Chapter Fifteen

Disclaimer - I don't own Hunger Games or any of its characters.

Thanks to jmjames, PeetaLover1116, FirePearl97, Kpfan72491, jenjentheboscostick, Guest, pumpkinking5, MaidenAlice, canadianboy98, hungerBMAMgames, Niqueesinger14, Lee1597, chuffed, SlyLikeFoxFace, Jonathan K, JoelHGLover00, ShortySC22 and SeriouslyCrazy83!

Last chapter I did a lot of edits about Gale and Katniss, most of it is the same except the parts concerning the whippings, I explained why I changed it in the last chapter at the end :)

Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Katniss –

I wait at home, just sitting down on the couch, deep in thought. My mother had arrived at home a little while ago, but I sent her straight to the Hawthornes and told her quickly about Gale. My mother had given me a confused and concerned look when I didn't join her on her trip to the Hawthorne household.

I didn't really feel like seeing Gale so soon, and I'm pretty sure Gale didn't want to see me either. I groaned, guilt flooding me. What the hell happened today? I reprimanded myself furiously. How come I didn't step up to Gale's side? Why did I just watch like an idiotic fool, gaping at the scene before me? I cared about Gale a lot, but why did I desert him then? Why had I been so stupid? Why didn't I stand up for my friend? What was wrong with me?

I sighed, placing my head in my hands sadly. Gale was my best friend, he had been punished brutally, and what had I done? Nothing, I seethed silently. I was a horrible friend, huh?

Pursing my lips I sunk back down in the couch, wallowing in my self pity and hate. I'm such a bundle of joy, aren't I?

I needed to apologize to Gale again, but what he'd said to me earlier had hurt me. He'd said I didn't care about him, but I did, I know I did. Then why didn't I help him? I don't know. I was so stupid, just watching him getting hit over and over again. I would've stopped it, I was about to, but then Peeta intervened.

He'd been the hero, I had watched in shock as he spoke down the Peacekeeper. I had continued watching in stunned silence when Darius joined him and freed Gale. They were amazing, then. What had I done? Nothing really, except gotten Gale angry about Peeta, which didn't help our situation much.

I chew my lip. Peeta and Gale. Part of the reason we had a falling out was because of Peeta, not that it was his fault. Gale thought I was in love with Peeta, what had ever possessed him to think that?

What did I feel for Peeta, anyways? He was my friend, he was funny and kind and smart. I smile when I remember our trips out in the forest and the first time we ever spoke, which was out in the meadow, watching the sunset. It seemed quite long ago, yet the memory was still fresh in my mind. From that time on, I felt like I really wanted to get to know him much more.

Then, I remember seeing my portrait in his room with Prim. My smile fades slightly. I remember his apology in the Hob, how embarrassed I'd felt when he'd grabbed my hand in front of everyone there. I remember Greasy Sae asking if Peeta was my boyfriend. I also remember scowling slightly and reddening at her question.

I remember sitting down at Peeta's table with his friends, how kind and fun they were towards me. They didn't treat me as if I was lower than them, being from the Seam and all that, and I was very grateful. I was worried that they'd be total snobs and I'd have to resist the urge to kick their backsides. That feeling was kind of pathetic though, I was sure that Peeta would only choose the best people to be close friends with, but I still had a slightly worried feeling that they wouldn't accept me for who I was and that they would treat me like dirt.

I remember arguing with Peeta's mother, how angry I'd gotten at her. I scowl at the memory, that woman was evil. Who did she think she was? Hitting her child? What made it even more worse was that Peeta didn't even seem angry at that, more like sad and confused when he thought about it. If I was in his place I wouldn't have stood for that, I probably would have left home the first chance I'd got, but then again maybe not. I mean, I would have Rye and Myles and Mr. Mellark there as well.

I frown at the thought of Peeta's father, did he know how his wife treated Peeta and his other sons? Mr. Mellark was kind, I knew that much from my many trips to the bakery. Did he know about his wife? If he did, why didn't he stop it yet? Or did Mrs. Mellark put a mask on whenever she was around the kids in front of her husband?

I needed to thank Peeta, now that I think about it. I feel slightly stupid when I silently ask myself why I didn't realize that before. I purse my lips and shove myself off the couch and begin walking towards my front door. I might as well do it now, it would be quite nice to see Peeta after my argument with Gale.

Making my way down the Seam and towards the town, my thoughts begin to drift from Peeta to Gale.

I needed to apologize to him, but I wasn't sure when would be the right time. I mean, I know that today wasn't exactly the best day to apologize, he'd probably be under intense care from my mother. Prim would probably be at her side too, helping her with Gale whenever she could. My lips twitch upwards when I think about my dear sister. I can imagine that scene rather well, but then I wince as I think about Gale's body lying down on the couch. I can picture Vick and Posy's horrified looks and Rory's sick face. I can picture Prim comforting Rory, I can picture Hazelle's worried and concerned face hovering around Gale as he's being treated.

I sigh. Tomorrow might not be so good either, Gale would probably be resting, and he'd need all the rest he could get after that whipping.

I see the Mellark bakery up ahead, I feel slightly nervous as I approach it. I hope Peeta will be there, I definitely do not want to have another encounter with his mother. It would be hell.

Taking one last, ragged breath, I push open the door and can vaguely hear the dinging sound of the bell.

I look over at the counter and my eyes meet Peeta's. There is a small silence until Peeta breaks it.

"Hey, Katniss." He clears his throat and plasters a smile on his face. "Whats up?" He leans against the counter, raising an eyebrow.

I shrug and walk towards the counter. "I wanted to thank you." I say simply, coming to a stop as I reach the edge of the counter.

Peeta winces, and I know that the memory of Gale is coming to his mind. "Its no problem." He says earnestly. I can sense an underlying question in his words however. I'm pretty sure its: 'Why didn't you help him?'

I sigh. "I know what you're thinking." I mumble pathetically. "Why didn't I help Gale? My best friend."

Peeta's lips come into a thin line. "You don't have to tell me." He says, casting his eyes downwards. "Were you there? I didn't see you."

I take a breath. "I was there, and I didn't do anything."

Peeta blinks, surprised. "Wha- Why?" He stammers, confusion evident in his voice.

"I don't know." I say honestly. "I was about to, but-"

"But I cut in." He finished, pursing his lips.

A silence falls between us. "I have no idea why I didn't stop it." I say honestly. Peeta shrugs.

"Everyone does something stupid." He offers. "Its not your fault."

"Yes! It is!" I trip over my words, anger rising within me. However, its not directed towards Peeta, but rather to myself. "Its my fault! I have no idea what was going on and why I didn't do anything and I hate myself for it! Why the hell didn't I intervene? Did I try to stop them? No! What did I do instead? I just watched him get whipped fourteen times!"

Peeta looks at me sadly. "Katniss, don't beat yourself up about that. I'm sure Gale will forgive you." He states. "You're a good friend. Gale knows he can't let you go. You're too special for that."

I swallow roughly. "We had a fight."

Peeta's brow furrows. "Oh. I'm sorry." He says, his eyes darting around. I have a very good feeling that he's feeling quite uncomfortable.

I purse my lips. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be unloading all this on you." I mumble. Peeta opens his mouth to speak but I cut across him. "I'll just go. Thanks again, Peeta."

I turn around and barely take a step towards the door before Peeta's voice rings in my ears and I feel his hand grab mine. I tense as Peeta twirls me back around to face him. I realize that he's made his way around the counter and we're standing chest to chest and face to face. Well, actually, he's about half a foot taller than me or somewhat, so we're not really face to face, now that I think about it.

He swallows and his eyes darken as they scan my features. "Katniss, stay." His voice has dropped into a low, deep tone. I blink, a little uncertain at this sudden change in him. He pulls me down to the bench where the customers sit. "Talk to me." He mumbles as he sits down beside me.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. How will this help me?

The look Peeta gives me makes me realize I've said my question aloud. He gives me a half bemused and half exasperated look. "Katniss, just talk to me about it. You shouldn't be alone. Its the worst thing to do when you are angry at yourself." He says. "Believe me, I've been through it before as well."

I raise an eyebrow. "This exact situation?" I ask, only a tad bit sarcastic.

Peeta shakes his head, a tiny bit of amusement glinting in his eyes. "No, but I did sort of say 'I hate myself', like you did."

I look at him, confused. Peeta doesn't exactly seem to be the sort of person who would beat himself up over something. He's an optimistic person, it is what everyone thinks when they see him or meet him for the first time.

Peeta chuckles at my reaction, but darkens when he speaks. "When my mother first hit me, she said some awful things to me and stuff. I didn't know why she did those things or said those things and I thought it was my fault. I thought I had done something despicable to make her hate me or some sort. I hated myself, thinking that it was true. I thought that I had done something so horrible to her that she was that angry at me." He explained sourly. "Then, when I grew up, I realized that I'd done nothing to her. I was upset then, I wanted her to love me and care for me like I saw other mothers do. So I didn't say anything when she hit me, I just felt like the more she beat me or something, the more I had to prove myself to her. I wanted her to love me and care for me. Be there for me. I still want those things now."

I look at him, waves of concern flooding towards him. Without saying anything, I place my hand over his and squeeze it. I smile at him slightly when he gives me a weird look. When he sees my smile, a similar one crosses his lips.

I squeeze his hand once more. I want him to know that I'm here for him and I always will be. Sudden determination fills me. I will be his friend, one of the best I can be, and I will have a very stern talking with his mother.

Peeta -

When I feel Katniss's hand slip over mine, I feel stunned. What's brought this on? When I look at her, I see her give me a small smile. I can't help but smile back at her. When, she squeezes my hand, I understand what she's trying to tell me.

The meaning makes me grin. When I see determination fill her eyes, I wonder whats got her so... focused, I don't say anything though, I just smile at her, feeling my heart race a thousand miles per second.

We stay like that for a while, none of us moving, except for the occasional squeeze her hand gives mine. It makes me feel warm when she does that. When she'd done that the first time, I suddenly knew that she cared for me, like really cared for me. That realization made me warm all over and feel butterflies erupt in my stomach.

"Thank you." I say simply. Katniss doesn't ask what I mean by that, she already knows. She sends me another soft smile that makes all the thoughts in my mind disappear and make me feel giddy.

The door suddenly slams open and Katniss and me stand up straight and I dart back over to the counter in record speed. Katniss looks confused to where she should be and her eyes are widening in alarm.

When I look over at the person who intruded on our moment, I instantly curse him silently.

Rye, in all his glory, stands there sending me a wicked grin as his eyes dart to Katniss and me repeatedly. "Well, hello, dear brother of mine." He turns to Katniss, grinning cockily. "I see you have a lovely lady over for company."

I blush and Katniss glares at Rye. Rye instantly pales and quickly moves away from her.

"Hi, Rye." I mumble. Katniss shoots me a look over his shoulder and I feel my knees go weak beneath me.

"I should go." Katniss says. I curse myself inwardly, I didn't even have the chance to comfort her.

I clear my throat. "Uh, sure, I'll see you, Katniss. Have a good day, I'll see you. Maybe at school?" I stumble over my words like a fool, my cheeks becoming red as I sense Rye's stupid grin directed at me.

Katniss nods. "Sure, see you, Peeta." She walks out of the door, but then pops her head back in the bakery. "Thanks."

And just like that, she's gone. I stare at the place she just was like an idiot.

"Aw... Is my little brother in love?" Rye's teasing voice reaches my ears.

I glare at him. "Shut it, Rye." I mutter. Rye snickers at my reaction and leans against the counter lazily.

Rye snorts at my reaction and begins to talk. "Remember Sofia? Sofia Weller? The girl that I told you that agreed to go out with me?"

I nod. "Yes..." I trail off, confused to where he's going with this.

Rye smiles. "Thanks for all that advice on the first date, by the way." He adds, then continues on, "Well, anyways, the first date went amazingly amazing! And, yeah, she agreed to go on more. So we did. But the thing is, we aren't official."

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Rye chews his lip thoughtfully. "Remember her ex-boyfriend? Justin?" Rye's tone becomes disgusted as he says his name. I nod, slightly amused at Rye.

"Yeah, what about him?"

Rye growls. "That little idiot, well, he asked to get back together with Sofia?"

I blink. "I'm assuming she said no?"

Rye nods. "She did. But, then, Justin told me, well, threatened is a more accurate way to say it. But anyways, he threatened me that he'd get Sofia back no matter what the cost was."

I can see where this is going now. "So now, you need to make Sofia 'officially yours'?" I question for clarification. Rye nods.

"Yep."

I shrug. "Just ask her." I tell him simply, wondering why Rye didn't think of that first.

Rye slaps his face with his hand in annoyance. "I know that, Peeta! I just want to do it special, with a lot of thought, to make her know that I genuinely care about her and that I'll care about her much more than Justin has ever cared for her."

I purse my lips. "So you want advice?"

He nods. "Just a simple idea, and I'll do the rest of it on my own."

I smile a little. "Okay."

After our talk about what Rye should do, Rye sprints out the bakery like mad. I laugh at he charges out of the door, heading to the florist's. I smile, Sofia is a good influence on him. I think that that's true, he doesn't joke and prank as much, but I can see he's more mature now. Part of that reason is because of how he wants to impress Sofia.

But even as I had shared ideas, my mind and thoughts kept drifting off to Katniss. Something had changed between us, I sensed it when I saw that look upon her gorgeous face. I wasn't sure what, but I knew that it was a good change. Maybe a step in the right direction. More than once, Rye had to snap his fingers in front of my face to bring me back out of my daze. I would blush and continue speaking where I'd left off, much to Rye's amusement.

So, now, here I was, back in the bakery alone. But then, the door swung open. I blinked, surprised to see who was standing there. Prim. She didn't have anything with her, just a smile on her pretty face.

"Hello, Peeta." She said politely, walking towards the counter, looking up at me, waves of friendliness and kindness simply pouring out of her. She smiled at me, but I could tell it was strained.

"Hi, Prim. Is there anything I can get you?" I smile back at her. She shakes her head.

"No thanks, Peeta. I just wanted to thank you for helping Gale."

I shrug, "Its no big deal, Prim. Is he alright?" I ask.

Prim nods. "He's sleeping now, but I think he'll be fine."

"Thats good." I say genuinely.

Prim continues on, "Its quite big of you, though, Peeta. To help Gale, when I heard about the whipping, I was so worried at how hurt he'd be and if anyone stood up to him. But he told us that you stood up for him, along with Darius."

Darius, that was the Peacekeper's name. "Oh." Is all I can say.

"Thanks again, Peeta. No one had stepped up to help him, but I was glad you did before it got any more worse." She said sincerely. A thought of Katniss zoomed into my mind. I force a smile on my face.

"Its alright, really. Tell him to get well soon."

Prim nods. "Of course, thanks again, Peeta." She pauses before she turns around. "Can I ask you something?"

I nod. "Sure."

Prim looks a little embarrassed as she opens her mouth, "Do you like Katniss?"

I blink, then instantly redden. Thats all the answer Prim needs, she sends me a sneaky grin.

"I think she likes you too, but just doesn't realize it yet." She grins.

I flush hotly. "Um... Uh, please... gah..." I stammer, my face becoming even more redder by the second, much to Prim's amusement.

"See you, Peeta." She winks at me cheekily. "I won't breathe a word about this to Katniss."

Before I can even open my mouth, she is out of the door.

Author's Note: I worked all night on this chapter and I need to write down my thoughts about this story... I honestly have no idea whats going on in this story. I mean I do, but I'm not sure where its headed, but I do know for sure we're nearing the end. Let me just add that the reaping's only about a couple of months away. There's just a few more chapters left and then a short epilogue.

Ooh, and I got a deviantART account, but I suck at drawing xD The reason I got it was just to support some of my friends who have deviant and to improve my drawing skills... The only thing I can actually draw is probably, well, a 2D Christmas tree :p

Hmm, I am thinking of trying to get a cover art for this story, but I suck at drawing so I'll probably do something on internet or whatever, so I suppose it could Katniss/Peeta cover art or something. Any ideas?

Anonymous review replies:

Guest/Jonathan K (Your comments were very similar and I think you are the same person? xD Sorry if I get it wrong): Thanks for your review on the last chapter! It helped me a lot, I realized that you were right so I went back and edited and added a lot more emotions on Katniss's side, so thanks :) One of the most helpful reviews I've ever gotten.

JoelHGLover00: Ah, I'm sorry, but this story will be ending soon :( I really like reading your reviews and I'm glad of all the support! :)

Thanks for reading, guys :) It means a lot and I like the support you all give :) So, favorite if you are really enjoying the story, follow if you want to see more, review if you'd like to drop a comment and I'll reply, of course xD

So, see you guys next time! :)