Suzanne Collins owns 'The hunger games' trilogy.

Chapter 3. Why not?

Katniss

Grin and bear it. Haymitch's words kept swirling round my head, which wasn't doing me any favours. In a desperate attempt to distract myself, I decided this was probably a good time to face Peeta. I hovered hesitantly outside his door. Grin and bear it Katniss.

Grin and bear it.

I tapped softly on his door.

"Peeta? It's me. Can I come in?" My voice sounded strained and out of place. It was silent for a long time. I was just turning around when I heard him respond hoarsely.

"Come in." I nudged the door open, and slid into his room. It was dimly lit inside; it took my eyes a few moments to focus. Then I saw them. His paintings.

When Peeta and I were trying to find our talents, it turned out Peeta actually did have a talent. He'd brought out his artistic style, and his works really were stunning.

Scattered around his room were vivid depictions of the arena. Rue in the trees, foxface in the Cornucopia, Cato in the bushes, Shimmer darting through the woods. But what chilled me the most was that the majority of his paintings contained me. Pointing my bow and arrow, looking down at him, hunting, lighting the fires.

"Peeta, why have you painted all of these? Don't they, I mean, don't you feel as if you're reliving… it, when you paint them?" I whispered, totally shaken. He emerged from the shadows, frowning. He shrugged stiffly.

"It helps." He responded bemusedly. I suddenly remembered the reason I'd come.

"Peeta, I don't know what to say to you. I don't know if I feel the same way for you or not!" I gushed. Why oh why do I always have to leap into the things like that? Peeta's features became stony.

"You either do or you don't Katniss. I wish that you will just make up your mind, and put me out of my misery!" He replied, his tone completely emotionless.

"But either way we have to be together."

"What do you mean?" He murmured. My throat swelled.

"I mean, that we're in it for life now. If we make any flaw in our pretence, both of our families are screwed. President Snow told me that there have been signs of uprisings in district 8." Peeta's eyes widened.

"When did he see you, why didn't you tell me? You and Haymitch have been keeping things from me again haven't you?" He demanded his voice harsh. My eyes swam.

"It's not like that Peeta."

"Well what is it then? Because the way I see it, it's plain as plain." He yelled.

"President Snow only told me last week! And I didn't tell you because I couldn't face you, after the way I hurt you. But don't you see Peeta? We're going to have to get married. And have…" I swallowed. "…Children." He stared at me, tears streaking down his pale cheeks.

"Fuck it. Fuck them. And Fuck you Katniss Everdeen."

Haymitch

The train drew up at the station of district 11. Katniss emerged, her eyes red. My heart throbbed. Peeta emerged shortly after. And to be perfectly honest, I have seen a rock with more expression than him. Something big had happened, I was desperate to know, but I didn't probe for information. It was probably best to try and help them get over it as soon as possible, because they were about to face the people of district 11.

"You guys feel you're ready?" Katniss stared at me absently. Peeta scowled.

"No."

"Loving the spirit." I sighed. I took a deep swig of whisky, before meeting Peeta's glare.

"What?" I grunted.

"Can't you stay sober for at least one hour?" I scratched my head thoughtfully.

"Nope." I confirmed, taking another gulp. We were bundled off the train by Effie and were met by the press. Sometimes, it took all I had to not strangle the lot of them. They do my head in, they really do. After several brief interviews, we were ushered inside a cab. You don't even have to walk, you just get shoved everywhere. I was pretty used to it. Suddenly I noticed the awkward way we were seated in the cab. Effie sat opposite us, whittering down the phone in her usual manor. Peeta was sat on the left of Katniss, frowning out the window. I was squashed on Katniss' right. I could feel her body heat, pressed closely into mine. My heart began to race.

"I don't know if I can do this Haymitch." She suddenly whispered. Her breath smelt of fresh jasmine. I haven't smelt jasmine in a very long time.

"Well sweetheart, there's nothing I can do about it." She sighed.

"You're right, I'll manage somehow." She muttered uncertainly.

"Of course you will." I replied winking. Just talking to her made my heart ache. I took another swig of whisky, feeling the heat slide down my throat. My eyes closed, trying to forget the fact the person I was falling for, only knew me as a drunkard. I was unaware of the fact I was gripping her hand with all I had.

But Peeta was.

"Why are you holding hands?" He asked dubiously. My eyes snapped open with realisation. Effie's stopped nattering, and her eyes fell upon our entwined hands with surprise. Before I could pull my hand away and think of some pathetic excuse, Katniss' turned and looked Peeta straight in the eye.

"Why not?"

a/n I know, I know, I really need to start lengthening the chapters, but I promised the next one will be nice and long ;) Sorry for being slow again, I'm just a slow person ;3 Anyways I hope you enjoyed and please review! xD

~Verity~