~Sketching Out Our Love~

~Chapter 10~

Hi everyone! I look forward to Friday all week, because that is the start of the weekend and update day!

So, sorry if you sent me a PM and I didn't reply for a whole day or two. Just know that I have been crazy busy this week. It is a miracle I even finished this chapter!

Sorry about the delay in previews. Like I said, I was having a busy week, and I didn't send them out as fast as I usually do. Also, I forgot a couple people, and sent two to some people as well. I apologize for that, and it won't happen again, I promise. :)

Thank you to my lovely beta Choclate lover. She is truly amazing and has put so much effort into the story!

Enjoy the chapter! 3

I had come to the conclusion that I was insane.

Being here, in the airport, still felt like a dream to me. A small part of me couldn't believe I was going through with this. I regretted this decision, and wished I could go knock on Peeta's door and tell him I would go to Homecoming with him.

Because let's face it, I wanted to go with him.

There was no more beating around the bush. I was head over heels for Peeta, but I was too scared to act on my feelings. Damn my confused feelings for putting me in this mess. I wish I could've just forgotten about Gale.

I fingered my small carry-on. It contained a change of clothes, and some toiletries. I wasn't planning on staying long enough to need a suitcase. I just wanted to get home quickly, so Peeta wouldn't suspect anything.

It occurred to me for the hundredth time day that I had really made a mess of things. I wasn't thinking straight when I had been booking this flight. Because when I thought about it now, visiting Gale would only make a bigger problem. I should really just go back home, rip up the note I left for Mother telling her I was spending the weekend at a friend's house, and curl up in bed.

But I sat quietly on the hard plastic chairs, not moving, waiting for my plane to start boarding. I was a coward for not admitting to myself and to Peeta about my feelings.

And now I'd have to pay the price for my cowardice. Peeta was probably furious that I was shunning him out my life time and time again when all he did was try to bridge the distance between us.

If he only knew where I was now…

I was ashamed of myself. If I was a stronger person, I wouldn't be in this mess. I would be happily sitting at school, getting ready for the weekend, perhaps with Peeta.

"12:00 Flight headed for San Diego is currently boarding!"

I hesitated in my seat for a moment. Am I really going to do this?

I shakily got to my feet, and clutched my bag, which seemed to have tripled in weight since packing it this morning. I took small, shaky steps to the terminal door, hesitating as much as I could. I let a whole mass of people pass me by and enter the plane door. Soon enough, I was one of the only people standing in the terminal.

"Miss, are you boarding or not?" A strict female voice enquired. She gazed at me sternly, and I felt her annoyance. She probably thought I was a lunatic.

Which wasn't too much of a stretch. I felt crazy right now.

"Is this your flight?" The lady enunciated each syllable carefully. "Do you have a ticket?"

"Yes." I replied coldly. "It's right here."

I reached in my bag and pulled out my notebook and the ticket. I had packed the notebook along with my clothes this morning. I leafed through the notebook pages, looking for the leaflet for the cemetery and the flight confirmation.

To my horror, I couldn't find either of the papers. I flipped to the cover of the notebook, and gasped in horror. I had put my papers in my green notebook, and stuffed it in my backpack two days ago. But now I held a light blue notebook. I opened it again, and saw the notes I had taken for Romeo and Juliet.

I felt my stomach churn in dismay. I had taken both notebooks to Peeta's house two days ago. But I hadn't seen that green notebook since being at Peeta's house.

I realized I had left the notebook in Peeta's room, without a doubt. And now he would know that I was hiding something from him, and that I was going to California to visit a cemetery.

"Last chance, Miss." The woman snapped. "Give me your flight ticket please."

I handed the ticket over mutely, my mind reeling at the fact that my printed-out confirmation was with Peeta somewhere. I was still in shock over the fact that I had forgotten the notebook. Now Peeta would know how insane I was.

"This way, please."

I followed the woman obediently, who turned out to be a flight attendant. As I crossed the gateway, I glanced behind me one last time.

And I could've sworn that I saw a very familiar boy with blonde hair and blue eyes staring at me in shock.

But when I tried to get a second glance, he had disappeared into the crowd of people.

I could not sleep on an airplane.

That meant I had six hours to think, and I was scared of thinking for six hours. My brain might just combust after six hours of regretful thinking. An image of Peeta's face seemed to be burned into my retina. I saw him everywhere.

The man sitting next to me seemed to be nursing a hangover and snoring loudly, so even if I wanted to fall asleep, I couldn't. I couldn't help but wonder if Peeta snored while he slept. A slight smile tugged at my lips at the thought of a sleeping Peeta.

Speaking of Peeta…

Peeta knew where I was right now. The papers were with him, and I wouldn't be surprised if he had followed me. I might've even seen him at airport, but I kept telling myself I'd imagined it. It was easier that way. It made for less regretful thinking, which I already had enough of.

I pulled out the folded up paper that Peeta had used to ask me out to Homecoming. I swallowed thickly as I unfolded the white paper and stared down at it.

Peeta had a way of making me look gorgeous in his drawings. My hair was down and flowing, and a small smile seemed to be tugging at my lips. The fact that this was how Peeta saw me was astounding. I had never considered myself pretty, but Peeta drew me like I was beautiful.

The plane began to dip downwards, so I knew we were close. My belly churned with nerves, and all I could think of was how much I'd messed up. I quickly stuffed the paper back in my bag, before my seat partner woke up and saw it. I wasn't in the mood to explain to a drunk old man.

Please don't let Peeta have followed me. I thought frantically as the plane began its slow, choppy descent.

I had searched the plane as best as I could, but there was no trace of Peeta, which appeased me slightly. But it didn't take away the feelings of dread. And he could've easily taken another flight.

The plane landed with one final jolt, and I jumped in my seat slightly. The snoring man beside me woke with a sudden start before composing himself, and muttered about incompetent pilots. I would've laughed if I wasn't in such a problematic situation.

The man staggered to his feet, knocking against my knee in the process. For the first time during the flight, he looked at me, acknowledging my presence.

"Hello, Sweetheart." He rasped. "Where are you going all alone?"

I had been taught to not talk to strangers my whole life, so I pointedly ignored the man. I leaped to my feet quickly, my legs protesting at the sudden movement. Since I had been mostly inactive for the past seven hours, my knees gave out.

To my annoyance, the man caught me and steadied me. I pushed his hand away and grabbed onto the seat in front of me for support instead.

"Someone is quiet." He grinned at me. "You are about as charming as a sea slug, Sweetheart."

I opened my carry-on and started sorting through my baggage for no other reason than to look preoccupied.

"I need to find a Miss Effie Trinket." He muttered to me. "Central High School sent me to find her. She lives somewhere here in San Diego. The man said she will be very easy to spot, whatever that means."

I dropped my poker face, and spun around to face the man. "Why?" I blurted out, skipping all preambles.

"Top-secret business, Sweetheart." The man extended his hand to me. "Haymitch Abernathy."

"Katniss." I replied, ignoring his outstretched hand.

"Lovely to meet you." Haymitch drawled sarcastically as he withdrew his hand. "Now, excuse me."

Haymitch weaved his way through the airplane unsteadily. He was most definitely drunk, or perhaps he hadn't yet mastered walking in a straight line. I followed a couple people behind him, trying to remain inconspicuous.

Well, this Haymitch person had given me quite a bit of thinking to do. Does that mean that Snow is in trouble now, or is Effie one of his puppets? My mind raced with all the various possibilities, and I nearly walked right past the plane exit in my preoccupation.

I walked quickly through the makeshift tunnel that would lead me out of the plane and into the airport alongside official-looking businessmen and women. When I arrived in the airport, I blinked several times so that I could get used to the brighter lighting.

When my eyes came into focus, I realized that the scene in front of me seemed to be one of utter chaos. All around me, family members were hugging loved ones who had just gotten off the plane. I couldn't distinguish any sounds besides those of tears of joy, laughter, and screams.

Haymitch was standing beside a woman dressed all in pink. She wore high pink heels that seemed to be at least five inches high. My back started aching just looking at the spiked stiletto heels. She also wore a shiny magenta-pink suit that hugged her thin figure perfectly. But her most ludicrous feature was her hair. It was a bubblegum pink wig that was overly curly and short. I almost laughed out loud at this strange woman, and understood why Haymitch was told that would be very easy to spot.

Upon closer inspection, even her eyelashes were pink. I couldn't hold back a snicker as Haymitch stared at Effie like he had been hit in the head. The expression on his face was nothing short of absolute shock.

"Who in their right minds would appoint you?" Haymitch yelled caustically. "I mean, look at you!"

"Manners, Mr. Abernathy." Effie Trinket responded imperiously. I couldn't help but stop walking and watch this argument.

"Loosen up, Sweetheart." Haymitch drawled. "Let's go have us a nice drink, and relax. Flying isexhausting."

"We most certainly will not!" Effie screeched. "We have a busy, busy day ahead of us tomorrow! We can't even be a minute late! I have the whole schedule mapped out for us!"

Haymitch cussed something that made Effie gasp and close her eyes in shame. Haymitch snickered, and said in a louder voice, "Lead the way, Sweetheart. I thought we were on a schedule."

"Yes, as a matter of fact, we are." Effie's insane heels clicked as she walked toward the nearest airport exit. Haymitch followed in her wake, looking a little annoyed. I don't think the idea of no drinking went over well with him, because he looked very sullen as well. I snickered at the person who had decided to have Haymitch meet Effie. They were practically polar opposites.

Like Peeta and I aren't. A voice in my head whispered.

I ignored the thought, and followed Effie and Haymitch outside. The climbed into a waiting car and sped off. I watched their car get smaller and smaller until it disappeared entirely. I was now all alone outside, because most people were still inside getting baggage or had already left. I waited for a couple of minutes for a passing taxi to take me to the cemetery.

It was already dark out, which had me worried. I wasn't exactly scared to spend time in a cemetery in the dark, but more so apprehensive. And then there was the fact that my plane didn't leave until eight in the morning tomorrow.

I was stupid; I should've never come here. I had acted on a whim, and now I was in deep trouble.

A taxi cruised through right in front of me, and I quickly stepped forward and waited for the car to stop. Once it was stopped, I opened the back door dropped my bag in.

"Where you going, Miss?" The driver asked me.

"New Hope Cemetery, please." I replied quickly. I smiled quickly at the driver, who nodded and waved me in.

The ride was a mostly silent affair. I kept my hands knotted in my lap, and my eyes focused on the road. I remembered this part of San Diego vividly, because I had lived so close to here. A wave of homesickness rolled over me, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if I still lived here.

We passed a flower shop on the way. I made the driver stop, because I thought it would be nice to get Gale some flowers. I stepped into the shop, and roamed through the small store, looking for a good bouquet.

I involuntarily shuddered when I passed the section of roses. They still reminded me of Snow's office, which I didn't want to be reminded of right now.

I ended up picking out a bouquet of yellow marigolds. I think Gale would've liked them, so I carried them over to the cashier and paid for them.

I walked out of the shop and into the taxi car carrying my marigolds. The driver eyed me curiously, but didn't say a word, for which I was thankful. I definitely didn't want to talk to anybody right now. I wasn't feeling anything but regret for what I'd done to Peeta and anxiety at seeing Gale's grave.

I handed over twenty dollars to the taxi driver once we arrived at the door of the cemetery. I grabbed my bag and slung it over my right shoulder, and held the bouquet in my hands. And with a single wave from the taxi driver, I was left all alone in a dark cemetery.

I shouldered my bag securely, and held the marigolds with a death grip. I took tiny steps through the cemetery gate. It was very quiet in the cemetery. I saw two people gathered by a headstone on the other side of the park, but that was it.

I am not afraid of a dark cemetery. I chanted as I made my way through the gravestones. I am not afraid of a dark cemetery.

Despite my best efforts not to be, I was scared. I was scared of this cemetery, but mostly, I was afraid of the consequences of this visit. I had gotten myself into this, and there's no telling what could happen. It was very likely that Peeta had followed me. I wouldn't blame him if he did. It would be all my fault if he had come, because I hadn't trusted him enough to tell him earlier.

I knew the general vicinity of Gale's resting spot, but it was hard to find the actual headstone. I had only been to Gale's grave once, at his funeral, which had been in the daytime. It was proving to be much harder to find in the darkness.

I wandered around for several long minutes, squinting at the names engraved on the headstones, trying to find Gale's. It took several minutes, but I finally found the gravestone. I kneeled in front of the stone, brushing the slight layer of dust off with my hands.

In Loving Memory of

Gale Hawthorne

June 22, 2012

Forever in our thoughts.

I ran my fingers over the words slowly, hesitating at the forever in our thoughts. I had not chosen Gale's epitaph. I could only assume that Hazelle had chosen them, because this is not what I would have chosen. It sounded too stuffy, and I don't think Gale would've like it very much either. I would have chosen something more meaningful, not some scripted words.

But it didn't matter anymore. Gale was buried and gone, so I was thinking pointless thoughts. Instead, I should be laying down my flowers or doing whatever the heck people do at graves anyways.

"Hi, Gale." I began tentatively, in a much smaller voice than I usually used. "It's Katniss."

I laid the flowers on the headstone carefully, repositioning one of the falling flowers. "I brought you some flowers. I think you'd like them, they remind me of our Meadow in the woods."

I hesitated for several long minutes. This was stupid. It was senseless to talk to Gale as if he was really here, because he wasn't. It was also pointless for me to come here in the first place.

I had thought that by coming here, I would get some kind of closure. I figured that visiting Gale would give me some answers so I could move on with my life. But I was getting nothing. This was pointless, and I should've known better than to come.

"I haven't come until now because Mother and I moved." I continued talking to the mound of earth. "I promised myself I'd never come back, but I came back. I don't know why I did either."

I heard a rustle in the trees, and I jumped about ten feet in the air. My head swiveled in the direction of the sound, and I spied a small tabby cat. My racing heartbeat eased out, and I focused on calming my breathing. I was already on high alert since I was in a graveyard, so it was no wonder I had been so easily spooked.

"Hey, kitty." I murmured as the cat made its way closer to me. "What are you doing here all alone?"

He meowed softly in response, and I held out my hand. The cat padded toward me cautiously, and my heart went out to him. He was all alone, like me. The overwhelming urge to protect this ugly cat came over me. "I won't hurt you." I whispered. "Come here."

The cat hesitated for a second more before brushing up against my side and sitting next to me. I stroked his fur gently, and he purred softly in response. "I think I like you." I murmured in a surprised tone.

"I know you hate cats, Gale." I laughed a little at the thought. "But I just found one, and I surprisingly like it."

I could almost see Gale's disgusted voice and his voice saying, "Catnip, are you serious?"

"Yeah, I'm serious." I ran my hand through the cat's fur again. "It's a shame I can't take her on the plane though."

"I thought I'd find answers here." I whispered after a pause that could have been mere seconds or long hours. I don't know why, but I felt like I needed to get this out. "But I was wrong. My answers are home in New York. I was just too blind to realize it."

I shook my head at the thought that I had wasted so much time and money on this excursion. I needed to get home, to Peeta, before I lost him. He was what I needed, not Gale.

"I'm leaving now, Gale." I stood up, and looked down at the grave. "I've finally realized that everything I want isn't here."

The cat protested, mewing and rubbing against my leg sadly. He looked up at me with big hazel eyes, and I could almost see him telling me not to leave. "Sorry, boy." I reached down and ran my hand through his fur one last time. "I don't belong here."

I took three steps before turning back and looking back at the headstone. "Bye, Gale. I won't forget you, but I won't let my life revolve around your death either."

The cat turned and began walking in the opposite direction, so I took that as my cue to leave as well. "I loved you. But not anymore." I held my bag in one hand, and walked further away from the grave and towards the gate.

The night was alive with sounds. Owls hooted from their perches on the trees, and crickets chirped softly in the background. The cool night air rushed past my face, invigorating me in a way that I hadn't been for a very long time.

For the first time since Gale's death, I felt alive. I didn't feel like a broken mess that could crumble at any given moment for absolutely no reason. I felt stronger, and ready to face what was ahead of me. Seeing Gale had surprisingly been useful in a way. It had given me closure, and confirmed to my mind what my heart had already known.

I loved Peeta Mellark. I loved him more than I had ever loved Gale, and I wasn't scared to admit it anymore. I was scared to love again after Gale's death, but now, I felt free of Gale and all the sorrow his death had inflicted.

Even if Gale was still alive, I had no doubt that we wouldn't work out. Gale was too fiery and stubborn for me. I had my own fire, which was why Gale and I had never been able to agree on anything. Fire plus fire only creates a wildfire that rages out control.

But Peeta was different. He was compassionate and caring, always ready to forgive me. He was the very opposite of Gale. I don't think Gale had ever said sorry to me.

My thoughts carried me to the gate of the cemetery, and I sighed in relief as I got closer. I had gotten in and out of the cemetery without Peeta even realizing I was here, and I had sorted out what I felt for Gale. Now I can go home, and tell Peeta that I want to go to Homecoming with him.

"Katniss?"

I jumped, and my heart immediately sank. I knew the owner of this voice, and it belonged to the person I least wanted to talk to in the whole world at this moment.

"Katniss?"

I was too close to pretend I couldn't hear Peeta, so I unwillingly turned around and faced him. For a long moment, we just stared at each other, until Peeta broke the silence.

"I didn't want to intrude, so I waited out here on the bench." He said hesitantly, gesturing at the bench beside him. He inaccurately read the shame on my face as anger, and hurriedly elaborated. "I only came because I was worried about you."

The next words out of my mouth surprised me. "It's not your fault."

Peeta just stared in confusion, obviously having no answer. He was looking at me like I was mentally unstable, which I'd had enough of for one day.

"Why don't we go somewhere?" I asked awkwardly. "I don't think this is the best place."

"The bench is as good a place as any." Peeta replied easily. He sat on the edge of one side, and I took a seat on the other side. The wide berth of space between us was only adding to my nerves, so I scooted closer to Peeta's warmth.

"I think I owe you an explanation." I whispered softly. My heart was beating frantically, mostly because I was scared Peeta would refuse me.

"Go on." Peeta answered, giving me a brief smile. "I won't stop you."

"I'm not very good with words." I sighed. This was going to be difficult.

"Katniss, I'm listening to you." Peeta encouraged patiently. I looked everywhere but Peeta as I tried to find the right words to start.

"I came here today, because I wanted to visit someone named Gale Hawthorne." I spit it right out. "Remember at the beginning of the year, you kept asking me who GH was?"

"So, GH is this Gale person?" Peeta questioned, his voice steady.

I nodded my head and continued. "He was my best friend. After my father died, he saved my life. He saved me from starving to death, and he was there to comfort me. Over time, he became much more than a friend to me."

"What happened?" Peeta asked in a hushed whisper. His face was contorted in a mixture of pain and sympathy, because he knew what was coming next.

"He got cancer." I gazed through the cemetery gates, seeing Gale's grave in my mind's eye. "He did well for a whole year, but then the cancer got too strong. He died a week before we moved to New York."

"Is that the whole story?" Peeta questioned in surprise. "Why do I feel like you are leaving something out?"

"Like what?" I stopped to think for a moment. "I go to a psychologist named Cinna on Wednesdays. My mom and I barely talk to each other. And I'm mentally unstable, according to my mother."

"I don't think you're mentally unstable." Peeta whispered, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

My heart did somersaults at his touch, and I blushed. "Thank you for waiting on me."

"I'd wait forever, Katniss." Peeta grabbed my hand, and rubbed soft circles on it. "Why were you so scared, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Scared of what?" I inquired. My brain was trying to function correctly while Peeta was holding my hand, and it wasn't working very well so far.

"Of letting me in."

"I was hurting, after Gale." I replied honestly. "Liking someone else after his death didn't feel right. I felt like I was betraying him."

"Anything else?" Peeta's dark blue eyes stared so deeply into my own grey ones that I couldn't help but tell him the truth.

"I was scared you would leave me someday. Like Gale did." Tears started pouring from my eyes without my consent, and I felt my throat start to close up like it always does when I get upset.

"Katniss. Look at me." Peeta tilted my chin up so that I was staring straight into his beautiful eyes.

Peeta gently brushed my tears away with the tips of his fingers. "I will never leave you, no matter what. I love you, and I promise to never leave you."

"Always?" I asked in a whisper, my tears falling down my cheeks again. But this time, they were tears of relief, not sadness.

"Always."

My body slowly gravitated towards Peeta's, so that I was suddenly a mere inch away from his lips. I realized I was up against his chest, but when I tried pulling away, Peeta held me tighter. "Stay." He murmured into my neck. His breath sent shivers down my spine, and I instinctively tightened my hold around him.

Our lips met in perfect synchronicity. This was the first kiss we were both ready for and expecting, and I felt it. Peeta's lips were soft and gentle on my own, but held fire as well. I savored the feel of Peeta's lips on mine, and how right it felt to kiss him.

For a moment, I just focused on the feel of his lips on mine. I blocked everything else out, and felt his heart beating underneath my hands. It was just him and me, for a moment in time.

It doesn't get any better than this, I thought contentedly.

I only pulled away when I absolutely had to breathe or risk passing out. My forehead rested on Peeta's forehead, and we were both breathing heavily.

"Peeta?" I whispered once I had gotten my breath back.

"Yes?" Peeta grinned at me, and I could see the happiness in his eyes. He had been waiting for this moment for months.

"Will you go to Homecoming with me?" I asked shyly. I pulled the paper he had used to ask me to Homecoming, and held it out to him shakily.

"I thought you don't like dances?" Peeta quipped, his eyes merry. He grabbed the paper from my hands and stared down at it happily.

"I don't mind as long as I'm with you." I whispered quietly.

"I love you, Katniss." Peeta smiled at me as he pushed us both to our feet. "And I will happily go to Homecoming with you."

"Always?" I asked, entwining our fingers together. It was a very chilly night, so I pushed up into his warm body. Peeta automatically got the message and tightened his hold around my shoulders.

"Always."

Thanks for the reviews, favorites, alerts, and anonymous readers! You all matter so much to me. All my lovely readers make my day!

Review for a preview of Chapter 11. It will be in Peeta's POV. It will be dress shopping with Prim, Peeta's Homecoming Football Game, and Part 1 of Peeta and Katniss's Homecoming. It will be a fun one to read, I promise. :)

-Glitter 3