...I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in so long. But I've been so busy in school, I'm trying to sort out my credits so I can graduate next year, as a Junior! It's super exciting. But now hopefully I will be able to keep up on my updates again.
Here is the long waited for chapter 14!
Katniss POV
"What? She's only been back a few weeks! She's no where near ready-" I heard Peeta's voice say as soon as the doors started to open.
When the elevator doors were completely opened, I saw Peeta talking to Finnick, it took everything I had not to push the close button and stay hidden in my room. But there was also the part of me that wanted to run to Peeta. I haven't seen Peeta since I saw him standing outside my door, but I know that he hasn't seen me either. It's as if every part of my body is alert whenever he is around me.
It's as if Peeta's eyes lighted up for just a second when his gaze landed on me, but it was quickly replaced by pain. I wanted to take it away, but it wasn't fair to him because I still couldn't be around him without that lingering feeling that at any moment he is going to leap and start pounding his fists in me repeatedly.
And you don't know if he still loves you. No, I couldn't think about that right now. I had to focus on getting better and helping Thirteen.
"Don't tell me what I am or am not ready for." I said, pushing past him quickly so he wouldn't see how hard it had been for me not to go to him.
I felt Gale following beside me, and heard Peeta's and Finnick's conversation carry on in hushed tones. "Katniss! Stop walking so fast, I'm trying to catch up!" Gale called out, and grabbed my arm. I stopped walking and turned to face him. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah," I said, offering a weak smile. "I'm fine. Let's just get this over with." I moved out of the way and motioned for Gale to lead the way. He glanced over me once, then nodded and started walking.
From what I have seen of District Thirteen, it is extremely boring, and everybody, and I mean everybody, has to follow the rules. I seem to have been the only exception. Gale says that they must be buttering me up so I will be more likely to give them what they want.
"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Someone whispered in my ear. I screamed and flailed my arms back, coming into contact with their nose. I turned around and saw Peeta holding a hand in front of his face. "God dammit, Katniss."
As soon as my breathing was under control, I took a step away, putting some distance between us. "Well, then maybe you shouldn't be sneaking up on people who had spent weeks having hallucinations of people sneaking up on her!" I hissed, turning away from him. I know that was harsh, but I didn't want to get caught up with him right now.
I walked up to Gale, who had stopped when he realized that I was no longer behind him. He offered me a sympathetic smile, which I ignored, and continued walking forwards.
"Katniss, hold up. I'm sorry, it's just that I haven't even spoken to you since you got here." He caught up to me, and started walking with me and Gale.
"I know, and there are reasons for that." I said, keeping my eyes forwards, turning left when Gale did. "And I'm kinda busy right now, Peeta."
"What, the reason that you just didn't want to see me? That reason?" He said, his voice close to my ear. My heart was pounding so loud I swear he could hear it. As much as it killed me, I ignored him. I focused on the door at the end of the hallway.
"You can't ignore me forever, Katniss, you're going to have to talk to me eventually." He said right as we came to the door I had been focusing on. We all stopped, and Gale held the door open, waiting for me to enter first.
I took a deep breath. "I know I can't, but that's not going to stop me from trying." I whispered, walking in.
Peeta POV
I didn't hear what Katniss said, but a part of me cringed when I saw Gale glance at me with...sympathy? I followed them in, and it was the usual group of people. Coin, Plutarch, and all of their other minions. "Ah, there you are Katniss." Plutarch said, standing up and pulling him into her. I could see Katniss tense, and I guess he could feel it because he immediately let her go and apologized.
"I don't remember you being invited, Mr. Mellark." Coin said, from her usual position at the top of the table.
"Yeah, well. I'm here. And if you remember correctly I am a part of this too. The whole "Star-crossed lovers" thing ringing any bells?" I immediately regretted saying it when out of the corner of my eye, I saw Katniss flinch, and sit down between Gale and Finnick who must have walked in behind us.
Plutarch cleared his throat, and the room instantly got quiet. "Very well. Let's get started.
I know that was a horrible place to end, but I have to go dress shopping…): Hopefully I can update soon!