Flower Born of Flames

Chapter Six

Trouble.

Peeta didn't know another way of describing the situation.

Not only that, but there were a number of reasons why he was in trouble. The first, and the most obvious, of those reasons was that he was on a train headed towards the Capitol so he could participate in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. So basically, Peeta was going to spend the next few days being groomed and trained just so he could face his emanate death. Usually this would have been the biggest source of his concerns, but he wasn't so fortunate.

Secondly, another one of the things that caused agitation was the fact that his fellow District 12 tribute was none other than the girl who he had loved since they were children.

Katniss Everdeen.

It wasn't her fault that he loved her, but she had been the one that volunteered to be a tribute. Then again, Peeta hadn't been surprised when Katniss had offered to take her sister's place. It was just the kind of thing she would do. Just another reason he felt so strongly about her.

Although Katniss's entry into the Games did make it a little bit more difficult for him, seeing as she had a chance of dying too, Peeta wasn't that concerned about her surviving. Katniss was tough, and like his mother told him, a survivor. Despite all the things that held her back, Katniss had good chances of winning. So that wasn't the reason that Peeta minded having Katniss on the train with him.

It was more because Peeta hadn't exactly mastered hiding his feelings while she was around.

That was what led him to the third item on his steadily increasing list of frustrations. Peeta had to admit, that his first impressions of their mentor were off. There had been absolutely no warning signs from Haymitch that would tell Peeta how observant the drunk could be. Despite Peeta's best efforts, Haymitch had been able to spot how much Katniss affected him. Although Peeta was certain that he had hid his reactions as best as possible, Haymitch still saw them.

But Peeta just couldn't help it.

Katniss had come into the dining room that evening looking so beautiful, and as tacky as it sounded, Peeta felt his throat go dry. It was really amazing how a change of clothes could change someone so dramatically. The only thing that Peeta ever saw Katniss wearing was either her unattractive school uniform, the baggy clothes she wore for hunting, or the occasional nicer dress for Reaping Day. And it wasn't like he could look forward to that day, even if it meant seeing Katniss in a dress.

Peeta had only caught a glimpse of Katniss earlier that very day, before her sister Prim's name had been called. He had to admit that it was one of the nicest things he had seen her in. The color made her eyes brighter, stand out more.

But the dress Katniss wore to dinner was completely different from the one she wore that morning. If the gray-blue color made her eyes bright, the crisp mint green made them just glow. And that was just the beginning.

Without sleeves and only a thin strap around her neck holding the garment up, Katniss's gracefully formed neck and shoulders were visible for the world to see. He could also see her beautifully olive-toned skin, not flawless but covered with a lovely, lived in protective layer. Her bared arms showed off all the muscles that had grown from using her bow for so long.

Katniss's equally nicely formed legs were bared and peaked out from beneath the cloth, almost tantalizingly. Because the fabric wasn't very thick, he could see the form of her thighs as she walked. Then there was the way the fabric wrapped tightly around her thin waist, accentuating the way her hips curved out. And the male side of him couldn't look over how her cleavage seemed to have increased and deepened in the matter of hours. Admittedly, yes, he monitored that too.

Curse his hormones.

It was for that reason he avoided eye contact with Katniss throughout the entirety of dinner. What else was he supposed to do? He was getting excited just looking at her … eating. Of course she was eating that cake like it was the most delicious thing she had ever consumed.

Then again, maybe it was.

And to add insult to injury, Katniss was eating cake – of all things. Peeta was regularly surrounded by the sweet pastry. Why hadn't he thought of that before? But the only thing his brain could process while Katniss had been sucking the last of the chocolate from her fork was … how badly he wanted to be that fork.

That damned lucky eating utensil …

Further more, the infamous dress that Katniss was wearing only proved further frustration later in the evening. While in the midst of stripping their mentor down for his bath, Katniss accidentally dropped his wallet. Peeta had to admit that he cracked a grin when he saw her fall. It wasn't because he liked seeing her fail or in pain, but she looked cuter when she was caught off guard. Her surprised expression made her face flush with redness.

So as soon as Katniss turned to pick up the coins, Peeta didn't hesitate to help her. It wasn't like Haymitch was rushing them. At that point Peeta doubted if their mentor would know about any of the help they were giving him. But then Peeta found himself pausing to stare at Katniss. She was looking away, crawling around on the bathroom floor without a thought about her appearance at all.

Katniss was not aware of how her hair fell into her face or the cute way she was biting her lip in concentration. Peeta knew she did not care about the subtle way her skirt was riding up in the back, or how sensuous she was positioned as she moved. It took every shred of courtesy in him to look away when he was barraged with the viewpoint of her front. Peeta had the full opportunity to take advantage of her negligence and look down her dress, but he was just too much of a gentleman.

The dark part of him was yelling at him inside his head.

Peeta was concentrating so hard on not looking at Katniss that he wasn't paying attention when she got closer. When she finally did get close enough to him that Peeta noticed, he had been taken aback so much that he froze on the spot. The only thing he remembered was the sweet way she smelled before their heads collided.

Of course, their first moment alone had to lead to both of them being in pain.

Katniss found an excuse to leave the room faster than Peeta could come up with an apology. Peeta didn't even have time to think about whose fault the head-banging had been before she was gone. And that was how another opportunity for Peeta to talk to Katniss just flew by.

As if adding salt into the wound, within seconds of Katniss's departure did Haymitch decide to speak up. Apparently he'd witnessed the entire exchange, at least from when Katniss dropped his wallet until she left. After stripping Peeta of all the dignity he had left with an interrogation, Haymitch was able to get Peeta to admit something he had kept as a secret for over eleven years.

His day had gone from bad to worse.

The only good thing that came out of the discussion was that Peeta found that his mentor was willing to help him. Peeta was very clear with his intent; he wanted Katniss to win. And during the conversation, Peeta was able to negotiate Haymitch's cooperation – even if Peeta wasn't exactly sure how good it was. And if Peeta could get Katniss to win, he would willingly brush off the brief amount of humiliation.

But that didn't mean Peeta wasn't grateful to get back to his room after they finished talking. There was only so much of Haymitch that Peeta could handle at once.

Peeta didn't like the fanciness of the train, but he was thankful for the hot shower waiting for him in his room. It took him a while to get used to the controls inside. There was even this glowing wand-type devise that came out and encircled his form. He was fearful when he saw clumps of hair going the drain, only to be comforted when a sturdy tug at his scalp dismissed those feelings.

When Peeta emerged, he took the time to look himself over in the large mirror over the sink. The only hair that remained on his body was his head and eyebrows, and that was it. The image made him think. Katniss had showered before dinner – he could tell because of the scent of soap on her. No way she had that kind of perfumes from back home. Had Katniss gone through the same process Peeta had, while in the shower? That would explain why her skin looked so … bare.

Realizing how late it was, Peeta looked in the closet for something to wear only to find what appeared to be a pair of shorts laid out for him. Effie mentioned something about picking out his wardrobe, much like she'd done for his dinner attire.

But the article of clothing confused Peeta. Usually shorts weren't very popular in District 12, since they weren't practical for doing much of … well anything really. He had never worn them himself. They resembled shorts, since the length of the leg came up to his mid-thigh. but the material was too flimsy and delicate to be outer clothing. It must have been underwear, since it resembled it so much.

But was this it?

Back home, he wore a worn-out pair of pants and a tattered shirt. Hardly anyone in their district had official pajamas. The best thing normally people could do was use regular, softer clothing that had just become too warn to wear in public. But was this all he was going to wear to bed? He only wore underwear to bed when it was exceptionally warm outside, but he was on the cooler train.

Part of him wanted to find something else, but Peeta didn't think it was that great of an idea to brave the closets without Effie there to tell him how to use them. What other choice did he have? It was better than sleeping in the nude. And it wasn't like he didn't have blankets to cover him. Besides, who was going to see him?

Only he regretted that thought as soon as he emerged into his bedroom.

In his room, waiting for him, was the last person in Panem he expected.

Katniss.

Half dressed.

Asleep.

…and on his bed.

Peeta didn't know exactly what to do at first. For the first few seconds of him finding his guest, he just stood there staring at her. It was probably several minutes before he even twitched let alone thought about anything.

The moment he did, dozens of thoughts came rampaging through his head.

What was going on? Was this a bizarre dream? That was it, he was already asleep and he was just imagining all this. Why else would the girl of his dreams be half-naked and sleeping in his bed? Sleeping was really the only reasonable explanation he had at that precise moment. But then, no … he would have remembered getting into bed, wouldn't he?

Right?

Peeta didn't think it was a good idea to rely on his thought process at that moment because he didn't think his brain was operating properly. If this was reality, and Katniss really was sleeping in his bed, then hundreds or more thoughts went crashing through his mind.

What was she doing here? Had she intended to fall asleep there? Did she get lost and think this was her own room? Was she waiting for him? And if she was waiting for him … what exactly was she waiting for?

Could she be here for … what his imagination was thinking about?

Well … she was wearing practically nothing and – wait a second.

No, no, no, and again, no!

Do not go there!

Those are dangerous thoughts, Peeta, stay away from them!

Pushing aside the alarms that were going off because Katniss was in his bed, Peeta took time to look at the situation carefully. It gave him time to get a hold on reality and think things through logically. Despite all the things that his mind was imagining, he knew that Katniss didn't come here for that … no matter how badly he wanted her to be there for that.

Yes, there was probably a perfectly reasonable explanation she was there – a less promiscuous one too.

Peeta looked at her again. Technically, because Katniss wasn't under the covers she was only on the bed, not in it. That made it a little less intimate than his original thoughts came up with. She was laying on her side, one hand extended under the pillow where she lay her head while the other was sprawled limply in front of her. Legs curled up slightly under her and her mid-section went up and down with her shallow breaths.

He realized that he'd never actually seen her sleeping before. She looked so much more peaceful when she was asleep than when she was awake. Peeta never really caught more than a glimpse of her throughout the years. Peeta would have dared for more than a glance, but he didn't want to risk she or others noticing him watching her. Still, that didn't take away the fact that almost every time he had seen her, Katniss had the same tired, saddened and overworked look in her eyes. It had been there since he'd given her the bread that fateful day five years ago.

Then again, maybe he'd look the same if he had to provide for his entire family the way she did.

But as Katniss slept, her chest slowly rising and falling, she had an air about her like she didn't have a care in the world. It was probably because now that she was asleep, she didn't. The peace that embraced her in that moment was very precious, something she didn't get often. It only made her look more beautiful than he already thought she was.

Peeta had no idea why others thought of her as plain. It was most likely just because she kept to herself most of the time, and no one else really took the time to look at her properly. He'd always admired the contours of her face and the shape of her piercing gray eyes. He couldn't see them at that moment, but he could see her long dark lashes as they lay on her cheeks. Her nicely arched nose had always done well at pointing out the fullness of her lips.

He stopped himself from going down any further. Peeta didn't want to go there, especially since she was wearing – what was she wearing exactly? Were the two pieces supposed to match like that? And was he supposed to see her …

He stopped himself mid-thought. Not a good idea. Peeta snapped his eyes back to her face. Definitely dangerous territory. Normally any guy, regardless of age, would have only fantasized at having the love of his life in his bed. And here Peeta had the real thing right in front of him. Not a fantasy; the living, breathing girl of his dreams.

So what the hell was wrong with him? Why didn't he like this?

Oh yeah, she had no idea he loved her.

So she probably wasn't there for the first thing that his testosterone overridden brain popped into his head. Oh, and she was probably going to kill him within the next few days. That was a very good reason too.

So what in Panem possessed her to come in his room and fall asleep on his bed?

That was when Peeta saw the tray on the bedside table. Peeta found himself padding over towards the table as quietly as he could, although he was always told he was never a lightweight and couldn't walk quietly to save his life. He made noise despite his attempts, but Katniss didn't stir.

How odd, he would have assumed she'd be a light sleeper.

Once in better view, Peeta could see the tray better. A plate of various cookies and two mugs. It hadn't been there before. Had Katniss brought these here? Wait a moment. Did she bring that for him? Judging from the empty mug, she had probably drank a serving already. A serving for herself, and one for the only other person in the room – him. She hadn't touched the cookies.

Was she … trying to be nice?

To him?

Why?

Even if she was trying to be nice, it wasn't a good idea for Katniss to stay there, on his bed. Where was Peeta supposed to sleep if she slept there? He definitely wasn't sleeping in the bed with her; despite the bed's giant size, he didn't trust himself with that.

Knowing her, Katniss would probably stab him if she woke up and found him there sleeping next to her. Peeta was suddenly feeling empathy for the numerous squirrels his father bought from her, all with wounds in their eyes. Well, at least they died quick and painless deaths.

Not sleeping in the same bed as Katniss was looking like more and more like a better plan.

"Katniss," came out of his mouth a moment later without him even needing to think about it. He needed to wake her up. He said it softly, but urgently.

She didn't stir. She didn't even move. Had it not been for the movement of her chest, he would have thought she wasn't even alive. Peeta took a deep breath and tried voicing her name again. Once again, the same effect.

Kneeling down so that he was at her level, Peeta reached to her shoulder cautiously. He paused for a moment before his hand made contact with her skin. It would be the first time he touched her. Once his hand was there, Peeta shook her gently once. Then he waited. But she remained unconscious. Trying once more, this time he tried shaking a little harder. This time she reacted, but only with a sigh as she repositioned herself onto her back instead of her side.

Again, nothing.

Although he was distressed about her being there, Peeta was beginning to worry. Why wasn't she waking up? Peeta looked around him to see if there was any signs of distress. Nope. The only thing different was the … tray.

Idiot!

He reached over picked up the empty mug. Without hesitation, he raised it to his nose before inhaling. Instantly he pulled it away with a grimace. Sickeningly sweet. That only meant one thing; sleeping syrup. It was a common enough sleeping aid, even in District 12. So it was no wonder that they would have some on the Capitol-supplied train. But why would she drink it sitting in his room? Everyone knew that the effects were almost instantaneous. Did she even know about it?

Peeta's attention was drawn to the other, full mug. Upon closer inspection of that one, it was clear that they had both been spiked with the sleeping syrup.

It briefly crossed his mind that Katniss could have done it. She had all the means of asking for the syrup and planting it. But Peeta seriously doubted she did because for one, he couldn't think of any reason why Katniss would do that in the first place. Even if she was particularly malicious, what would she achieve? The effects of the syrup were only temporary. It wasn't like it was going to delay him in the arena. And then there was the fact that Katniss herself had fallen victim to its properties. It further strengthened his first conclusion; Katniss had not known about the syrup.

Well, if what Peeta knew about the sleeping drug was true, it meant that Katniss wasn't waking up any time soon. That was for sure.

But it wasn't like he could just leave her there either.

… so what exactly was he supposed to do?

(A/N: This chapter was a little shorter because I broke up a really long one into two separate ones so all of you could read the first part sooner. I haven't finished the second part, so I thought it was mean to make you wait. Besides, if a chapter is too long people begin skipping over words and I don't want you guys to feel you have to do that...;-P.

Also, just to give all of you a visual, I like to use real references when I talk about clothing so, for all of you who like pictures here are a few links for you. Now, since won't let me put up the whole link, please just put in whatever is in the parentheses before all these words and it should lead you all to the proper place. (Take out the parentheses too):

(etsy) .com/listing/88989075/lucy-halter-dress-in-green-dots-in-small

This first one is Katniss's dress for dinner. Just look past the tattoos and boots on the models and you'll see how pretty it is. I hope I did a pretty accurate description. I can't tell you how long it took me to find a dress like this one.

(victoriassecret) .com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265771535018&c=Page&cid=1331606786846&pagename=vsdWrapper

Okay, this second one is what Katniss is wearing to bed. A lot of you thought she was wearing a certain kind of skimpy lingerie, but that wasn't what I was aiming for. I wanted this outfit to be a little bit cuter than sexy, so this was my choice. Sadly I think my description is a little off, but I think this will compensate for things.

I will give all of you more links as the story continues, as it is appropriate.

Once again, thanks for reading and please review!)