Side Note; Like I mentioned before, I'm not sure where I'm going with this really but I keep getting more and more ideas what I want to add to this story. :) I'll be writing in both Katniss' and Peeta's points of views throughout the story. Read and review please! Thanks!

Thanks to those who reviewed the first chapter! I'm sorry if it was confusing, I was nervous when I was writing it! But I'm getting a little more confident now in writing fanfics. So hopefully this is better. :D Read and review please! They help a lot!

Hardest of Hearts

"the kindest of kisses breaks the hardest of hearts"

Katniss Everdeen

I wasn't sure what to do. Not too long ago another wave of pain and despair had hit me out of nowhere. And I was alone, to try to get out of the unbearable pain. Peeta wasn't home, he was out in town working, helping the local citizens that had returned after the rebellion.

I lay on the floor, motionless. Trying to relax my stiff muscles, tears still streaming down my face as I shut my eyes tightly, memories flooding my mind, another wave of pain hit me, and I was unable to stop this one. I was completely useless. I screamed in agony, my hands clenching and I tried to make sense of things.

My vision was blurry and distorted. And I recognized where my memories were taking me again. It was from the 74th Hunger Games. I was stung by the tracker jackers and it felt like I was just stung, but that was impossible. My memories were far more clear then I had hoped.

Everything was blurry, and everything looked strange. It was frightening. I screamed, more tears streaming down my face and I shut my eyes, but it was much worse then I anticipated. Even in the dark, it was scary. Lightening struck a tree that I was standing near, and then everything was on fire, everything was illuminated for me to see.

The tributes for the 74th Hunger Games were there, but they weren't in their human bodies. No. They were in their muttation forms, their eyes glistening, shining in the suddenly bright fire, showing who they were. I noticed Glimmer, and only Glimmer out of all of them and I didn't know why.

They snarled in unison, their lips curling back in disgust and hatred, their positions changing slightly. And they took a defensive pose and I blinked. Suddenly, they were hiding behind various different things. Orange bubbles began to appear out of thin air and floated around, simply unaffected by the intense heat and I screamed again. The earth began to move beneath my feet and I was distracted by the waves forming beneath me and I tried to hold onto something so I wouldn't fall. Another lightening strike hit very close and I jolted, eyes widening and I looked towards where it hit.

Peeta was tied to the tree, and he must have been screaming but I didn't hear him. He was struck by that lightening. His body was burnt to a crisp, his body glowing from the heat that was growing, getting stronger. . . And the fire began to eat him alive, spreading so quickly and I flung myself at him hopelessly. My hands hitting his body before I could remember that he was on fire. And I screamed again. The image was shiny, and I looked back at the muttations helplessly and they had opened their mouths, their snarls getting even more menacing.

When they opened their jaws, butterflies fluttered out of their open mouths. The fire was still raging, the orange bubbles were still floating around and when they hit an object, they would splatter open and jabberjays would appear from the disappearing bubbles. And the jabberjays would immediately begin to sing, opening their mouths to reveal their tortuous tune.

The tune was Prim's screams. And I broke down at the sounds, it was very fresh wounds, I had buried down those feelings, and left them, unopened and I ignored the pain that I hadn't dealt with for quiet some time. The tears never stopped and I couldn't open my eyes.

The muttations begged for my attention and they thrust themselves towards me, the fire had ceased and everything went black. The jabberjays tunes still continued and the muttations had won. They had taken my life.

I woke several hours later, gasping and I began to sob again. I was a mess and I tried to gather myself before Peeta would get back to his house then he would come over to mine to make sure I have ate. I haven't eaten anything at all today. I wiped my eyes furiously, but they didn't stop coming.

I sat up, stiff and I looked around myself. My panic attack was over, and I dreamt absolutely nothing. Maybe I just passed out, I hoped so. I stood and I stretched quickly, rubbing my hands together anxiously and I made my way upstairs to take a shower.

I looked behind myself quickly, seeing that no one was following, that Peeta wasn't here yet. His absence was rather disturbing. I was used to it, waking in his arms, and he would kiss me goodbye. He was working a lot in town lately. But throughout the day, I was alone and I didn't do anything. Haymitch was still drunk and passed out so he wasn't much company.

I wrapped my arms around myself and I went to my room, grabbing new clothes and I walked to the shower. I bit my bottom lip and I waited for the hot water to gush. As I waited, I began to untie my hair and began to loosen the braid. That had to the best the worst attack lately. I thought to myself, taking off my clothes gingerly, hoping that my attack earlier was just a hallucination. I was correct. I examined my naked body in the mirror quickly and I saw that there was nothing.

I walked into the shower, my muscles relaxing in the hot water and I exhaled in relief. I shut my eyes, standing underneath the water. And I tried my best to ignore my thoughts, but it was like they were screaming in my mind. . . Slamming against the insides of my head, making it entirely impossible to think clearly. Was that it? No. I had a migraine. I instinctively reached for my head and began to rub against my temples roughly, wincing as the mutt's appeared again.

I yearned to feel Peeta's arms around me, whispering in my ear. . . calming me down. But he wasn't. I shuddered and I licked my lips. What time is he going to come back? I thought, frowning and I washed my hair quickly, scrubbing my skin, after inspection, and saw nothing. I was relieved.

I perched myself in the rocking chair in the living room, wrapping my arms around my knee's and I stared at the empty fire pit. Biting my bottom lip as I let my mind wander.

First off, Peeta would notice I've been crying. My heart fluttered at the thought of Peeta. How strange that would happen. . . after so long, after all the things we've been through, at last, his presence, his name, his touch. . . have effect on me. My cheeks began to burn at that thought, and I buried my face into my hands.

It was ridiculous, I was acting like a school girl. . . thinking about Peeta in such a way was shameful. I peered through my hands, into the empty fire pit again and I dropped my hands. My fingers reflexively finding my hair and I began to braid it absentmindedly. The house felt completely empty without him, it wasn't the same. Nor was the bed. When he was gone, I refused to go to sleep in it unless if he was home. But what I craved right now, wasn't sleep.

But something entirely different. His touch. I pursed my lips together, my cheeks growing hotter as I imagined his large, capable hands, caressing my skin. . . his warm, full lips pressing against mine, my hands rubbing his back, his hands eventually would begin to stroke my body. And I would openly welcome the touch, wanting more of him, and I wouldn't be satisfied until I had my way. Peeta would simply comply to my demands, and would be very eager about it. I smiled at that thought.

I heard a light thud, and I turned to see Buttercup. I frowned at the sight of him, nearly forgetting that he still lived here. "Buttercup," I whispered, getting up slowly and he began to walk around, his tail swishing as he stared at me with those yellow eyes. And I was irritated he pulled me from my reverie.

"Are you hungry?" I guessed, standing still, fiddling with my hands as I stared at him. His ears perked, and he meowed again. I looked at the kitchen, remembering that I had to eat as well. I walked into the kitchen, Buttercup following willingly since I mentioned food. I looked into the fridge, nothing was the least bit interesting to me. I looked down at Buttercup again, wondering what to feed him this time.

I sighed and took out bacon for him, and made myself a sandwich while I waited for his food to finish. "You're spoiled, you know." I said to him, chiding him when I turned the bacon. He meowed in response, his tail flickering in response again. "I should stop feeding you bacon." I continued, looking at the pan and back at him, contemplating.

His ears pressed back, and he mewed softly. He understood what I was talking about. I stared at him, and I smiled softly. "But I won't, not this time." I reassured him, taking the bacon off the pan and placed it on the bowl before him. "I've come to love you." I whispered, bending down and I began to pet him carefully. I was pushing my limits already, Buttercup was still wary of me touching him.

"I thought you loved me most." I heard and I stood up immediately, relieved to hear the familiar voice.

"Peeta," I breathed, smiling at him. He stood, in the doorway, his apron thrown carelessly on his broad shoulders, his face slightly messy from baking all morning. "You're back." I stated. I thought I would have been home alone until the evening. I watched him smile, laughing quietly and I walked to him, closing the distance between us.

"Well," he began, "I knew I had someone to return home to." he said matter of factly.

My heart skipped a beat at that and I paused, observing how dirty he really was. Nothing more then dirt and flour. I hugged him immediately. "I missed you." I whispered.

"I missed you, too." he murmured.

I waited impatiently downstairs, while he took a shower, and I was trying to distract myself by playing crazy cat with Buttercup, but I lost interest after a few minutes. But I liked watching Buttercup frantically trying to grab the light. I shut off the flash light, tossing it aside and I stared out the windows. Lost in thought. And I was startled to feel a sudden warmth against me, it was Peeta.

I watched Buttercup leave the room, his nose in the air and he left us alone. I turned to Peeta, and I smiled again, pressing my lips eagerly against his. He kissed me back with as much desire. And I wrapped my arms around him impatiently. "Peeta," I breathed, already breathless.

I pressed myself against him, shuddering, against the warmth, and then relaxing. I kissed him again and again, unable to satiate the same hunger I felt on the beach. . . in the cave. It felt like it was an entirely different life, but it was not.

"Hmm?" he replied, wrapping his arms around me, bringing me closer.

I wondered how to approach it this time, we weren't on a date, so that I could ask for more. Would he mind? I was torn, I yearned for his touch, his warmth, his kisses. I paused, hesitating before kissing him again, parting my lips and I breathed in mint. I smiled at that.

He noticed my lips parting, and he took it as an invitation to make things a little more. . . intense. And I was gasping for air within seconds, unwilling to part from his delicious lips. He pressed forward, not letting me escape completely. I kissed him on the corners of his lips.

And I was laying down, I didn't notice how he easily moved me, positioned me under his body. I moaned quietly when he lay on top of me, his breathing rough. Leave it to Peeta to make it easy to ask. My arms wrapped around his neck, caressing his skin and I preoccupied his mouth again, eager.

It wasn't long before his hands began to tug at my clothing. And I inhaled sharply at that, my breathing uneven and I hitched a leg impatiently, wrapping it around him and I groaned again. He groaned in unison, grinding against me subconsciously. "Peeta," I breathed, my voice broke, and I was thirsty. But that was far from my mind.

I heard him pause before he pushed up my shirt up to my neck, his lips trailing up my stomach, up to my bra and he began to fiddle with it. "Yes?" he answered, clearly distracted. He began to kiss around my bra, squeezing my breasts roughly, gasping then groaning, grinding against me again. Causing me to moan in response.

"Please," I began, struggling to focus and my hands grabbed at his shirt, taking it off of his body entirely before he looked up at me, amused and well. . . he looked really sexy. "More." I begged, my tone getting higher, almost melodic. And I watched his expression, and he understood immediately. He was eager to comply. As I suspected.

He nodded his head, grinning as he stood, beckoning for me to follow. So I did, confused and I understood why when his arms encircled me, his fingers unhooked my bra quickly and took off my shirt before I could blink. I smiled, in disbelief how fast he worked. I lay back down, welcoming for him to join. Before he did, he took off my pants.

I shuddered at his touch again, his body nice and hot compared to my cool body. And I was eager to feel his heat, and then I would be consumed with heat and desire. I began to kiss him, deeply, and this time, I explored his mouth. His hands were busy with my breasts, tweaking with my nipples. And I shuddered against his touch, moaning into his mouth.

I felt something, at least finally noticed, something growing harder and harder against my thigh. I smiled, and his lips left mine, trailing down my neck, and he began to suck gently, his hands still busying themselves with my breasts. And I writhed against his body, "Peeta." I gasped. "Don't tease me." I breathed, my hands clutching at his shoulders, squeezing and he laughed in response.

His mouth, continued down and he began to suck my breasts; the right then the left. His hands playing with the free one, and I moaned, in agony and pleasure. He enjoyed this; enjoyed teasing me, making me wait while he had his fun. I groaned, and he grinded against my body, and I gasped, my eyes widening, my back arching.

I listened to him groan, and he was impatient as well. He looked up at me, bringing his lips back to mine, passionately kissing me. And then he stood again, licking his lips, and he lifted my hips, groaning at the touch, and he carefully took off my panties. Then he dropped his pants and boxers.

I stared at his face, impatient and cold without his heat. I smiled when he lowered himself, careful, his eyes burning his desire, his jaw taut, staring at me.

"Are you sure?" I heard him say.

I wasn't sure if I could handle wording what I wanted, and I nodded, mutely. And I kissed him tenderly, my hands wrapping around his face, cradling it as he lowered himself a bit more, inch by inch. And I groaned into his mouth when I felt him.

"Please," I managed, breathless and he smiled at me, kissing me again, and I wrapped my hips around him instantly, moaning at the touch, it was hot, it was so, so hot. The perfect heat that I craved. . . I watched him, his eyes widening, and he let out a groan, his hands sliding to my hips.

Peeta positioned himself carefully, his eyes never leaving mine, his lips pursed, and he entered me suddenly, and we groaned in unison. My eyes widened at the sudden entrance, at how big he was, and how. . . I was correct about wanting this warmth. I moaned, my back arching, and it began to ache.

He waited, for a few minutes, his eyes never leaving mine. I gasped, my hands clutching at his neck. My eyes began to water at the pain, but I knew I would never regret asking him. I turned my head, shutting my eyes, pulling him closer. And it caused more pain. But it was pleasurable.

"Katniss?" he whispered.

I opened my eyes, finding his face closer then expected. My heart raced, my cheeks a bright shade of crimson, my hair matted to my face, my forehead covered in perspiration. And he looked the same. I gasped, unable to control my breathing. "I'm fine," I whispered, lying, and I gasped again.

"Please," I began, pulling his face forward, kissing his lips eagerly. "Don't stop." I pleaded.

Peeta complied, and he slowly began to move his hips, careful not to thrust too hard. He groaned, when he began to move, licking his lips and he lowered his head, pressing his cheek against mine. He moved his hands, so he was leaning on his forearms, his hands clutching at my bare skin.

I moaned loudly, a few tears trickling down my face when he began to move. My body began to move in unison with his, and we found our rhythm. And I began to cry out his name, begging for more. The pain was starting to go away, and the only notable pain left was the burning desire I had for him.

I heard him cry my name, groaning, and sweat began to drip onto my body. "Katniss," he breathed roughly, groaning constantly, and he began to kiss me passionately again.

"Peeta," I whispered, clutching at him, pulling him closer impossibly. Trying to get him closer, I lifted my legs higher on his waist, gasping sharply at the new pain, then it was gone. And I wanted more of it. I pulled at him more, my fingers knotted in his blonde locks.

He groaned, thrusting at a steady pace, and he began to get greedy. He increased his speed, breathing loudly, calling my name even more loudly.

I was close, I was close to losing something, but I wasn't afraid. I felt Peeta kiss and bite at the open skin on my neck, and it left a burning feeling. And he continued to leave a trail along my neck, then my chest and he began to kiss me again.

I didn't know what to expect but suddenly he stopped, gasping, his eyes wide and he flipped me easily, somehow, and I was on my knee's and I was crying his name, pleading for him to continue, and not to stop. "Peeta," I breathed, moaning when he continued. I clutched at the couch, my breathing getting faster.

His hands were on my hips, and he was getting faster and faster, gasping, his sweat dropping on my back. . . and that turned me on. And all I could hear was our broken breathing, our moans, and my skin hitting his.

It was getting closer and closer, I could feel it. I yearned to pull him closer, but he was hitting the right spot. . . only a few more. . . I cried his name impatiently, and suddenly it happened. I was overwhelmed with the pleasure, and I felt his warmth increase, getting hotter and it filled me inside and out. He moaned my name, gasping and his hands left my hips unwillingly.

"Peeta," I breathed, clutching at the couch, nearly blacking out from the pleasure. And I slowly, hesitantly rolled to my side, watching Peeta lay beside me eagerly, and he was smiling. I smiled back, my hands finding his and I kissed him.

He sat up, grabbing something from the end of the couch and I felt a blanket on top of me. "You love me. . ." he began, his breath still rough. "Real or not real." he asked, kissing me.

I gasped for air, when he let me breath, my cheeks hot, my hair was a mess, and I pressed my forehead against his. "Real." there was no doubt about that, it was real, it was beyond everything I could imagine. And it was something that I simply couldn't exist without. A life without Peeta. . . I simply could not imagine.