Chapter 3: Will You Just Stand Still?
A few weeks later, Mother and I are back in the Justice Building, away from the paparazzi as we wait for history to be finalized in the annals of our land.
Primrose Everdeen became the Victor of the 77th Hunger Games, against all odds. Peeta managed to keep his word, through hell and high water. She outlasted bigger and older and stronger tributes than her in a harsh desert environment. Sponsors helped her, charmed by her still youthful cuteness.
Outside, we hear the roar of the crowd and know that the train has arrived at the station. Prim will be disembarking, followed by Peeta and Haymitch. Fairly soon, the three Victors are seemingly blown in by the crowd and media into the building, at last given some semblance of privacy.
Mother and I launch ourselves at Prim and hug her, bursting into tears. As soon as my relief has diminished and I have proven for myself that my sister is indeed alive, I approach Peeta. I raise my arms and rush towards him, but he steps back, wary.
"What are you doing?"
"Will you just stand still?" I bark. And taking him by the waist, I pull him flush against me and kiss his lips with mine. I draw away after a moment. Peeta rouses himself from his surprised stupor and advances to me.
"What are you doing?"
He smiles. "Will you just stand still?" And he throws his arms about me and kisses me in return. Closing my eyes, I allow myself to kiss him back. Peeta even dips me as he deepens the kiss.
When we break the kiss at last, I stare at him, perplexed. "Did I tell you to stop kissing me?"
Peeta blinks. "No..."
"Well, then kiss me again, dammit!" And I pull his mouth back down against mine.