Yay! Chapter 17! Ready? Okay! Sorry about the delay…

Here's a recap from the last chapter so you know what's going on.

KATNISS POV (recap)

No one says a word for a few minutes. I can feel the heat from Peeta's body, and it makes me feel weird, in a good way. I decide maybe we should start to get in the lake.

I sit up and Peeta frowns. "Already?" he says, disappointed.

"Come on, Peeta, it's getting hot." I know that's not the only reason I stood up, though.

Peeta nods. "You're right. Might as well get it over with." He stands up and starts to take off his shirt, so I start to strip down also. I don't want to get my clothes wet, or else it will be a very uncomfortable walk home.

When I finish undressing, Peeta is already in his waterproof boxers, courtesy of the Capital. I'm wearing a bikini, something I've gotten but never worn. Until now. Don't ask me why.

Chapter 17:

PEETA POV

I turn around and watch as Katniss takes off the last of her clothing. Turns out I'm not prepared to see her because man, does she look…hot.

I try not to ogle her too much, but I can tell my eyes don't want to listen because Katniss turns red. Then I notice her checking me out, and when she sees me watching, she turns even redder and clears her throat.

"Well, first things first," she says. "Let's get in the water." Katniss walks into the clear, blue lake until the water reaches her waist. Then she gestures for me to come in.

Hesitantly, I walk into the water, which is a little colder than I thought, but still feels really good because of the heat. When I reach Katniss, the water is about up to my hips.

"Good, you came in without me having to push you." I give her a fake glare for that, which she ignores. "Now, submerge your hold body under the water, just so you can get used to the temperature."

Katniss follows her own instructions, staying under the water for about 30 seconds before I start to worry and pull her up. "You scared me," I say. "I didn't know you could hold your breath for so long."

"Practice, is all it takes." She nods at me. "Now your turn."

I do what she says, shivering at first from the cold. Soon, I recover and resurface. Katniss nods at me again. "Not bad, you got ten seconds."

"I learn from the best." I smile.

For a while, Katniss just teaches me the basics until I can float on my own with out her hands under my stomach-though I missed that. When I start to move my arms though, I always panic or I'm not able to keep myself up.

"I'm hopeless," I sigh.

Katniss bites her lip. "You're not that bad. You just need more practice."

"Thanks, Katniss, but I know I suck."

She doesn't argue as we come out of the water. Katniss sits, saying we should rest so that we are prepared for the walk ahead of us. "And so we can be dry," she adds.

"I agree," I say, lying down next to her.

I'm soon drifting off to sleep when I hear Katniss say, "Hey, Peeta?"

"Yes?" I say, sleepily.

"Have you ever thought about Gale?"

Now I'm immediately awake. "Gale? Why?" Jealousy courses through, but only a little, out of habit whenever I hear his name.

"Because…I don't know. I was just wondering how he's doing. It's kind of weird never speaking to him again."

"Well, maybe you should give him a call in District Two. He gave you his new number right?"

Katniss shrugs. "I never thought I'd actually use it."

"Well, if I were Gale, I'd probably want to know what my old best friend was up to, and if they're holding out okay." I hope I didn't offend her, but I know it would be hard for me to let Katniss go.

Surprisingly, Katniss agrees. "You're right."

"Really?"

Katniss smiles at me. "Really." She pauses. "In fact, I'm going to call her as soon as we get back home. You know, before I, um…"

"Chicken out?" I help her.

Katniss pushes me, scowling. "Yeah, that." She says. Typical Katniss. She still doesn't like to look weak.

KATNISS POV

Peeta and I are now on our way back to District Twelve. We're walking holding hands, but all I can think of is what I'm going to say to Gale when I talk to him. Or if, because it looks like I may not have the guts to right now.

When we get to my house, someone is sitting on the doorsteps. There's something familiar about that olive skin, and dark hair.

Oh no, I think. Peeta takes my hand and I look up at him, and yes, he sees him too. "Is it really…" he starts.

"Yes," I whisper.

The guy sitting on the steps looks up, finally noticing us standing there. It surprises me since he's usually so alert. Something must have been on his mind.

I know up right because when the guy looks up, it is perfectly clear that he's been thinking. Still not sure its him, I say, "Gale?"

Sigh, finals are coming up soon! Please give me some reviews to cheer me up!