Oh no. I haven't updated in four days! So sorry! But here's a short chapter, cuz I didn't have much time. Until tomorrow!

KATNISS POV

Later, as Peeta and I work on the book, he's more pleasant than he was at dinner. He's smiling and laughing, like his old self. In my mind I hope he won't mention James, because I have a feeling what he says might not be good. So far he hasn't said anything. I can't help but smile as I watch him draw, so detailed it takes my breath away.

"Peeta, that's beautiful," I say, looking at the primrose flower he just drew. "I'm glad you still have your artistic talent."

Peeta smiles, saying, "Thanks." He smiles at me, taking a brief second to look down at my lips, so quickly I may have imagined it. His hand itches toward me, as if wanting to touch me, but then freezes and drops back onto the table in front of us.

"So you want to take a break?" I ask, looking at the clock. It's ten o clock, and I'm shocked at how late it is. "Or maybe we should go to bed. It's kind of late." I say not wanting Peeta to leave just yet.

He has his hand in his pocket, which I have noticed he had done several times tonight. He looks like he wants to say more, but then he just stands up and says, "Yeah, you're right. I should probably get home. Do you think maybe we could work on the book again tomorrow?"

I smile, because that's what I was about to ask him. "Sure," I say. I stand up, and am immediately closer to Peeta. I blush from the proximity. We just stand there awkwardly, looking at each other shyly, like little kids.

Peeta starts to lean in, and I become nervous. His hand takes my waist as his other one takes me face. He moves closer, leaning in. All I could think of is his warmth, how it feels so good for him to hold me again. I love this, and it makes me wonder if he's enjoying it too.

Peeta, stares at my lips, like before, only longer. He leans in, giving me more than enough time for me to push him away. But I don't, in fact, I'm waiting for the feel of his lips on mine.

Peeta's lips touch mine, lightly. He kisses me, and I kiss him back. His hand buries in my hair, and he pulls me closer by the waist. I wrap my arms around his neck, and Peeta's lips force mine open. Actually, he doesn't really have to, because mine open willingly.

PEETA POV

Katniss and I are kissing. Peeling the grape. Making out. Whatever you call it. But anyway, this feels so amazing, I want to cherish this moment, I want it to last forever.

Katniss had looked so beautiful standing there, staring at me as I stared at her. I couldn't control myself this time and just leaned in. At least I was able to do it slowly so she could move if she didn't want to kiss me. But she didn't. So, here we are, in each other's arms.

I never want to let go. I want to hold her forever. As I think this, I remember how just a month ago I wanted to kill Katniss. Now, except for flashbacks that are getting less frequent everyday, I could never hurt Katniss.

I know that I hurt her just by being hijacked, and I'm extremely sorry for it. But I know if I told her that, she would be mad at me. She prefers just moving on. So I'll let her.

Katniss arms are around my neck now, and so I take this as my chance to force her mouth open. With no effort, we are kissing like this. This feels so good I wonder just how I controlled myself back when I thought Katniss actually loved me.

It must have been really hard, or I probably did because I was too injured to make any moves on her. But I remember in the Quarter Quell how we were kissing on the beach. There was something about it that felt real, like it was Katniss kissing me, and not the other Katniss, the one for the Capital. Then, if we weren't interrupted, I don't know what would have happened. Right, now, there's no one to stop us.

Until now.

I hear someone clear their throat, and Katniss and I break apart, breathing fast. We look over to the doorway and see Katniss' mother.

Oh yeah. I had forgotten about her.

Mrs' Everdeen surprisingly doesn't look disapproving. She looks nervous. I let go of Katniss and say to her mother, "Are you okay Mrs. Everdeen?"

She nods, and says, "Katniss, um, I'm not sure how to say this." Katniss looks confused, and her mother tells her to sit. I sit too, not knowing what else to do.

"I'm leaving."

Is that what I just heard? Katniss' mother is leaving Katniss. What is she thinking? She is all the family Katniss has left, and vice versa. Katniss just stares shocked. I take her hand, and say to her mother, "But why? You don't like it here?"

Katniss mother starts to tear up, and she says, "There are too many reminders. I can't stay. Everywhere I look, it reminds me of her." I know immediately who she's talking about.

Katniss says, "Go." We both look at her, shocked. "Just go, mom. I knew you would leave one day, so just go. I know that this place is hard for you, so go. I don't mind." Her voice gets softer. "But just do me a favor. Don't keep being a zombie. You need to liven up, okay? Go help people or something. Work in a hospital, whatever I don't care. But if you're going to another District to stay like this, then you will never be happy again."

Katniss' hand is shaking, and she grips my hand hard. She has tears in her eyes, and I notice how she was the other night, when she collapsed in my arms, sobbing. She came to me, not her mother. I realize that Katniss doesn't need her mother. Whether she likes it or not, I'm here to stay, at least.

Katniss mother just nods, and says quietly, "You're right. Bye, Katniss." She turns, then stops. "And Peeta?"

"Yes?"

"Please take good care of her. She needs someone like you."

Then she just walks out, never to turn back.

I look at Katniss. She's looking down. Then, all of a sudden, Katniss, pulls me up standing with her. She holds my hands, and looks into my eyes. She says, "Peeta, thanks so much. You've pretty much stayed with me through everything, and only you understand how I feel."

I smile at Katniss. "I'll always stay with you, Katniss. Always."

Katniss says, hesitantly, "Can you stay with me tonight? Please?"

"Of course."

I'm sorry that's all I have time to write! I'll update tomorrow, don't worry! Review please! That's all I ask!