At the train station, about to board.

I think a few of my ribs are broken by the time Bea finally lets go. She's got tears in her eyes. "You keep on living, and loving, and painting, mm-kay Peet?" she says.

"I will. I promise," I say.

"I love you…you're like a son to me. I really will miss you."

"I love you, too, Bea. You've been like a mother taking care of her sick child. You never gave up on me. And hey, I smiled. In my sleep." I say the last sentence with a wink, and she laughs a bit. "You sure did."

She steps back and Dr. Aurelis comes to shake my hand. I smile. "Thank you so much. I really do appreciate it. I probably wouldn't be here without you."

"It was no problem, none at all. I enjoyed working with you, Peeta. Remember. You call me whenever you need me. I'll be checking in on you once a week. And oh. When you do talk to Katniss, tell her she'd better start answering her phone. I can't pretend to treat her forever."

I nod. He's always so clinical, detached. Even if he did help me, even though he can understand other people's emotions so easily, he's got the emotion of a brick.

We stand there for a few beats. "Well. I think I'll be going." I say.

I turn around and start walking towards the train when Bea calls me back.

"Wait! One last thing!" She exclaims. She catches up to me and gives me one thing. Something I never knew I needed. What she gives me is the locket I tried to give Katniss on the beach in the Quell arena.

***on the train***

"About fifteen minutes left, Mr. Mellark," I hear through the speaker in the wall. An intercom is what they called it.

I get up and press the button beside the speaker. "Thanks, Aubrey. But remember, you should call me Peeta."

I wait for a moment. "Okay, Peeta."

I sit around reading most recent news on District Twelve. Apparently, with the Capitol gadgets being spread out in the Districts, everything's going up pretty fast. The Justice Building, which is now known as the "Court House", is scheduled to start up next week.

"Five minutes, Mr. Mel—I mean Peeta." I have to chuckle a bit, but really, I'm only…eighteen? I don't even know. Not old enough to be referred to so formally.

I grab my suitcase, and stand at the door. I feel the train slowing down. It stops.

"I hope you enjoyed the trip, Peeta! Good luck with the bakery!"

"Thanks Aubrey," I say into the intercom.

Oh yeah, the bakery. I totally forgot.

I know what you're thinking. Peeta Mellark doesn't forget things like that.

Yes, Peeta Mellark does. Now.

The door slides open. I poke my head out, praying that there won't be any photographers, and there's not. All I see is my mentor.

He walks over to me. Dr. A wasn't kidding about the whole carrot thing. He's wearing a pocket tee-shirt, and there's a few baby carrots sticking out. I fight the urge to laugh. He gives me some kind of awkward man-hug before he begins.

"It's about time, Romeo."

A/N: Yeaaaaah, it's a midget of a chapter, but I'll update again either tonight or tomorrow, so it pans out, right?

Also, if you like those "What if" Katniss and Peeta stories, you should go look at my story "The Hunger Games: Reciprocated". :D

Thanks for all the reviews!

Until next time!

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