First off thank you to everyone that has been patient with my lack of updates and the suckiness that is me. Also everyone that has reviewed, favorited, and followed are awesome.

I can't go without thanking my best friend in the fandom and Beta, Scoutchick104. She's always pushing me to be better, and I really do depend on her input and all around sassyness. And thank you to peetasbunmyoven for pre-reading this chapter, and eternally becoming one of my favorite fan girls.

I can be reached on tumblr under the username: stacylk.

Chapter Nine

A cool breeze brushes the loose strands from her braid causing the hair to bunch around her eyes, Katniss quickly moves the hair behind her ears as she keeps up her pace. The high pitch squeals catch her attention as she rounds the corner making her way to the meadow where she's supposed to meet Gale for their weekly hunting trip. She had been doing most of her hunting and gathering during the week while he was at work in the mines, which honestly gave her time to think. She was now free of school, as it was during their yearly break, which coincided with Gale turning eighteen, the legal age when most Seam children finished school and began a career deep inside the darkness of the mines. Katniss had been dreading the day when Gale would have to work at the place that took their father's lives, but the selfish part of her was relieved to be free of the pointed looks he had been giving her lately. Other than being parted from Gale, the hiatus from school was a welcome interruption from the daily chore of having to pretend to be indifferent to Peeta. Katniss prided herself in her ability to conceal her true feelings, which if she was truthful with herself had deepened after the kiss they had shared on the porch, but even so she still caught glimpses of her smiles reflected back to her in the grimy windows of the school house. These moments only contributed to the ever growing paranoia she struggled with, dreading the thought that every person in the district was well aware of her new relationship. Most would misinterpret her fears for shame, but in reality Katniss was terrified of what would come after the confirmation, because in her experiences reality was a harsh fact and she rather liked having something that was just hers to know.

Another round of giggles catches her attention as the silhouette of Peeta's broad frame comes into view through the laundered sheets hanging from the clothes line. The breeze picks up the corners of the fabric granting her a clear glimpse of his strong arms hanging the hyper dark haired girl by her ankles with one hand as he tickles and braces her back with the other. Posy's smile widens with each light poke as her squeals fill the space behind the Seam home, and Katniss swears that even Peeta seems lighter as he teases the little girl. His smiles have seemed to come easier since they've become closer, but she's realized that in the company of others he holds back, a hesitation she relates to but for someone as warm and kind as Peeta to limit his joy brings her a sense of sadness. She continues to watch his interaction with Posy, as he brings her small frame to his chest and begins to swing her around, her tiny arms holding onto his neck tightly. And now not even Katniss who prides herself in her ability to control her expressions can stop from smiling widely as she looks upon the pair. The strands of his dirty blonde hair shine underneath the sunlight, creating a glow around the crown of his head, as he spins a dark haired little girl around. It's then that Katniss realizes how absolutely beautiful he is, a term she assumed she would never use to describe someone as masculine as Peeta, but there is something so innately pure about him, a genuineness that is rare. She strained to keep her place, pushing the impulsive need to walk over to him, to push the sheets away so that she could have a clear view of him, down into her gut. A familiar sensation began to take hold of her, the same feeling that would overwhelm her senses until all she felt was the firm hold of his calloused hands and the soft touch of his lips. Katniss shook her head, willing herself to find some sort of rational thought, before she found herself lost in him again. She admitted to herself that giving up control and trusting another person enough to open up was difficult, but to trust herself to feel for him was far beyond any fear she had felt before.

The true testament of her feelings towards Peeta had come a few weeks after the kiss they had shared on the Hawthorne porch. They had been sitting in the meadow where she would meet Gale before venturing underneath the fence to hunt. Introducing it to Peeta had first felt like a betrayal to Gale, she was sharing a part of her routine that only belonged to them and here she was allowing his brother to possess that piece of her. She had been ready to leave as soon as they arrived, convinced that she had done something awful, until Peeta sat down patting the expanse of grass beside him. Katniss attempted to hide the smile that began to form at her lips as she sat beside him, her shoulders squared. Peeta simply reached over and tapped the tip of her nose, his own smile showing brightly. She couldn't help but snort at the gesture, which only prompted Peeta to begin tickling her, and before she realized it, they were now rolling on the ground, each one trying to pin the other in a fit of laughter and scattered flowers. Katniss was spry but Peeta had strength on his side, easily pinning her to the ground, their faces inches from each other as both breathed hard, attempting to breathe evenly. There was a split second when everything stilled and the only thing she could feel was the beat of her heart and the undeniable pull he had on her, a warmth passed over her, and only they existed, halting the progression of time. Katniss was positive it only lasted a few moments, lying there with him as he held onto her wrists. Having his body settled in between her thighs, it felt like an eternity with waves of conflicting emotions rushing through, then finally only contentment remained. And unlike most of the kisses they had shared, where Peeta was the one to initiate contact, Katniss leaned forward pressing her lips to his. He was still at first, she assumed he was attempting to overcome the shock of the moment, but it only took seconds for him to react, his tongue pressing against her lips asking for entrance. Peeta released her hands allowing her to place her palms against his broad chest, the heat there warming her skin, as his own hands tangled in her loose braid. It wasn't long until they were a mass of tangled limbs, wrinkled clothing, and heavy breathes, and for the first time Katniss wasn't concerned if someone found them in a compromising position, because in that moment only Peeta remained, kissing him and having him pressed up against her was the only truth she needed.

She sighs at the memory, as her mind comes back into the present and her vision rights in the now. It's then that she realizes that the high pitch squeals of Posy have ceased, and all that fills the space is the heavy silence that Peeta's stare brings. Katniss can feel the familiar tingle work its way up from the end of her spine to land at the back of her neck, hoping that the heat she feels at her cheeks isn't visible to him. The rapid beat of her heart doesn't help her anxiety, as Peeta begins to walk towards her, his gaze still on her. Katniss can sense herself becoming lost in his eyes as he closes the gap between them, and in true fashion she awkwardly lifts her hand in a rushed wave and turns to run without glancing back. A rush of embarrassment comes over her as the meadow comes into view, she assumed that putting distance between herself and Peeta would lessen the anxiety from earlier but the memory of their time together, and her impending meeting with Gale causes her pulse to quicken. She sighs deeply, attempting to clear her mind, afraid that her nervous energy might cause Gale to suspect something. It wasn't a secret that she could feel the distance between them, but she attributed it to the time he had been working in the mines, that fact alone could make either one of them closed off. She had to remind herself that the possibility that he knew about the time she spent with Peeta was slim, and there wasn't any reason to feel anxious around him because after all he was Gale. They had been through so much together through the years and there was nothing that could strain that bond, not hunger, or even grief. And yes, she had yet to define what she felt for Peeta , even if the pull he had on her was stronger than anything she had ever felt, but that didn't mean that she couldn't make a place in her life for Gale.

It isn't until she's to the edge of the field that she sees Gale, when they were younger he would crouch down in the high grass waiting for her to approach, waiting to scare her which always resulted in him receiving a much needed punch to the arm. He would protest loudly, but Katniss knew he always did it to illicit a rise out of her, enjoying her reaction. There was something about the meadow that effected Gale is such a way that he allowed himself to enjoy the moment, giving Katniss glances of his personality that she rarely saw inside of the fence. However, today was different as he paced back and forth, his shoulders hunched as his palms formed fists. She could feel the tension in the air as she walked towards him and with every advance she wished she had turned back, because something had shifted and she dreaded knowing why. It isn't until she's halfway towards him stepping onto a twig causing it to snap, that he stops in his tracks, whirling around to face her. Katniss stills as his gaze connects with hers, the same sensations that rush through her when she's staring down a predator washing over her. She sees the look in his red rimmed eyes, which she can only relate to as something primal and furious.

Gale laughs sharply as he runs his hand through his thick hair. "I wasn't sure you would ever show up."

Katniss shrugs her shoulders attempting to appear oblivious. "What do you mean?"

She could see him approach her out of the corner of her eye, but that doesn't lessen her shock when she turns toward him to find Gale's face inches from hers. "I'm talking about you and your new boyfriend." Katniss adverts her eyes as the anxiety from earlier began to rise up from her gut to settle in her throat. "I'm lucky you even have enough time to spend doing things as trivial as hunting."

She's first taken aback by his insult until annoyance replaces it with an edge of rage. Katniss can feel it all build within her as she looks up into his face, an icy glare forming to match the one he now wears. "You're out of line, Gale."

He scoffed, rolling his eyes dramatically. "I saw you with him on my porch kissing him like it was nothing to be ashamed of."

Katniss set her jaw, willing herself not to bite into her cheek. "I'm not ashamed, of it."

Gale keeps his eyes on her. "Well you don't seem to be wanting to advertise your involvement with him with the rest of the district." He takes a step towards her, invading her space further as he leans down closer to her ear. "So, how many more times have you snuck off to some dark corner with him?"

She can feel the latent fury rise up through her body as she reaches up and pushes Gale back, causing his balance to falter for only a moment. "It's not like that. And even if it was I don't see how it affects you either way."

Gale grits his teeth attempting to get a handle on his rage and frustration. "Do you think I want to watch you with him? Have you even considered what it's like for me to see the way you act around him?"

It's Katniss' turn to roll her eyes before shaking her head. "It isn't any different than having to see you with those girls you take to the slag heap."

She's shocked by how somber his expression becomes as he slowly walks back towards her. "I think it is, Katniss."

Katniss wants to break eye contact, but she resolves in keeping her nerve. "So what if it is? It's not any of your business what I do and with whom I do it."

A rare softness makes its way around the corners of his eyes, as his voice lowers. "He has problems, Katniss."

Katniss sighs. "We all have problems, Gale. Look where we live."

Gale's gaze drops for a second before finding her eyes again. "That's not what I'm talking about. He went through some stuff while in the home, and I know you've seen all the scars on his body."

She could feel her chest tighten. "So what about them?"

Gale reaches out to her arm, placing his hand on her gently. "A person doesn't go through that without something breaking inside of them. I don't want you to be in the way, when he really becomes broken."

Katniss pushes his hand away stepping back from him, her eyes set in a hard glare. "Don't even try to pretend to be noble, Gale Hawthorne. This is simply you throwing a fit like you always do when you feel threatened."

Gale sighs, his frustration clearly visible. "He isn't good enough for you, Katniss."

"And who is Gale? You?" Katniss could feel the rage rushing through her, in a strange way she was already protective of Peeta. "You don't even see how kind he is and the fact that he's held through everything is something special. He's not cynical or angry like we are, he actually wants to believe in the things that we left behind a long time ago; like hope. There aren't very many people like that in this world and I'm not going to write him off because others have failed to realize that."

Gale attempts to reach out for her again, but Katniss slaps his hand away. "I just think you're confused."

She can feel the tears begin to well up, as she wills her voice to stay even. "You don't even hear me anymore. You have a picture in your mind that you've made up of who I am, and guess what, I'm not that girl."

Gale runs his hands through his hair tugging at the ends attempting to calm himself down. "It's because I know you better than anyone."

Katniss shakes her head causing a stray tear to fall down her cheek. "Maybe you used to, but not anymore."

She barely has time to register how quickly he advances on her before he presses his body to hers, his lips on her lips. Katniss felt her mind spin from the sensation, she would have assumed that kissing never differed between partners, but as Gale moved his mouth against hers, she had to disagree. Gale's movements were rushed and desperate, where Peeta's mouth was always firm and patient. And with everything she has, Katniss pushes him away. Once her vision cleared on Gale who stood in front of her face flushed and breathing heavy, Katniss formed a fist striking him against the jaw. She was surprised by the force she was able to send, as she watched him tumble to the ground. Katniss didn't wait for his reaction as she turned on her heel, running out of the meadow as fast as her legs could go.

Katniss shut her eyes , thankful that the bought of tears had finally subsided. After Gale had kissed her she had ran to the edge of the quarry because it felt like the safest place she could go to think. She knew if she had gone home that Peeta would eventually come to see her and she didn't want him to see her upset. He would want to comfort her and eventually she would have allowed him to; revealing why she was troubled. The cobble stones were cool against her skin as she hung her legs over the side, concentrating on the hum of the water, while her eyes continued to well up with tears and the only option she had was to cry freely. She wanted to resent Gale for pushing his feelings on her, she hadn't asked for his affections, yes it's true she had an idea that in time he would want something deeper, but she had also dropped hints that she never expected to marry or become a mother, she had hoped he had gotten her meaning. Katniss couldn't understand why he needed to change their relationship, she was more than comfortable with the arrangement they had always had, he was her best friend, her one confidant for so long- as she could already feel it all slip away. Gale wasn't a stranger to the opposite sex, he had acquired his fair share of admirers, and Katniss had been tolerant of the ever changing faces of girls who had clung to his side. She couldn't understand how her situation with Peeta was any different, but perhaps Gale had something to be upset about because there hadn't been anyone before Peeta, and the sensations he seemed to illicit from her body as well as her heart were something new.

Katniss glances to the side catching a glimpse of her reflection in the windows of the Seam as she makes her way back to her home. She can clearly see the irritated skin underneath her eyes mocking her, and she hopes she can convince others that the cause is something obtained from the forest. Katniss wasn't entirely comfortable with showing her feelings and to have others see her distress so openly made her want to cower. She had hid out at the quarry for as long as she could handle, hoping that length of time had been long enough for Gale to vacate the meadow. She had breathed a sigh of relief when she didn't spot him as she made her way under the fence. She was still far too emotional to see Gale at the moment, and she feared what she may say to him in her current state.

As she comes over the hill she can see a full plum of smoke coming out of the chimney of her quaint Seam home, and she can't fight the anxiety that comes over her. It's probable that Prim is home, deciding not to join their mother on her daily home visits, and it's safe to assume that she'd be able to see through Katniss' calm façade. As she makes her way across the span of thick grass that makes up their yard, Katniss prepares herself for the likelihood of her sisters questions. She's so lost in her own thoughts that she doesn't hear the laughter coming from inside until she's to the last step and standing in front of the door. The high pitch squeals almost seem out of place as they filter out of the open windows to reach her still form. It isn't until she hears Prim's voice, that she pushes the door open, making her way into the main living area. She's almost caught off guard when she spots Prim and Posy seated at the dining table surrounded by small glass containers that hold a mixture of colors, and off to the side, his fingers moving against Posy's cheek is Peeta. She giggles as he dips his finger into one of the jars, and Prim leans onto the table to get a better view. Katniss can see that her braid is tucked into the collar of her shirt, as a wide smile graces her delicate features. She tries to recall a time when she's seen Prim seen so carefree as she laughs and pokes the little girl in the side. Posy jumps at the contact and Peeta begins to laugh as he tries to steady his hand as she squirms.

Peeta looks over to Prim, still unaware of Katniss' presence, clicking his tongue in mock disapproval. "Prim you know if you keep teasing Prim her flower will come out looking like a blur of paint."

Posy scrunches up her nose. "That sounds ugly."

He shakes his head as he puts the finishing touches of pain on her cheek. "Actually Posy, sunsets are like a blur of colors. Each one blends into the other, making something that was already beautiful into something breathtaking and exceptional." Peeta pokes her in the side with his clean hand. "Just like you, Posy."

Katniss has to hold back a sigh as Posy turns into Peeta, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. He seems shocked at first with his arms stretched out behind the little girl, until he joins her in the embrace. "I love you, Peeta. You're a good brother."

Katniss had been so immersed in watching Peeta with the little girl that she didn't notice when Prim had looked her way. "Why are you smiling so wide?"

She whipped her head in the direction of her sister's voice, her eyes wide. "Am I?" Prim nodded and Katniss could see a glint of something in her eyes, a look she couldn't quite identify.

Posy pulls away from Peeta, her tiny frame bouncing up and down in her seat. Peeta reaches over to push her dark curls behind her ear, clearing the strands free of the paint. He looks over to Katniss, his own smile wide as Prim stands up from her seat to make her way to Katniss. She holds her cheek up towards Katniss. "Look Katniss." She tears her eyes from Peeta's piercing gaze to look at her sister's fair skin where a bright yellow flower graces her cheek bone. "It's a primrose. Peeta painted it."

Posy leans on the table turning her cheek to Katniss. "And I have a posy, just like me!"

Katniss stepped closer to the edge of the table taking in the art that Peeta had created. "It's very lovely." She reached out to lightly poke the little girl on the nose, before turning to Peeta. "How did you get suckered into munchkin, watching?"

She could hear Prim scoff at her side as Posy jumped down from her chair to run into Katniss' side, hugging her tightly. Peeta merely shrugged as he began to wipe his stained hands onto a brightly colored smeared rag. "I volunteered. I figured Hazelle could finish her work quicker without that little doodle bug running around her legs."

Posy gives off a high pitched squeal. "Peeta calls me doodle bug, now."

Katniss patted her on the top of her head as she turned towards her sister. "And how did you end up here. I'd figured you'd be tagging along with mother."

Prim shrugged. "I was going to but I figured Peeta could use some help with Posy, especially after she started to pull all of his paints out." Prim leans in closer, her voice dropping a decimal. "Besides if you haven't noticed Peeta can't say no to her, if it wasn't for me the entire place would be covered in paint."

Peeta stands up from his seat. "Hey! There was one incident with her trying to paint the walls."

Prim raises a brow. "And who told her that true artists use everything as a canvas?"

Peeta feigned a glare in her direction. "You are such a tattle, Prim."

Katniss had to hold back her laughter, when her demure, wise sister, stuck at her tongue. It was interesting to her that perhaps she wasn't the only one that felt the difference that Peeta's presence brought.

She cleared her throat. "Prim why don't you take Posy to our room to play so we can clear all of this up before mother gets home?"

Prim nods in agreement as she catches Posy by the arm. "Come one Posy you can tell me about all the different flowers you like." The little girl begins to bounce up and down, her arms flailing in the air in excitement.

Katniss chances a look in Peeta's direction as she hears Posy prattle on about all the different flowers as Prim pulls her over to the far corner, and up the stairs. He keeps eye contact with her and she can suddenly feel the air around her become heavy and she's thankful for the table that now separates them. When Peeta reaches out in front of her to reach for a jar, she has to hold back her disappointment, hoping at least for a few seconds that he was aching to touch her. She mentally scolds herself for being so foolish and allowing this boy to cloud her mind. He makes quick work of collecting all the jars and wiping down the table, his attention on the task at hand. Katniss rounds the corner to help him place the paints into a canvas bag that he had pulled from underneath the table. Being in such close proximity to him has caused the soft tingle at the small of her back to wrap around her sides and settle at her stomach. She can feel the welcoming heat radiating from his skin and she wants nothing but to press her body up against his and feel his arms hold her close. The mental image causes her to become dizzy with lust, causing her footing to falter slightly, and before she can reach out onto the table for help, Peeta's strong hands grip onto each one of her forearms holding her up. There's a few seconds where every muscle in her body tenses and she washed in a warmth that threatens to take her over completely. Peeta doesn't break his stare and Katniss doesn't miss the few darker shades of blue his eyes have taken on.

She swallows loudly, breaking free from his hands while taking a few steps to the side. "So where did you get all the paints?"

Katniss can see him falter for a second from her actions as he hesitates before answering. "My father…uh Luka Mellark actually taught me to make them. Most of these are the ones that he concocted from different kinds of dyes made from flowers and fruits. I made a few through the years, but they don't come close to how well his came out."

Katniss pushes a few strands of hair behind her ear as she looks into the bag inspecting the jars. "They sound priceless. Which makes me even more curious as to why you would waste them painting flowers on Posy and Prim's faces. I would think you would want to save them for a special occasion."

Peeta nods his head sharply. "I did."

She chances a glance in his direction, her brow raised. "Peeta, seriously though, isn't using them for finger and face painting, wasteful?"

He turns towards her before closing the space between them. "No. Because there's something about when certain colors mix, there's a moment where everything stills , leaving only those few seconds where everything is miraculous and new." Peeta now has his body pressed against hers, giving Katniss no other option but to look up into his eyes. "I was able to show that little girl a few moments of joy, a free feeling that everyone should have. So to me that is a special occasion."

She could feel her legs giving out underneath her as she took in the deep, musky, sweet smell that only Peeta could produce. Everything about him caught her off guard, made her want to hope for things that she knew were unrealistic. And even if in the near future she would find herself regretting her decisions she couldn't help wanting him closer at this moment. So as the words left her lips, she could feel herself becoming someone who wanted nothing more than to be held by a boy. This boy. "I know that you sometimes sleep outside, below my window."

Peeta pulled away from her slightly as he closed his eyes before opening them again. "Katniss…um I." Katniss reached up touching his cheek to encourage him to continue. "I couldn't sleep my first night in the district so I thought I would take a walk and somehow I made it to your house. That's when I heard you scream and I knew it was different, because I've heard that same sound come from my own lips."

She could feel her chest tighten at the thought of him being in such pain. "Peeta-"

He reached up placing his hand over hers where it laid on his cheek. "I know it sounds silly and really just stupid but I didn't want you to be alone. I thought that you for once should be protected too. I wanted to be there for you, even if you didn't know I was there."

Katniss opened and shut her mouth a few times before speaking. To say she was shocked by his confession was an understatement, and it only proved to her how much different he was from anyone else she had ever known. He was selfless for the purpose of being so, and it only made her weant to pull him in closer. "I've never had anyone say anything like that to me before."

A small smile graced his lips. "Not ever?" Peeta lowered his face until his lips were mere inches from hers and his question came out as a whisper. "Not even Gale?"

Katniss could feel her insides seize. "No."

Peeta brushed his lips against hers, leaving a path of warmth behind. "How did you know that I was there?"

She fought the urge to lean into him, even though she yearned for the sensation of his lips and the pressure of his tongue against hers. "I sometimes climb onto my roof to think."

Peeta gave off a small laugh, the gust of air causing her lips to quiver and her thighs to press into each other. "I do that too, it's sometimes the only way I feel like I can breathe."

Katniss swallowed audibly as he stared into her eyes and she began to lose herself into the blue abyss of his eyes. "I know what you mean." Her mind began to race as she second guessed herself more than once before speaking. "You know you can always just come inside."

She could have sworn she saw his eyes darken for a second. "Katniss-"

She shrugged as she tried to seem indifferent but in reality her mind was racing. "You said you wanted me to be protected, and maybe you could help with the nightmares."

Peeta begins to tangle his fingers in the strands of hair that had fallen from behind her ears. "Don't you share a room with Prim?"

Katniss nods as the action brings her lips to brush against his causing them both to shiver. "Technically yes but she's always out late with my mother and they usually end up sharing the couch." She could feel her resolve falter as he watched her closely. She wanted to scold herself for being so forward, but having him near her had caused her to be reckless. "It was ridiculous. I'm sorry I even mentioned it."

She could feel her body give way as Peeta wraps his arms around her waist. His lips crash against hers and all she could sense was him. He was all around her, his scent and touches washing over her until all she could concentrate on was the way his mouth moved against hers and how the tingle between her thighs had now become a roaring fire. Peeta's the first to pull away as they both fight to breath evenly. "I will do anything that means I can be closer to you."

A/N: Thank you for reading! There's only a couple of chapters left of this story, and I hope to have it all completed soon.

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