Katniss POV

Standing outside of Peeta's door has brought out all of my anxiety. Any relaxation I had felt early today is gone. I know not what I will find on the other side of this door. My gut is clenched tight; my hand rests upon the carved wooden door. I try to focus on calming my racing heart. The rate at which it beats makes me painfully aware of the past few weeks. I had fallen in love, without even realizing it was happening. In my stupidity and fear I hurt the man I love, I broke his heart. I had not had the chance to mend it, and so mine felt broken as well. He saved my life, because he is the epitome of a good man, even though I had broken him. He still knew not how deep my love for him truly was. Now…now on the other side of that door is the man I have fallen in love with. Only the last time I saw him he was drenched in his own blood and it was a lot of blood.

Suddenly my knees feel weak, my arms feel as if they are filled with lead, and my stomach aches viciously. Maybe it would have been better if I'd taken a moment to rest my wearied body and have a bite to eat. It is tempting to turn back and prolong the inevitable. But I know that no matter what, I will end up back at this very door and no amount of time will make this any easier.

With a gentle push the door opens with a creak of its hinges. The room is still. The extravagance of Peeta's chambers leaves me in awe. The four-poster bed sits in the center of the large room. The lavish bedspread barely conceals the unconscious body. His face is pale and covered in a glistening sheen of sweat. His eyes are closed and his breathing is shallow. His bare arms and shoulders rest above the red and gold covers. With gentle steps I move towards his bedside. Part of a large bandage can be seen wrapped over his right shoulder. I sit carefully on the edge of his bed and gently grasp his left hand in mine.

"Peeta." I begin, even though I doubt that he can hear me. He has not stirred once since I entered the room. "I was a fool. I've been so blind and it has caused you so much pain. You opened your heart to me and I rejected you. If only I knew then what I know now. Peeta I…" The words catch in my throat and I have to force them past the lump that has formed. "I love you. I was a fool to think otherwise. I should have known that I had fallen in love with you. It caught me off guard but deep down I knew. I only wish I had not hurt you. I wish I could make it up to you. I wish I could tell you now, and know that you have heard me. But I fear how you will react. I do not deserve you and I will understand if you wish nothing to do with me. I will understand it and I will respect it."

I sit in silence but Peeta still does not stir. His shallow breathing and the crackling fire in the hearth are the only noise apart from me that disturbs the silence of the room. My eyes feel unbelievably heavy and I know I will not be able to keep myself awake much longer. My body is tired, my soul needs rest. I stand and step away from the bed, I make my way to the door and before exiting I look back again. Nothing has changed. So I take my leave and wander back to my room. The bed is so inviting that I collapse without a moments hesitation. My eyes drift closed and I feel sleep pull me under.

…:::…

It is days before there is word of a change in Peeta' condition. The physician says he is healing up fine and a few more days of rest will do him good. Many make the trip to his room in order to visit. I myself had gone everyday before he woke. But knowing that he was now awake filled me with dread. It was easy while he slept, I would not have to look at his broken eyes, knowing that I caused it. But I scolded myself for being such a coward and decided that soon I would visit him again. Soon.

However before I got the chance Peeta emerged from his room. It was during breakfast one day, all of us had gathered around the table and were enjoying a delicious meal. All the meals had been incredible so far; we had all forgotten what it was like to truly enjoy a feast. While we sat and ate happy chatter filled the air. When the doors to the hall opened up it was a surprise to us all to see Peeta on his feet, striding towards us with a pained confidence. While he obviously favored the right side of his body he was trying so hard not to let anyone see it. He scanned the table with a bright grin. My stomach was in knots as his eyes drifted ever closer to where I sat. When they landed upon me it was only for a moment and I could have sworn his happiness faded at the sight of me. My heart sank.

Peeta wasted no time in proclaiming his rule. His birthday had passed while he healed, a proper ball would be held soon in order to celebrate. The citizens were to be gathered in castle for Peeta to be crowned King; afterwards there would be a great feast and celebration. Everyone was to be invited. Peeta insisted on that. So the invitation was sent out.

Peeta kept himself very busy with the plans. After that first day he hardly looked my way. Only passing glances and if I looked his way he would pretend to be busy with whatever was in front of him. It confused and pained me greatly. I thought that once he awoke, after his foray to rescue me, that we could be civil although I hope we could be much more than civil. However it would seem that such a dream would be impossible. Peeta could not even look my way; he would not speak a word to me. And I, perhaps ashamed because I could not force myself to visit him once he had awoken, could not seem to do the same now.

Everyone came, just as Peeta had hoped. The castle was filled with the sounds of celebration. Everyone had come to celebrate the new king.

A/N:

Hello readers! I am finally back! My semester is over and I have officially graduated! So here is a short chapter for you! More will follow I promise! Thank you for being patient with me! Please let me know what you think!