A/N: Thanks for reading the last chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own!
Katniss's POV - Drunk
"Katniss? Wake up." A voice was telling me as then I was being shaken lightly awake.
"What?" I asked groggily, opening my eyes and turning my head until I saw Peeta smiling at me with one hand on my waist.
"I have to get to work, love." Peeta told me, "I'm sorry I woke you, I just wanted you to know."
"Okay, have a good day." I told him smiling back.
Peeta smiled and turned to leave. "I love you."
"Peeta," I called before he left the room, he turned back around to face me, and I raised a crooked finger and motioned him over here.
"I'm sorry, love." Peeta told me, he walked over to me, I wrapped my arms around him, and we kissed.
As we kissed for a few seconds, Peeta rubbed my sides, as he wrapped an arm around my waist. I felt safe and secure in his arms.
"Have a great day, Peeta." I broke away from him, "I love you too."
Peeta grinned, kissed my cheek, and then left the room. I smiled at his back and lay back in bed for a few more minutes. Once I realized that I couldn't get back to sleep, I got up to see that it was seven forty and I took my shower. After that, I braided my hair, secured it with a hair tie, and got dressed into a navy and white stripped tank top, black slacks, and a blazer.
For jewelry, I wore all the gifts that Peeta gave me, my gold bow and arrow bracelet with Peeta's pearl, his brown leather necklace and my diamond engagement ring. I smiled at myself in the mirror, nodded, and walked down stairs to eat some breakfast.
I looked in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer and noticed that I was almost out of food. Haymitch, he had come and taken almost everything. I would have to go to the store today, I thought as I ate a waffle.
Once I finished, there was a knock at the door and I flexed my hand to make the sink start and levitated the plate and fork over to the running water. Happy with my work, I walked to the door and opened it.
Raiko stood there smiling, "Hey, Katniss. All the boys are at the bakery so I thought I would come and keep you company. Also, I thought we should use some bonding time, is there anywhere you need to go today?" She asked and I let her in.
"Yes, actually that is a great idea. I did need to go to the grocery because Haymitch took all of my food." I shrugged, happy we had this time.
"Then let us go to the grocery." Raiko told me excitedly, she led me out of the house, and after I grabbed my purse and some money we were off.
As we entered the grocery store, I got several stares but Raiko linked her arm with mine and rubbed my hand lightly; I could tell she was Peeta's mother because she was so comforting and sweet.
After getting all of my groceries, we started to leave when Raiko stopped me.
"Katniss? Is that you and Peeta on the front page?" She asked pointing to a newspaper.
I ran to the newspaper holder and bought one, "Yes it is." I mumbled grimily taking her back into Peeta and mine's house.
As soon as we walked in, I headed towards the kitchen and put down my grocery bags as Raiko put down hers as well.
"Peeta Mellark and Katniss Everdeen have a day out," I read the newspaper, "The star crossed lovers were first seen in a tattoo shop where after walking out, Katniss had a bandage wrapped around her left wrist. Peeta and Katniss walked home hand-in-hand, until they emerged again at seven o'clock to go to an Olympic restaurant. Katniss then had her bandage off and we could see a part of her tattoo that said 'change'." There was a huge picture of Peeta and I walking and an enlarged picture of my wrist.
"As they walked into the restaurant to meet with Katniss's long time friend, Jennifer Bates, sources say that Peeta and Katniss were very comfortable in the room. They could practically feel the love in the room radiating off of them. However, they did leave after receiving their order; which would explain the picture of the girl on fire and baker's son holding all of their food and walking home." The paragraph ended with Peeta and I holding hands but I was glaring at him.
Raiko shook her head, "They are not going to give you any privacy, I am afraid."
I nodded, "Yes, there will probably an issue of us going to the grocery store. So, be prepared for that."
Raiko shrugged, "It doesn't matter to me."
I smiled, "I hope not."
Then, we started to empty the bags in the pantry. When I heard a bang on the door, I walked over to it and opened it to see Haymitch lying on the porch, back turned to me.
"Haymitch?"I asked stepping over him and crouching down.
"Why didn't you answer?" He demands as I lift him up.
"I thought you had a key," I replied helping him inside, "We have a key to your house."
Haymitch looked down at me, "Why don't I have a key to your house?"
"Do you want one?" I asked sitting him down on the couch.
"Yeah, sweetheart," Haymitch rolled his eyes and I went into the kitchen to make some coffee for him.
"I'm sorry about this." I apologized to Raiko, "Haymitch isn't the best neighbor."
"Haymitch Abernathy?" She asked, practically running into the living room where I placed him on the couch. I finished making the coffee and walked back out to the living room.
Raiko was sitting right beside Haymitch with a smile as big as the moon. Haymitch on the other hand was looking at me in a 'help me' look. I walked forward hesitantly.
"I'm your biggest fan, Haymitch. Remember when you used the force field as a weapon and won the 50th annual Hunger Games? I loved that moment." Raiko was saying.
Haymitch looked at her, "Yes, I believe I do remember that."
I almost laughed, what is it with people and asking us if we remember something we did in the Hunger Games? I handed Haymitch he coffee but he shook his head.
"I don't like coffee." Haymitch refused to take it.
I glared at him, "It has alcohol in it." I lied.
Haymitch took the coffee very quickly and started to drink it. I smiled broadly.
"This doesn't have alcohol in it."Haymitch pulled the coffee away from his mouth.
"No, it doesn't." I shrugged unashamed.
"You know, I did save your life, twice." Haymitch said bringing up the Hunger Games again.
"Haymitch, you know what I like about you?" I asked smiling.
"What?"He asked.
I paused, "Never mind I was thinking of someone else." I shrugged. "Sorry."
Haymitch laughed, "I must admit; that was a good one, sweetheart."
Raiko, in the mean time, was running her hands through the unwashed hair that went to his chin.
"I love your hair." Raiko told Haymitch looking entranced.
"Thanks,"Haymitch thanked her awkwardly, "Shouldn't you two ladies be doing something in the kitchen?" He practically pleaded.
"Nope, we can stay here." I shrugged. Haymitch glared at me.
Then, there was a knock on the door and I went to answer it. Effie was there along with my prep team.
"What?"I asked, "Is there an interview today?"
Effie shook her head, "No, we wanted to invite you to something, where is Peeta?" She asked as I let them in with hugs all around.
I couldn't help but get butterflies at Peeta's name, "Peeta went to the bakery because he had to work today." I shrugged.
Effie nodded, "Well where is Haymitch? We knocked on the door but there was no answer."
"He is in the living room." I showed them to the living room.
Where know Raiko was running her hands over his arms. Haymitch looked mortified.
Effie paused, "Oh! Hello. Who are you?" She asked.
"That's Peeta's mother, Raiko Mellark." I told her, "Raiko this is Effie Trinklet, Cinna, Octavia, Venia, and Flavius." I introduced them pointing out everyone.
"Pleasure,"Effie shook her hand, "Peeta's mother? Well I suppose we can ask you as well, we are inviting everyone out to the Capitol for dinner and a nice visit." Effie announced happily.
"A nice visit?" I whispered to Cinna, "Does that mean interviews and new expensive clothes?"
"Why else do you think we would all be here?" Cinna asked quietly.
I sighed, "Effie, why?" I whined.
Effie shrugged with a smile, "We all need to go somewhere as a… family." I glared at her, there had to be more, "Plus, Caesar would love to see you two together again." She muttered quietly.
"I knew it. This is about interviews and fashion shows!" I called her out.
"Katniss, please have some manners, so will you go? Please?" Effie asked kindly.
I sighed, "I don't know, Effie. I mean I just got out of the Games a week ago, I'm not sure if I could handle all the stares, and," I was breaking under her puppy-dog look, "Fine! If Peeta goes, I will go too!" I gave up.
"Excellent, thank you!" Effie hugged me around the neck. "What about you Raiko and Haymitch?"
Raiko nodded, "Sure, I have never gone to the Capitol before. I'm sure the boys would love to go as well."
Haymitch shrugged, "I have nothing better to do and plus the beer is better there anyway."
Effie jumped up and down clapping her hands, "Great! Let's go to the bakery and see what Peeta and your other sons say!" Effie practically ran from the house pulling me with her.
As we half-ran down the streets, Effie pulling me along, I thought to myself sadly that Mother and Prim wouldn't be able to come; because Mother wouldn't be able to take off work and Prim was her assistant also she was still in school. Gale would refuse to come if all of Peeta's family were going. So that leaves me with Peeta, Peeta's family, Haymitch, Effie, and Cinna along with my prep team.
They were my second family anyway, so I was fine with that idea. Just then, Effie stopped running and I noticed that we were already in front of the Mellark bakery. Effie pushed me in first saying something about warming them up to the idea. I rolled my eyes at that, because I knew that Ryan and Connor would love any excuse to make it to the Capitol and Peeta would follow me anywhere.
"Well if it isn't Katniss Everdeen," Connor's voice distracted me from my thoughts, "Peeta! We have a valuable customer here!" He called to the backroom.
Peeta's head came out from around the corner and he smiled, "Hey, Katniss." He walked out to me with his dirty kiss-the-cook apron on. "What can I do for you?"
I kissed him and he looked startled but pleased, "I saw the orders from the apron," I explained he looked down at himself and grinned, "The real reason I came over here was because Effie has invited us to the Capitol."
Peeta looked suspicious but happy, "Really, how sweet of her." He smiled. "Who are 'us'?"
I took a deep breath, "You, your family, Haymitch, Cinna, Octavia, Flavius, Venia, and myself." I named them out, "And she will probably invite Portia and your prep team as well."
"That is very generous," Peeta nodded, "Would you like to go?"
"Only if you do," I shrugged smiling up at him.
Peeta grinned and then kissed me quickly, "I would love to go, but only if you go as well." He kissed me longer this time.
"Don't you need to get back to work?" I asked, pulling away an inch.
"Honey, didn't you read the apron; you have to make good of it." Peeta teased.
"Well when you put it that way…" I whispered pulling him down for another heated kiss.
During the middle of our kiss, Effie walked in and we broke apart very quickly.
"Peeta, hello!" Effie hugged Peeta.
"Effie, it is great to see you again." Peeta embraced Effie and stared at me from behind her back, I smiled at him and he winked.
"You will go right, Peeta?" Effie asked, pulling away from Peeta.
"Of course!" Peeta nodded happily.
"Where are we going?" Connor ran up, stood beside me, and asked.
"Are you Peeta's brother?" Effie questioned, "You two look exactly alike!" Effie said, looking between them.
"Nah, Peety wishes he had these looks." Connor replied. I caught a glance with Peeta as he rolled his eyes.
"Connor is back, you know he only does that when there are beautiful women in the room." Peeta thought, looking me up and down with a knowing smile. Despite that statement probably not being true, I was flattered. I shook my head back at Peeta so he knew I heard him.
"Where are we going?" Conner asked again breaking off our silent conversation.
"Effie has invited us all to the Capitol." Peeta explained nodding at me, "You are, Katniss. Everything about you is stunning." I smiled thankfully at him, but still did not believe it.
"We are going to the Capitol!" Connor asked excitedly, looking at Effie.
Effie nodded, "Yes we are! What is your name, I don't think I caught it?" She asked him as he hugged her.
"His name is Connor," Ryan came up behind us then, stepping beside me, and hugging me to which I hugged him back; acceptingly. "Are you feeling better Katniss? How is your voice?"
"Almost as good as new." I told him, my voice hadn't been breaking on and off lately; it was just still groggy.
"That is great news, so did I hear that we are going to the Capitol?" Ryan turned to Peeta.
"Yes, all of us are." Peeta nodded to me as if for me to tell them who is going.
"Yes; Haymitch Abernathy, Effie of course, my stylist Cinna, my prep team, Octavia, Flavius, Venia, all of you, and Cinna said that he was going to invite Peeta's stylist." I told them all the people.
"Well isn't that just great!" Ryan announced happily.
"Haymitch Abernathy, the victor that won the 50th annual Hunger Games, that Haymitch Abernathy?" Connor asked, in awe. "He is the best victor of all time!"
"See, that is a way to show respect, sweetheart." Haymitch's manly drunken voice told me before an arm wrapped around my shoulders.
"Oh, here we go, stay calm, Katniss." Peeta thought to me.
"Well, those manner were officially awful in front of people you have never met before." Effie shook her head.
I nodded, "I'm sorry, I didn't think that I need to show respect to a forty year old alcoholic." I shrugged his arm off.
"Hey! I am a thirty-five-year-old alcoholic!" Haymitch yelled at me.
"Really? So you won the Games when you were ten?" I asked as a hand stared to pull me away, "I didn't think that was allowed." I turned to see Peeta pulling me away; to his spot across the room against the counters and he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind me and laid his head on my shoulder.
Haymitch looked like he was about to fight back when Connor stepped in, "Hello! I am your biggest fan! I watched every minute of the re-caps and you were amazing! Remember when you used the force field as a weapon and won the 50th annual Hunger Games?" Connor asked sounding exactly like his mother, in fact, those might have even been her exact words.
"That is exactly what your mother said on the couch too." Haymitch replied then pointed a finger at me in an effort to yell something back.
"What about my mother? What did she do on a couch?" Ryan roared.
"Well your mother came over to Katniss's house," Haymitch started, "before I did and I came over there drunk so Katniss put me on the couch went to go make coffee and your mother came out and started rubbing her hands through my hair and down my arms." Haymitch explained holding his arms up in surrender. "I didn't do anything, did I sweetheart?"
I shook my head, "No, he really didn't." I assured Ryan. Ryan glanced at Peeta from my shoulder.
"Ryan, you know she is telling the truth when these two are at each other's throats all the time." Peeta reasoned with him. Ryan nodded and calmed down.
"Not to ruin this moment, but we need to get going!" Effie told us excitedly, everyone turned to her.
"We are leaving today?" We all asked, some more excited than shocked.
"Yes, why do you think I came to tell you all at noon?" Effie asked as if it were obvious. Peeta put his head against mine as if to calm himself.
"I suppose we can just close down the shop for a few days." He murmured. "You guys can all go pack, I'll stay here and start to clean and close it up." They all nodded and left.
I stayed, not only because his arms were restricting me from going, but because I wanted to help him.
"Kat, you can go," Peeta told me, letting me go, "If you want to." I smiled; the sound of his voice calling me 'Kat' was too adorable for question.
"That's alright, I can help you." I nodded still smiling at him; a little to giddy. Peeta smiled back.
"What are you smiling about?" He asked, bringing his face close to mine.
I shrugged, "I am just happy." I closed the distance between us to about a centimeter and Peeta gasped.
"I am glad you are happy," Peeta closed his eyes and started to lean forward. I pulled away and he looked at me; completely shocked.
"We need to work," I told him, "and I don't care what your apron says." I replied as Peeta started to point to it.
"Fine."He huffed as he twisted the 'open' sign to 'closed'.
After that, I nodded at him and flexed my hand to clean up all the bread left out and levitated all of the flour left on the floor or counters into the trash. I then levitated a rag into the sink, put some soap and water on it, and then I washed off the counters and with that we were done.
Peeta laughed, shaking his head in wonder, "What? I didn't say we had to do it the slow way." I shrugged grabbing his hand and walking out of the shop before he turned off the lights and locked it.
"The slow way?" Peeta asked. "I think you need to come to the shop more often, because things would get done the fast way." He whispered in my ear before licking it.
I pulled away from his tongue with a giggle and Peeta smiled at me seductively as my hand started to heat up in a comforting manner not an uncomfortable way.
"Oh, come on." I shook my head and started to pull him towards our house.
As soon as we were in the house, Peeta kissed me heatedly against the backside of the door; as it was shut. I kissed him back for a minute but then pulled away, struggling both with pulling away from him and from braking away from his lips which simply moved to my jaw line and throat.
"Peeta,"I gasped half-moaning, "We need to go pack."
Peeta looked up at me, "Kiss me, Kat and we could pack 'the fast way'."
He replied teasing me but I did kiss him with lots of passion; my hand coming up to stroke his cheek and the other one I placed on his heated warm chest. Peeta moaned this time as his hands came up one to tangle in my hair and the other wrapping to grasp the back of my neck so I didn't escape.
After our kissing session, we ran upstairs to pack; knowing that Effie would come to check on us in a minute. I packed my clothes very fast and then I went to go and help Peeta 'the fast way'. I sat cross-legged on the bed, levitating his clothes in a row.
"Do you want to pack this shirt?" I asked him, pushing out a red t-shirt.
"Yes."He nodded and I pointed down so that the shirt was placed in his suitcase; folding itself nicely.
These same questions went on for a few minutes with us working together to help pack him for the trip. After shirt we went to pants, then shoes, and finally accessories. The suitcase was packed tightly but it did all fit and that was our main concern. I levitated the bags down the stairs as Effie walked through the doors.
After a quick loving goodbye to Prim, Gale, and Mother, we all boarded the familiar train that would take us to the Capitol. Ryan, Raiko, and Conner ate to their hearts desires as they experienced the train for the first time. Peeta and I ate on the comfy chairs surrounding the blue felt filled room. After lunch, Cinna called me.
"Katniss, will you come to my room for a second?" Cinna asked me.
"Sure," I stood from Peeta's lap and followed him.
"I made something for you." Cinna told me, walking into his bedroom and pulling out a sketchbook from his suitcase.
"What is it?" I asked, curious.
"Just look." Cinna turned to the page and then handed the sketchbook to me.
I looked at the figure he drew and gasped. It was me in a mockingjay uniform. My gasp was only because it was not for me. It was something that a superhero would wear. The shoulders were both white armor, the jumpsuit was black with some white thrown in at the inner thighs and arms. There were pockets on the legs, built in arrow container, and there was also a belt that went sidewise from the hip to the waist.
"Do you like it?" Cinna asked, I nodded, "Love it?"
"Yes, its fantastic!" I told him still staring at the picture, "Why did you draw this? How? You are a genius!"
"I just thought you would look great in it is all. I already have it being made, because I just couldn't wait." Cinna shrugged a little to innocently. "Thank you."
We hugged and then we walked out of the bedroom and back into the dinning cart.
"Katniss I just announced that we will be in the Capitol in about five minutes!" Effie told me happily. Wow. Apparently I had looking at that picture for a long time.
"Thank you for the announcement." I replied thanking her.
"Everyone one more announcement, we will be staying in the same hotel as we did in the Hunger Games!" Effie continued. "Dinner will begin at five o'clock, meet us in the lobby!" She clapped excitedly.
"Awesome! I can't wait to see this!" Connor yelled watching out the window along with Raiko.
"I am as well." Raiko nodded with her son. Peeta walked over to me and wrapped me in his arms again.
"Are you ready to be back?" Peeta asked hesitantly.
"I don't know, are you?" I pushed myself into his embrace.
Peeta sighed, "I don't know. We will go straight to the hotel," He paused, "the thoughts will probably get intense so please tell me if it gets to bad." He pleaded.
"I will." I nodded and kissed his jaw. Peeta sighed contently. "But, don't burn anyone to a crisp."
Peeta laughed, "Only on your command, love, only for you." He whispered into my ear.
It was my turn to sigh contently, "You are so perfect."
Peeta scoffed, "Katniss you are the most wonderful stunning person in the world. It is a privilege to be with you." He kissed my cheek.
I shook my head, "Katniss when will you realize that you are perfect?" He asked whispering in my ear.
"Probably never, because I am not." I replied shrugging.
Peeta turned me in his arms and looked deep into my eyes, "Yes, you are."
"We are here! We are here!" Connor yelled pointing out the window to the gigantic familiar city.
After that, we practically had to pull Connor and Raiko through the city to get to the hotel. We went up to floor six, which was a very nice floor with seven bedrooms, five baths, full living room, full kitchen, and a fantastic view. We would have to share and have a roommate which was fine with us because we were only going to be here for a few days. Peeta and I were assigned to one room after hollers from his brothers, we started to come back and it was already four-forty-five.
Cinna had given me a black halter a-line dress and black flats so I was set and Portia gave Peeta a striking black suit and tie. He looked gorgeous. We walked out of the room to see everyone almost gone aside from Haymitch who was in dress pants and a polo shirt. We all walked down together in silence.
Effie looked mad when we arrived in the lobby, "You were supposed to be here three and a half minutes ago!"
Haymitch glared at her, "Loosen your corset and have a drink we are all here, let's go." Haymitch motioned outside.
Effie glared back at him but she did walk outside and start leading us to the fancy restaurant.
"Its Katniss and Peeta!" A woman screamed in her head.
"Wow! She looks lovely!" A man looked me up and down.
"Peeta, you look so handsome. Please be mine!" A teenage girl thought.
I got closer to Peeta and stroked his cheek lightly. Peeta smiled down at me, "That feels nice. What's wrong, love?"
"People just love you don't they?" I asked quietly staring up at him thinking of Jennifer and the random teenage girl.
Peeta seemed confused by the question, "Why would they love me when you are standing right here?"
To that, I couldn't help but blush because that was the most adorably corny line he had ever said to me. We walked into the fancy black-tie restaurant, to which Haymitch looked extremely underdressed, Effie told the hostess who stared a Peeta for a minute before I glared at her and she showed us to a long rectangular table in our own room. I was seated between Peeta and Cinna.
\e table against his fake leg's knee.
"What makes you so special, sweetheart?" Haymitch asked be after we discussed light subjects on the Hunger Games, because as much as I didn't like Haymitch, he would actually bring up a bad memory to me; and I respected him for that.
I picked up a fork and then started to twirl it in the air with my fingers, "Levitation." I replied with a smile. Haymitch rolled his eyes.
"Well I have the durability; so you cannot hurt me." Haymitch crossed his arms over his chest smugly, as if he had won.
"Haymitch, did you know I was born with these mad skills?" I asked. "Because sometimes I forget if I told you or not."
"That is what happens to me too." Cinna helped me, "Wit my eyes being so amazing that I can see the tiniest millimeter, I sometimes forget if I told people."
"Really?" I asked. "Yes me too, ten I am think to myself have I told Haymitch about this?" I ask myself, "And then I proceed to go and tell you." I shrugged.
"Again." Haymitch told us grimly.
"Again." I nodded happily.
After our food came and we ate our delicious meal, we all went our separate ways but Peeta and I just went back to the room. I wrote in our victors book on the bed while Peeta sketched laying on the bed and looking up at me occasionally; which meant he was probably drawing me. After I wrote a few pages, I kissed Peeta who told me not to look at his sketch until it was done, and walked outside to the kitchen to get a drink. However, when Ryan, Connor, and Cinna started playing cards and asked me to join, I did and then I came back to the room an hour later.
When I walked in the room, prepared to apologize intensely to Peeta, I paused at the door because Peeta had fallen asleep in the bed where I was sitting an hour ago. His sketch was under his arm and some colors decorated his face. I smiled at his cuteness, moved the sketch away from him, and moved him so that he appeared more comfortable. Then, I walked into the bathroom to change into pajamas. I crawled back into the bed and laid where his sketchbook just was and his arms wound themselves around my waist.
Since I wasn't that tired, I simply stared at him for a while, until I did get tired. My hand coming up automatically to stroke his cheek while he slept.
"Please don't... don't leave me... please don't... never leave me... ever Katniss." Peeta eyes squeezed shut and he started to shake through his nightmare.
"Peeta, I am not going to leave you. I am right here, I will never leave you." I whispered, Peeta's eyes blinked open, and he looked down at me, confused, before he laid his head on my shoulder and started to cry.
"Don't leave, Katniss." He kept pleading.
"I am not going to leave, Peeta. I am right here. Please don't cry." I whispered hugging him.
"I had a dream that you were kissing Gale and then I tried to break you two up, then he pushed me away and you said that you never wanted to see me again." Peeta told me softly while he cried.
I pulled his face back from my shoulder, placing my hands on his face, and making him look at me, "I will never leave you, Peeta; especially not for Gale." I whispered intensely looking into his blue sad eyes.
Peeta brought a hand up to stroke my cheek, "I know. It was just a dream."
"Yes, it was just a dream." I kissed him, intending it to be chaste, but his arm around my back restricted me from going anywhere. "It was just a dream. I love you, Peeta." I whispered braking our kiss.
"It was just a dream," Peeta nodded seeming trying to assure himself, "I love you too, Katniss."
I smiled and pulled my hand away from his cheek to put it on his chest, but I stopped when I realized there was a pink on my thumb and I had smeared it on his cheek. I giggled,"Oh no, I'm sorry."
Peeta looked at my thumb and then raised his hand to his face then pulled it back and saw the pink on it and he laughed too, "That's alright, I was drawing you." He looked around for the sketchbook. He pulled away just enough to get the sketchbook off the floor beside the bed. "Look." Peeta opened to the last page and showed it to him.
Peeta showed me a dark haired beautiful girl writing in a book. My hair in a braid, as it was, my knees propped up under the book, my eyes were narrow in concentration, my lips a light pink, and my fingers were curled around a yellow pencil that was positioned on the page; where I was writing. I smiled, "It is beautiful."
"Katniss Everdeen," Peeta's tone made me look into his eyes, "You are beautiful, how many times do I have to tell you this?"
"This is to beautiful to be me." I shook my head but kept his gaze.
Peeta shrugged and looked down at the paper, "I simply draw what I see."
I blushed, "Thank you, but maybe you are seeing something more than me." I whispered.
Peeta took my face in his hands again, "I see you, Katniss."
"Thank you," Was the only thing I could say as I hopelessly stared into his azure blue eyes. Peeta kissed me again.
"Come on, let's get some sleep." Peeta suggested, laying back on the pillow, and placing the sketchbook back on the floor beside the bed. He returned and wrapped me in his arms but laid on his back so that my head was placed on his chest.
"Goodnight, Peeta." I whispered.
"Goodnight, I love you." He replied softly.
"I love you too." I managed to mumbled before I fell into sleep.
The next day, Peeta, Connor, Ryan, Raiko, and I are going to the hospital to get a new leg for Peeta; who had been complaining for a while about his old one beginning to bug him and Peeta limped more than he should. I held his hand as we walked in and were assigned to a room where he had to put on a hospital gown; while I turned my back. Peeta crawled under the thin cover, pushed a button so that his head was propped up, and grabbed my hand again. I sat down on the bed beside him while Connor and Ryan ran through the halls as if they were children.
"Are you comfortable?" Raiko asked her son.
Peeta nodded, "Yes, very." He looked at me while he said this. I smiled.
"Good," I nodded, "Raiko, do you think we need to take his leg off now?" I asked her, wanting to get out of here as soon as possible, and preparing for the doctor to come in would help with that.
"I suppose so, Peeta are you okay with that?" She asked taking my place and I walked to the end of the bed, waiting for his answer before I took it off.
"Yes, mom, I am." Peeta nodded to us. I nodded back and started to un-screw his metal leg.
As I worked, I thought about everything, but one thing stuck out in my mind. Haymitch and Effie, oddly, during dinner Effie kept on staring at Haymitch with a gentle adoration; and that is something I have never seen her express, especially not with Haymitch.
Still, Haymitch was a man and that meant that he couldn't tell of a girls feelings for him even if it shot him in the eye, but I couldn't help but wonder that if they got together. I almost laughed at that thought; the thought of Effie Trinklet being in love with Haymitch Abernathy and Haymitch Abernathy being in love with Effie Trinklet. But also how perfect would they be? After all, opposites attract.
That's when Peeta's Doctor came in, greeting all of us and saying his name Doctor Tom Wilson; specialty in orthotics. He observed the old leg that Peeta had been wearing for the last year.
"Well, Peeta, this model is very old," The doctor started, "We could definitely give you a new one."
"How soon?" Raiko asked.
"Well, actually," The doctor became suddenly embarrassed, "I have been working on a new model for you for the past few months; knowing that you would need a new one soon."
That was surprising, I looked at Raiko to see her hanging on to every word and then I glanced at Peeta to see him staring at the doctor before looking at me. "Should we trust him or is this creepy?" He asked me in his mind, I blinked my eyes over to look at the doctor.
"I hope Peeta takes my new model, he could really use it and I was honestly not stalking them. I simply wanted o help him, because he is a victor and I loved to help people who win the Hunger Games…" Doctor Wilson thought as I invaded his mind; feeling disgusted with me every time I read people's minds.
"Is the model ready?" I asked the doctor.
"Nurse Elizabeth," He called walking out into the hallway for a second a blonde nurse came up to him, "Will you go get Peeta Mellark's prostate leg I have been working on?"
"Yes, I will, Tom." The nurse nodded and almost ran towards a door.
The doctor walked back into the room, "I apologize for that; Elizabeth is getting it, "He started, "To answer your question Miss Everdeen, yes the model is ready all I really need to measure some stuff and make sure there is no pain. You all should be out of here in about an hour." He nodded to me.
Peeta smiled, "Thank you, doctor that is fantastic."
The doctor started an assessment of Peeta's blood pressure, eye sight, what he is allergic to, etc. After about ten minutes of this, the doctor left them room along with Raiko and they started to discuss Peeta. I sat down in the seat beside Peeta's bed and grabbed his hand, but before I could sit down he pulled me up and to him. I smiled at him and he grinned back.
"Hello there, Miss Everdeen, I see that you fell." Peeta grinned at me sexily.
I giggled, bringing my hand up to stroke his face while the other was still intertwined with his fingers, "Yes, I am sorry. I seem to have fallen right on top of you." I returned his smile.
Peeta's other hand went to my waist, "I like you right here." His blue eyes looked up at me.
I grinned this time, "I like being here."
What happened next was instantaneous, Peeta's hand that was on my waist slid up my back and to my head and he pulled me down to meet his lips. I kissed him back for a few moments. Then, I pulled back an inch.
"You are so tricky." I whispered against him, kissing the corner of his mouth.
Peeta's mouth turned upwards, "You love it." He whispered back, keeping my head trapped under his hand.
"I love kissing you." I admitted unashamed.
Peeta showed me his teeth, "I love kissing you." He told me pushing my head down to kiss him passionately again.
"I hate to hear you two." A voice that sounded disgusted came from behind us; we broke apart to see Connor standing in the doorway. I pulled away from Peeta and sat in the chair beside him, still holding his hand.
Peeta grinned at his brother, "Connor, don't be jealous."
"I am certainly jealous, brother." Connor teased.
Ryan butted in then, "What we can up here to ask is if you two would like to come to lunch with us in cafeteria?"
"There is no way I am going out there without a back to this hospital gown," Peeta shook his head, "Katniss can go if she would like to." He looked at me questioningly.
I glanced between Ryan and Connor and then back at Peeta, then I noticed that I was hungry, "We will bring you something back?" I asked Peeta.
"Yes please." Peeta nodded, I kissed him just to get a rise out of Connor.
"Katniss! Stop!" Connor shielded his eyes. I kissed Peeta's cheek once more, whispering 'I love you' in his ear and then walked over to the boys. "I love you too." Peeta thought and I smiled at him before turning.
I looked at Ryan, "You'd think he would be younger by his reactions." Ryan laughed and started to lead me to the cafeteria.
Once we got down there, Ryan led me to the line and we bought sandwiches and chips and found a table; Connor trailing behind us as we sat down at a table with four chairs.
"So, Katniss, how do you feel about becoming our sister?" Ryan asked as he sat across from me and Connor sat beside me.
"I've never had brothers," I shrugged, "So I am excited, I suppose."
"Great! We have always wanted Peety to get married first," Connor admitted, "We were excited when you two starting kissing and such in the Games because he finally had the courage to kiss you after all those years of watching you and talking about you." Connor rolled his eyes.
I smiled, "He would talk about me?" I took a bite of my sandwich.
"Oh, all the time," Connor replied taking a bite of his, "Katniss this and Katniss that, if you two made eye-contact he would fall in love you with you more and then everyday he would say 'this is finally the day I am going to talk to Katniss Everdeen' but after a year of that we just stopped listening."
Ryan laughed, "Yes, he loved you ever since you sang that song… what was it called? The village song?" He asked, trying to remember.
"The Valley Song." I nodded, smiling.
"Yes, that one, Peeta loved you ever since he saw you in kindergarten." Ryan laughed again.
Connor shook his head, "And you started to love him when you were both in the reaping."
"I know, I could live a thousand lives and not deserve him, everyone knows it." I shook my head.
"Yes, you could." Connor agreed.
After we finished our lunch, we started to walk back upstairs to Peeta's room when the nurse Elizabeth ran up to me screaming.
"I'm so sorry! Help, Miss Everdeen! Help!" Elizabeth grabbed my arm and started running to Peeta's room, now I was terrified.
"What? Why? What happened?" I screamed at her but she didn't respond.
As we came up on the room, I saw Raiko on the ground with a big cut across her forehead, Ryan and Connor ran to her side, I saw that Doctor Wilson was on the ground as well with a gash in his head, and then I ran into Peeta's room to see an empty bed with a blood trail leading out of the room.
My heart fell as I realized I had lost my boy with the bread.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Oh no! What happened to Peeta? Stay tuned to find out! I love you all!
VMars lover thanks!
Thegirlwiththebread88 thank you! Thank you so much! That means the world to me! Lol! That's what I wanted you all to think of her! I love your user name!
Awesomefanficlova haha yep! That's how I feel! There are no more spoilers for me either! I loved the books as well! Don't do it, girl, fight the people that stole Peeta! Yes, he is great! Thanks a lot!
DuncanandGwen4ever haha yeah! Believe it or not, but Jennifer is actually based off of a 'friend' I have in real life! Thanks for the review!
Alexia Frechette thanks! I hope you liked this chapter!