companionably on the back. His whispered reply was too low for Peeta or Seth to hear but judging from the startled mien that blossomed on Gale's face; it was best left a secret. The two brothers shrugged, exchanged an eloquent look, and then followed the pair into the Arena.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXOXOXOXO

Despite Effie Trinket's disapproving looks every few moments, Katniss couldn't stop fidgeting. Everything was wrong and she had almost lost patience with her "new" look as well as the woman who had forced it upon her. The loose flowing strands of hair continually fell into her eyes regardless of the thin band that was supposed to hold them back. The leaf patterned dress was beautiful but the scooped neck and thin straps that made up the bodice weren't something that she would normally wear. She thought longingly of her comfortably broken in boots and loose hunter's jacket. As soon as the wrestling tournament concluded, she would make a beeline back to the house for a swift change regardless of what Effie had to say.

She wasn't cut out to be a fashion plate. She much preferred mud and sweat to silk and sandals. She smirked quietly to herself at what her mother's reaction would be if she saw Katniss attired in such a way. Hyacinth Everdeen had long since abandoned the quest to make her eldest look like a girl. Muddy boots and torn corduroys were more to Katniss's liking. Luckily for her mother, Prim was every bit as feminine as Katniss was not. Katniss giggled briefly at the thought of her mother's reaction. It would be memorable. Katniss felt a lump in her throat as she reminded herself that her mother wouldn't be here to see her. It made the experience bittersweet and that only added to her irritation. She promised herself that the frilly garments would be gone at first opportunity.

A rough elbow digging into her ribs brought her back to the gymnasium and she glared daggers at the grinning girl standing next to her. "What did you do that for? My blasted ribs are already sore thanks to this stupid dress. You didn't have to try and finish me off. A simple "Katniss" would have worked instead of poking the life out of me."

Johanna rolled her eyes at the younger girl's scathing tone. "Forgive me, princess. I didn't mean to upset your delicate sensibilities. I just thought you might be interested in watching your boyfriend. She nodded toward the gathered group clustered around a sandy blonde head easily recognizable as Dodson Mellark. Katniss colored faintly and nodded her thanks. Johanna snorted imperceptibly and climbed up on the seat in front of her to get a better view. "I've never been a fan of wrestling but I can definitely appreciate the outfits." Johanna observed approvingly. Her gaze swung appraisingly to the lean form now engaged in conversation with Finnick. A small sigh escaped her, causing Katniss to look at her inquiringly. "I was hoping that talk, dark and huffy would be competing. I wouldn't mind getting an eyeful of that in those skimpy duds. I guess he's just there for moral support. Pity." She leaned forward and shaded her eyes with an upraised hand as she watched her fellow guard laughing uproariously at whatever Gale Hawthorne was saying. "I wonder what that's about." She mused. "Finnick has some explaining to do after we get you and Lover Boy tucked in for the night, little girl. He's not usually so talkative when we're on the job. He's up to something."

Katniss shrugged, her attention on the group still clustered about Dodson. The eldest was clearly giving some last-minute instructions, his hands gesturing wildly one minute and then drawing intricately on a board the next. After a few words and some good-natured back slaps, the group broke up and headed to the mats for some preliminary stretches. Katniss's attention immediately fixed on a familiar tousled head as Dodson put a staying hand on Peeta's arm and whispered a last bit of advice. Peeta listened intently and laughed as his brother clapped his shoulder before heading off to join the others. She couldn't help but stare in rapt fascination as she watched him jog across the floor, not even acknowledging Johanna's knowing chuckle.

She had always considered him handsome with his unruly hair that inevitably fell over those expressive sapphire eyes. His quiet strength, shy smiles, and unfaltering goodness drew her like a moth to a flame. For the first time, she was privy to what the female population of District Twelve had known for some time. Simply stated, Peeta Mellark was beautiful. He was broad-shouldered and slim-hipped. Hours of lifting heavy bags of flour at the bakery had given him a muscled physique which hinted at massive strength should he choose to use it. Katniss swallowed noisily, blushing furiously as Johanna nudged her shoulder and let out another telling laugh. "I didn't know that you had it in you, brainless. There might be hope for you yet. I had almost written the two of you off as pure, virginal types that exchanged poetry and shy smiles in the school yard. That look is anything but chaste. "

Katniss gave the irritating girl a fulminating glare. "I have no idea what you're talking about. God, Johanna. Are you always so crass or is this strictly for my benefit?"

Johanna smirked and raised an infuriating brow. "Of course it's for your benefit. You two are so nauseating sweet that I'm starting to get a toothache. I've made it part of my duties as your companion to fix an area of your education that has been sorely neglected. Helping you and trying to figure out what makes Hawthorne tick should make this little backwoods vacation bearable."

Katniss blanched at her insinuating tone. "Better not let Effie hear you talking like that or we'll never hear the end of it." Johanna rolled her eyes at the mention of the Capital escort. The woman in question had taken a seat next to Delly Mellark and was watching the proceedings with interest. Her shock of pink curls stood out in the crowd like a beacon as did the turquoise and garnet ensemble that she had deemed suitable for such an outing. She was a riot of color amid the earthy shades favored by most of the district. Even Delly in her amethyst skirt and blouse paled in comparison. She had relented to Katniss sitting in the bleachers with only Johanna for company after much begging and cajoling. Delly had commented sweetly that seeing Katniss looking so pretty after her makeover would distract Peeta. Effie was sufficiently enamored with the "star-crossed lovers" as she dubbed them, that she readily agreed to tuck Katniss away in an unobtrusive corner until the tournament was over.

A whistle sounded and the official called the first two competitors into the circle. Johanna leaned close and whispered, "Do you have the slightest idea what's going on? How do you know who wins?" Katniss shrugged noncommittally and shook her head. Johanna rolled her eyes again, muttering under her breath. The question was answered a few moments later when, in a flurry of arms and legs, one contestant knocked the other off his feet and immediately moved to pin the fallen boy to the ground. After a brief count, the one on top had his hand raised in victory.

The next participant to enter the circle was Peeta. Katniss tensed as her gaze fell on his rival. The boy squaring off with her Peeta was just as big and well-built as him. The two shook hands and immediately locked together once the whistle sounded. It wasn't clear who had the advantage as they moved through a variety of holds almost too fast to follow. Finally, a neatly placed foot and an arm lock providing the leverage gave Peeta the opportunity to end it. Swiftly and economically, he forced his challenger to the mat and covered his shoulders. The official counted the requisite number and sounded a blast to call the match. Peeta rolled to his feet laughing excitedly and helped his defeated counterpart to rise. Katniss smiled proudly as Seth ruffled his brother's sweat dampened hair before taking his turn. Obviously wrestling was something that the Mellark brothers excelled at because in moments Seth was back with his hands upraised in victory.

The entrants were eliminated one by one. It was no surprise that the last two contestants happened to be Peeta and Seth Mellark. Dodson couldn't contain his smile as he pulled both of them aside speaking quietly. The two listened intently and then moved away but not before Seth cuffed Peeta playfully on the shoulder. They grinned at each other and moved to where the official waited patiently. Seth made a laughing comment and gestured toward the crowd. Katniss knew it was no coincidence that he pointed almost exactly in her direction. Peeta scoffed but it was obvious that his gaze swung in the direction of Seth's pointing finger. Katniss ducked behind Johanna and waited until his blue gaze focused once more on his brother before emerging. Johanna laughed quietly and patted Katniss almost fondly on her arm. Katniss smiled slightly at the tentatively friendly gesture and turned to offer an opinion on the upcoming match when Johanna's nails abruptly bit into the flesh of her arm.

"Shit!" Johanna bit out. "Katniss, get down!" Her hand tightened on the younger girl's arm and she forcibly pushed her down and then covered her with her own body. Katniss bit through her bottom lip as she hit the ground roughly. She felt Johanna's slight weight press her down more firmly between the bleachers. Unable to see what was going on and able to hear only the frantic beating of her own heart and the heated cursing of the girl lying on top of her, Katniss could merely wait and hope. The stuttering sound of gunfire widened her eyes and her hands reflexively covered her ears. "Johanna, can you see Peeta?" she whispered desperately. "Johanna, is he okay?"

"Hush," Johanna muttered calmly. "Stay down and don't move until I tell you to." The crowd hunkered down as chaos opened up around them. Many ran for the closest exit. Others took a leaf from Johanna's book and hugged the floor tightly trying to avoid notice. Loud voices rang throughout the gymnasium. Johanna breathed a sigh of relief as she recognized Darius Boggs' familiar bark in the confusion. She did a quick visual sweep of the surrounding area and flicked an answering wave to Chaff and his partner Seeder as they made their way toward her and her charge. Keeping Katniss covered, Johanna sent the two a questioning glance. Receiving confused shrugs in return, she cursed softly under her breath.

The Capital squads fanned out through the Arena within moments after the first shots were fired. Boggs furiously demanded updates and snapped repeatedly into the communicator strapped to his arm. He immediately assigned Chaff and Seeder as other security for Katniss. Johanna stayed firmly by the girl's side. She frantically demanded to know where Peeta was and if he was okay. Johanna finally yelled at her to shut up and promised to find him as soon as order was restored. The squads had instructions to make sure that both Peeta and Katniss were secure. They were also tasked with searching the gymnasium from top to bottom for other assailants. There was a brief commotion on the floor but Johanna was unable to discern who or what was the cause. She glanced at the girl beside her and felt a wave of compassion sweep through her at the anxious, worried expression Katniss was wearing. "It won't be too much longer. If anything was wrong, we'd know it." Johanna assured her. "Give them a minute to get everything calmed down and then I'll take you to your boy."

"Thank you," the girl whispered gratefully. "I just need to see Peeta. He has to be okay. He has to."

Johanna smiled reassuringly, "I'm sure he's just fine. Don't worry okay. We'll figure this out." Her eyes swept the gym and she swore again under her breath. Noting Katniss watching her carefully, Johanna forced herself to push aside the lingering sense that something had went incredibly wrong. It was quiet. Too quiet. That was never a good sigh. Seeder tapped her arm and gestured for Johanna to join her.

"Boss wants the girl moved into one of the offices. She's in the open out here. He wants her locked down." Seeder informed her coolly. Johanna's breath hissed out in irritation. She glared impotently for a moment before nodding. Seeder motioned them forward. Katniss looked at Johanna questioningly. Surprisingly, Seeder answered the unspoken query. "They just want to be sure that you're safe, little girl. We're moving you to the custodian's office just off the main floor. It will be a lot more secure. I'll find out about the boy as soon as you are where you need to be. I'm sure he's just fine. We need to make sure that you are safe too. Okay, honey?" Johanna couldn't stop the surprise that eddied up at the woman's gentle tone. Seeder was almost always businesslike and stoic. She never showed emotion or frailty. It would have been a pleasant change had hell not just broken loose.

Two figures were surrounded by at least a half-dozen of Boggs' men. One lay unmoving, open eyes staring fixedly at the ceiling. A knife was lodged firmly in his chest and a neat round hole in the center of his forehead left little to the imagination. The other prone figure swayed unsteadily on his knees, glazed eyes staring unseeing at the dead man beside of him. His face drew a gasp from Johanna followed by a choked off expletive. Seeder tilted her head questioningly and Johanna nodded disgustedly, "Fucking Cato. I told Boggs that he should have shot the bastard. He's a sadistic prick that should have had his balls removed the first time he stepped out of line." She glared furiously at the kneeling man, her fingers twitching spastically. "Stupid fucking prick." She muttered again. "Anybody figure out who his friend is yet?"

Chaff answered her carefully, "Some punk called Marvel. He got off a shot before Odair and some kid named Hawthorne took him out. The kid put a knife in him before anybody could blink. Boggs almost pissed his pants. All of us around and some hunter kid from the middle of nowhere gets the kill. Odair wasn't too far behind him thankfully or I think Boggs would have taken his head. "

Katniss broke in eagerly, "Was anybody hurt by the shot?"

Chaff's mouth tightened and he shot Seeder an aggravated look. He met the girl's pleading gaze with a calm, gentle air. "Girl, we need to get you to safety. After that, we'll answer any questions that you have. "

Katniss stopped and crossed her arms over her chest, planting her feet firmly. "I'm not moving another damned step until somebody tells me what the hell happened? Where is Peeta? Is he okay?"

Seeder blew out a frustrated breath. "One of the last two was hit. It creased his skull. The medic is working on him now. The other one is with him along with the rest of the family. I don't know anything more. Now come on and let's get you where you need to be before Boggs blows a gasket."

Katniss' eyes rounded and she hurriedly stepped forward and grasped the woman's arm. "Which one was it? Who was hit? Please tell me. You have to know!" Her pleading eyes swung back and forth between them. Abruptly, a furious light flooded her gray eyes setting them on fire. "Fuck this. I'm going to find Peeta. You can come with me or you can go straight to hell. I don't care." Spinning in her ridiculous shoes, the girl stalked away. Johanna laughed gleefully and trailed after her. Reluctantly, the other two followed.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

When she found him, he was sitting in a chair with his head in his hands looking lost. Finnick stood somberly by the door, face tight as he watched them approaching. He smiled sadly and motioned her forward. "He's not taking it well," he commented quietly. "He's a mess, honey. Go easy on him." Katniss nodded and patted his arm as she softly entered the room. Finnick stepped out to give them privacy, closing the door behind him.

"Peeta," Katniss spoke gently. Red-rimmed blue eyes swung up at the sound of her voice and he silently opened his arms. She walked straight into his offered embrace and let him bury his head in her stomach as she pulled him close. "Talk to me, Peeta. Let me help if I can."

His voice was muffled in the cloth of her dress, "He pushed me out-of-the-way. He saw them coming. He didn't even hesitate. I didn't know what was happening until I saw him get hit." He drew in a shaky breath and his voice faltered. "He fell on top of me. There was blood everywhere. Dodge came out of nowhere and pulled us back. I think Gale was there. Maybe Finnick too." He shook his head and looked up at her. "I don't really know. I helped Dodge get him out. I think that one of those guys got shot. I couldn't really see anything. That guy Boggs busted in and the place went to hell. I couldn't find you." His arms pulled her more tightly against him. "I didn't know if you were okay. Nobody would tell me anything. I thought my brother was dying right in front of me." His arms trembled. She felt him shiver, heard him draw in another shuddering breath.

She rested her head against his sweat-matted hair and rocked him gently. Her hands moved soothingly over his back and shoulders. It seemed like nothing she did had any effect on the tremors that wracked him. She felt the hot warmth of his tears soaking into her dress. At a loss for what to do, she did the only thing she could think of. She began to sing softly as her hands moved continuously over his back and through the tousled curls falling in disarray over his forehead.

"When the rain
Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows
And the stars appear
And there is no - one there
To dry your tears
I could hold you
For a million years
To make you feel my love
I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you
To make you feel my love."

The last few notes faded gently into the air and he raised solemn blue eyes to her apprehensive face. A small smile lifted the corners of his mouth and he commented quietly, "You weren't supposed to sing unless I won."

She rolled her eyes and returned, "I made an exception this one time just for you. Don't expect that to happen very often." She kissed him gently on the forehead, her fingers gently tracing the outlines of his face. "I'm here if you need me. For as long as you need me, Peeta. I won't leave you. I promise."

His fingers wound around her wrist and pulled her down until her mouth found his. "I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too," she answered softly.

They huddled together until the word came that his brother would live. Then they walked out to face the others, hands firmly intertwined. When told that they would be separated to keep them safe, they shared a long look and a small smile before they refused. Whatever the future brought, they would face it together.

End Part 9