PEETA

I was surprised one day by my Madge's confession.

"Peeta, I have always been honest with you, right?" she asked me one day.

"Sure. Why?" wondering where this conversation was heading.

"I've been dishonest with myself lately, and I have decided to come clean and say it." She said.

"Okay, go on, spill" I said. What could she possibly say to shock me?

"I like you."

Okay, maybe that will do. "Thanks" I said. Did I just say that?

"Is that all?"

"Umm…yeah" I said, hoping I didn't sound like a jerk. Was she waiting for a long explanation? I don't want to hurt her. We've known each other since we were 10 and she's like the sister I've never had.

"You don't want to talk about it so I won't get hurt right?" she asked.

She really was perceptive. "I just think that there is someone better than me for you out there." I said

"Better than you? I doubt it. You really are a good guy, you know? Must be why I liked you. But don't worry I'm cool with it. I might wallow a little but I'll be fine. I'm just relieved I was able to say it" she said.

"So are we still friends?" she asked.

"Bestfriends" I said. "Come, I'll treat you to ice cream and help you forget that worthless guy."

She laughed at my attempt to joke. "If I knew ice cream treats were involved, I would've told you sooner and moved on earlier" she joked.

And the world was right again between us. We would just be best of friends.

What is with Katniss? She seems to be avoiding us on purpose.

When she would arrive at a place and notice us she'd immediately back out and leave or if we see her first and invite her, she'd refuse and say she's busy.

She'd constantly turn down Madge's invitation to join us. It's been 3 months, my bestfriend has decided that maybe we should give her time and space. Maybe something was bothering her and it'll pass.

Then it occurred to me, has she found out I liked her? Is that why she is avoiding me? Is this the sign she what she was talking about?

If I am reading it right then this must mean she doesn't like me. Maybe she didn't know how to say it and helped me save face. Still, I wished I've told her how I felt.

Because the way things are, I lost a friend even before I could tell her I liked her.

It's been a month of silence between us. I am not enjoying this one bit. I miss her terribly. But I am trying hard to suppress my feelings for her. I don't want to scare her farther away from me.

I don't want to ignore her but when we pass by each other, I look down or straight ahead avoiding seeing her face. Seeing her gray eyes will be my undoing.

Because I don't know what I might do if I did.

For the few seconds that she is within reach, my heart would skip a beat. I know now that this is not a simple infatuation. I love her.

When she has already passed, I would turn around and watch her retreating back. So this is what we'll be like from now on.

Her walking away, with me always watching her back.

Madge did not fail to notice this.

After seeing me for the nth time turn around and watch Katniss as she passed us by she asked me "Don't you get tired?" she asked.

"Tired of what?" I asked, not getting her question.

"Tired of staying silent. If you like Katniss why don't you tell her?" she said frustrated.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I tried to lie.

"You can't lie to me Peeta. I would know, your ears are turning red" she said. "And even if you could, you cannot lie to yourself"

I was caught. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to lie."

"I'm actually kind of happy it's her you like and not some other girl out there. If it couldn't be me at least it's someone like her. If you want I could try approaching her again. The school year is almost over. She's probably not too busy now." She said.

"Really? That would mean so much to me. Thanks." I said.

"Don't thank me yet. We still don't know what's up with her" she said.

We were nearing the end of the school year when my bestfriend approached her again.

I watched them from afar, not knowing what they were talking about.

When their conversation ended, Madge walked towards me and I saw Katniss turn around and walk away.

"She's been busy with academics and wanting to top her exams. But I asked her to hang out with us for the summer. However, she would also be busy taking summer classes. And I also think she's under the impression that we are dating" she said looking guilty.

"Where did she get that idea?"

"My fault, I told her before that I liked you. But that's over now, so that we're clear" she said.

Then it occurred to me. No wonder she was giving me that advice. She must have thought I was talking about my bestfriend! I blamed myself inwardly for giving Katniss the wrong impression.

Wait, but why did she have to avoid us? Does it mean she liked me and gave way or was she just being a considerate friend?

I had to know.