Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN OR CLAIM ANY RIGHT TO THE HUNGER GAMES.
CHAPTER THREE
When my eyes flicker open the tightening in my chest is relieved, but my throat is in throbbing pain, and all I can think of how familiar it is to when I first met hijacked Peeta. My voice is tight and I can't speak but all my body wants to do is scream. My next instinct is to run. Run from Gale, he is much stronger than me, bigger build and his training for the rebellion has turned him completely.
When I stumble my feet I don't hear or see Gale in my surroundings, but I get out of the woods quickly for good measure. I just want to collapse where my feet are planted but I can feel the rain starting to pour, and think it would better to collapse into a soft couch then the wet mud.
As I stumble through the wooden door my feet fall from underneath me causing a loud thud. My head is pounding, I can hear the stiring of metal teaspoons against ceramic cups from the door way and it is beyond irritating.
"Katniss?" Peeta questions from another room, presumably the kitchen. I try to call for him but all it does it enforce the burning in my throat so I attempt to communicate by banging my hand on the ground.
Peeta walks out casually, stepping on the floorboard that always cracks no matter how little weight you put on it, but when he sees my limp body on the floor he runs quickly.
"Katniss! What happened, are you okay?" he bellows with worry.
I point to my neck while I try to speak without success.
Peeta quickly helps me up onto my feet then scoops me up into a cradled position and lays me on the couch, his hands are shaking with fear but are so safe at the same time.
"I don't know what to do Katniss," he says softly with nothing but fear riddling his words. As he is pacing around the lounge room he looks confused and scared, almost like he is having a flashback.
Oh no.
I push myself onto my feet but Peeta is already leaning over a chair, his knuckles turning white. I know not to push myself on him when he is going through this, just wait it out. So I do. I lay staring at the ceiling, ready to pass out but my dehydration and worry for Peeta is taking over me. I try to lift myself, but feeling so weak I can barley hold myself up.
It doesn't take long for Peeta to come back to me. Beside me with his blue eyes that hold the reassurance and hope that I need. "did I hurt you Katniss, what Happened to your neck?" he please almost crying.
I shake my head but point to the sink, gesturing a drink. Peeta squeezes my hand and walks off briskly returning just as quickly with a drink. I look up to him and nod as if to say thank you.
I gulp down the drink quickly, and it gives a short effect of relief. I want to communicate with Peeta so badly, but my voice won't let me, the worst form of restraint. But Peeta, always thinking for the best, brings me over a pencil and paper. With the pain and exhaustion slowly taking over me, I don't have the willpower to protect Gale anymore. So I write down:
please don't do anything. I need you.
"What do you mean Katniss?" he asks softly, stroking my hair.
Underneath I write:
It was gale.
Anger takes over his expression, but it doesn't burst, just nods. As if he is confused.
what is it Peeta?
"When we were in district thirteen, I almost chocked you to death, real or not real?"
I gulp down my saliva and write down the truth.
Real.
Peeta nods, looking a little less confused but incredibly sadder. "I did this to you, real or not real?" he asks motioning to the quickly bruise growing around my neck like a necklace.
Not real. Peeta, you would never hurt me deliberately. We protect each other remember? I write taking his hand into mine and squeezing it.
Peeta strokes stay hairs from my face and pulls a blanket up to my chest tucking me in. He kisses my forehead so softly, it feels like the most gentle touch, and the safest. "Get some rest Katniss, you need it. I can ring a doctor to ask what to do." he says softly.
I want to protest, tell Peeta not to ring a doctor, just come and rest with me instead. But i am too tired and weak to do anything, so I let my exhaustion take over me instead. But tonight instead of mutts and lost children, it will be the one person I hoped I would never have a nightmare about. Gale.