Chapter Sixteen

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

Thanks to canadianboy98, Merlinrules555, FirePearl97, JoelHGLover00, PeetaLover1116, Kpfan72491, MaidenAlice, eekabeeka, ShortySC22, jmjames, ajquest, Antea Mellark, IRRISSE and pumpkinking5!

Fast update! I know! ;-D

Next chapter will probably be posted a little later though :(

Heads up - This is placed a month after the last chapter, the reaping is coming up soon! One more month, to be exact ;-D

Ugh, this chapter is quite horribly written :( Seriously, its horrible xD

Anyways, once again, thanks for all the reads/reviews/follows/favorites, it makes me happy to know that people enjoy it! :)

Peeta -

Trying to hide my massive grin, I slowly fold up my note and flick it towards Katniss when the teacher isn't looking.

Katniss receives it easily and I see a hint of a smile upon her lips. Holden, who is sitting beside me, is watching the two of us with amusement.

This past month, Katniss and I have become much more closer than I'd ever expect us to be. We walked around District 12, simply talking about our lives and listening to what the other had said. I had asked her about Gale a couple of times, but she just dodged the question. I wonder if she'd spoken to him yet, but I didn't press her for any more details about her relationship with Gale.

We no longer took trips to the forest, Katniss had come to the bakery during my shift to tell me that the Peacekeepers had fenced it up for good. I had asked her how she would support her family and she replied that she was helping out at the Hob. I offered her a small job but she turned it down, I had a feeling that she knew that my mother wouldn't approve of that.

I saw Katniss open the note through the corner of my eye and read it with her eyebrows scrunched together. I grin at the sight, finding it quite cute.

"Mr. Mellark!" The old history teacher, Mr. Hall, barked out. Flushing stupidly, I quickly turned to face the front, forcing my eyes to meet his.

"Yes?" I question politely. Mr. Hall gave me a quick look.

"You should be paying attention instead of staring at your girlfriend, Mr. Mellark."

His comment made me turn as red as beet, but fortunately, the old teacher turned away from me and began writing things down on the blackboard. I cast a glance to Katniss and saw her lips in a thin line, a little bit of amusement glinting in her eyes.

Quick as a flash, she slid the note across her desk, into Holden's hand, which Holden then passed to me discreetly. Our other classmates were aware of us passing notes, but they didn't dare tell on us, partly because they were passing notes themselves and because they were quite scared of Katniss.

Opening her note and reading it made me grin once more. Looks like we'll be hanging out after school again, I thought gleefully, relaxing back in my chair and smiling at Katniss.

The bell rang after about thirty more minutes of class, Katniss and I exchanging a few notes and looks. I was quite lucky, I know, to be friends with her. I shrugged on my backpack and was joined by both Holden and Katniss as we walked out of the classroom.

"Is there something going on between you two that I should know?" Holden piped up, smirking at the two of us. Katniss just socked him in the shoulder.

"No, dolt."

Holden mimed a broken heart earning a snort from Katniss and a chuckle from me. Thinking about Holden and Katniss made me wonder why Holden had much more luck with her than I did with her. I mean, I knew Katniss for much longer than Katniss, yet Holden and Katniss were becoming quite friendly with each other as well. Once, I'd asked Holden what he thought about it and he claimed it was because of his charm and that girls couldn't resist it. I'd just rolled my eyes, shrugging it off.

I watched the two of them, exchanging their comments about Mr. Hall. Katniss seemed to like Holden, yet she wasn't very close to him. Holden liked Katniss's company as well, but he'd expressed hardly any desire to get as close to her, and Katniss was the same.

"So, what were the notes you were passing to each other about?" Holden questions, looking curious. When Katniss and I exchange glances, Holden quickly continues again. "I mean, you don't have to tell me or anything." He stammered, blushing.

Instantly, I redden as well, realizing that Holden has come up with a different though. "No, Holden, nothing like that." I protest, earning myself a confused glance from Katniss, who is probably lost in this conversation. "We're just hanging out later today."

"Oh." Holden nods, looking embarrassed.

"You can come if you want." Both Katniss and I add quickly.

"Its not a date or anything." I explain.

"Exactly." Katniss agrees.

Holden blinks and the three of us continue walking, but I'm pretty sure even Katniss and can tell how uncomfortable Holden is at the moment.

"Well, you coming?" I question. Holden shakes his head.

"Nah, you two go spend the day together." He says, shrugging. Then he looks at me, his eyes serious. "But the two of us are spending Saturday, Mellark."

I laugh. "Sure, of course."

Then, Gale pops out in front of us. All three of us freeze in alarm.

"Gale?" Katniss chokes out, surprised just like us three. Gale's eyes are wild and I see his jaw set.

"Katniss. May I talk to you for just a minute?" He asks quietly.

Katniss looks at me as if seeking permission but then turns back to Gale and nods. I see her plaster a smile on her face. "Okay, then." She said, trying to sound natural, but I can tell by the way that her voice wavers slightly that she's a little unsettled.

As I watch Gale gesture for Katniss to follow him, I feel something in my gut beginning to stir. I groan, not this again. Holden looks at me uncertainly as I glower at their retreating figures, well actually Gale's retreating figure.

"Peeta?" Holden asks, nudging me. "You okay?"

I nod, not trusting my voice yet. I feel that if I speak I'll begin screaming like a lunatic, which is totally not me. Sighing, I begin walking. Holden quickly catches up to me.

"Lets head out to the courtyard, the others will be waiting for us. Katniss will come when she's done talking to Haw- Gale." He mumbles. I just shrug.

Katniss -

Following Gale through the sea of students, my mind is buzzing with thoughts. We're going to have that long awaited talk, I can tell. I look over at Gale, but I'm just facing his back. I can see that his wounds have healed and that his little limp is gone, I let out a relieved breath. Even though we aren't the best of friends now, I still care about him.

"So, Catnip." Gale says when we reach an empty hallway. "I see you got yourself some new friends now." He leans against a locker, eyeing me carefully.

I clear my throat. "I suppose." I mutter. "And you?"

Gale shrugs. "I don't need friends."

I feel my gut clench. "What about me?" I dare to ask.

Gale snorts at me. "You're the reason, Katniss. After what you did, I now know that everyone will leave someday."

I look at him confused.

Gale narrows his eyes. "You were the one person I trusted above all, and since that happened, well there's no one I can trust, huh?"

I blink. "I'm sor-"

"Sorry doesn't cut it." He isn't yelling, but the way he's speaking is even worse. His tone sounds so empty. "I just wanted to tell you that I don't care."

"Gale-"

"I don't care, Katniss. I don't care about our friendship anymore. I think you don't either. Thats why you've avoided me for a month! Thats why you left me there being whipped! You aren't worth it. I've wasted years on you, thinking that someday it would all pay off and we'd begin something! But no! Instead, you go prancing off with Baker boy! A guy you haven't even known as long as you have!"

I've had enough. "Gale, just shut up. Is this all that this is about? Peeta? What do you have against him?"

He blinks, startled. I laugh at his reaction, but its cold, even to my ears.

"I don't want to hear anything from you, Gale. Don't even talk to me or look at me. If you seriously think that you meant nothing to me, you clearly never knew the first thing about me."

Gale sets his jaw, anger glinting in his eyes.

I continue, ignoring how angry he's becoming with every word I say. "As for Peeta? Why do you hate him so much? He's done nothing to you! Nothing! Yet you look like you want to go beat him to a pulp whenever you see him!"

I sound mean, yet I continue, my anger rising. "He's kind, funny, caring and smart! So why do you hate him, huh? Tell me!"

Gale interrupts, his nostrils flaring. "You have no idea, Katniss, no idea!"

"Then why don't you just tell me?" I snap.

"He is in love with you, Katniss? Can't you tell? I've seen the way he acts around you, can't you tell that he's in love with you? Are you slow or something? And let me tell you something too, you're falling in love with him as well!"

I stare at him, his words thundering in my ears. I scowl at him, turn on my heels and walk away.

"You just going to leave? Just like that, Katniss?" Gale jeers from behind. I continue walking, away from Gale, away from the man I thought was my best friend.

And just like that, Gale stops shouting and I can hear his loud, angry footsteps retreating away from me as well.

The bond between us is gone, every single piece.

Peeta -

Pursing my lips, I keep glancing around for a sign of Katniss. Gosh, how long does a conversation take? Is she even coming? Did Gale and her reconcile? Are they best friends again?

Worry hits me like bullets. If they are friends again... Will she need me?

"Hey, Peeta, you in there?" Leo chortles, waving a hand in front of my face. I blink, stunned.

"Um, uh yeah. Sorry." I mumble, a little embarrassed. Leo snickers, but then realization crosses his features.

"Ooh, you looking for your lady friend, Mellark?"

Delly grins at me. "Yeah, are you?"

I blush hotly. "Be quiet, you lot." I mutter.

All my friends whistle in unison. "You've got the hots for Katniss!" Leo yelps in excitement, causing Delly to shoot him an annoyed yet confused look.

"The hots?" She repeats quizzically.

Leo ignores her. "So, when did you start?"

I blink. "Excuse me?"

"When did you realize that you were into her?"

I bite my lip. Quite a long time ago, Leo. "I'm not into her, Leo." I lie.

Leo raises an eyebrow.

"Sure you're not." Holden puts in, smirking. "Thats why you two are spending the day together."

I glare at him.

"Please stop." I beg. All my friends become quiet at my plea and look at me.

"Sorry." They all say in unison. I just sigh.

"I don't like her, alright? And even if I did, I wouldn't have a chance in the world with her."

Lydia pipes up. "Yes, you would."

That catches my attention. A memory of Prim telling me that Katniss liked me popped into my mind as well. "What?"

Lydia rolls her eyes and Quinn giggles.

"And you say you aren't interested in her." Quinn teases lightly. I stick out my tongue at her.

Lydia continues. "You would have a chance with her in my opinion. After all, its quite a well known fact that Katniss doesn't get close with everyone."

I raise an eyebrow, I didn't know that.

"You are one of her friends, and I can see that she cares about you a whole ton." She smiles. "And the two of you are very close, so I have a feeling that if you wanted to give the relationship between you two a little 'push', I think it would work out. Not in the beginning, because Katniss would be a little unsure but-"

I stop her, my eyes glazing over. "You know a lot." I say, rather matter-of-factly. Lydia blushes hotly.

"Well, I've had a lot of experience." She says quietly.

Holden looks at her, his eyebrows furrowed in a mixture of confusion and alarm. "What?"

Lydia meets his awestruck gaze and becomes even more red. "Nothing." She squeaks. Holden looks a little uncomfortable and I see his eyes darken. Huh.

"You've dated guys?"

Leo bursts out laughing. "Of course she has, Holden! Have you been living in a rock or something? She's had like... well five boyfriends already!"

Quinn shoots Leo a deadly look and Delly frowns at him slightly. Holden, meanwhile, is becoming quite green in the face as he looks at Lydia.

"I never knew." He admitted softly. I have a sudden feeling that none of us should be here except for both Lydia and Holden. My other friends look like they silently want to vanish on the spot, except for Leo who is watching with obvious amusement. I sigh inwardly, Leo doesn't have a whole lot of experience in the romance department huh?

Lydia coughs a little awkwardly and forces a smile on her face. She looks at Holden but doesn't meet his eyes. "I've kind of kept quiet about it." She lied.

Holden purses his lips and the bell suddenly rings, startling all of us. I frown, Katniss hasn't come back yet.

Katniss -

Its the end of the school day, I didn't really feel like seeing Peeta or any of his friends during school after my argument with Gale so I basically just walked around the District, skipping my classes. I'm sure I'll get called in by the headmaster, but I don't really care.

I stand outside the school, waiting for Prim and Peeta. The plan's that both of us are going to drop Prim off, and that Peeta and I will spend the rest of the day walking around the District. I'll be spending time with Peeta, I swallow roughly, remembering what Gale said exactly. He said I was falling in love with Peeta, and that Peeta was already in love with me. I honestly have no idea what to believe, I've always thought that Peeta's wanted to genuinely be my friend without having an ulterior motive or something. Immediately, I shake the thought out of my mind.

Peeta wouldn't take a situation and use it to his advantage for his personal gain, unless it was something he had to do for someone he cared about. But, Peeta... in love with me? I couldn't really believe it, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that everything fit when I thought about it. Why else would he paint a picture of me? Why else would he care so much about me for absolutely no reason? I didn't want to believe it though, I wasn't going to confront him either. If it turned out to be true, our relationship would be ruined and I'd have no idea how to act towards him anymore.

"Katniss!" Prim's angelic voice is brought to my ears and I see her running towards me, a smile plastered on her face. I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. I'd been worried a lot about whether Gale would pop in and tell Rory not to see Prim anymore.

"Hey, Prim." I say fondly, smiling down at her.

"Are we waiting for someone?" She asks, her eyes twinkling. I can tell she knows who though.

"Yes." I respond

"Peeta!" She guesses instantly, making me smile as well. Both Peeta and her get on extremely well. Part of the reason is because the two of them are so similar, they can get along with anyone really.

"There he is." I say, spotting him making his way down the steps. He sees us as well and I see his eyes lighten up immediately, I feel my gut clench.

"Katniss! Prim!" He exclaims as he reaches us. Then, he looks at me, dead serious. "Where were you?"

I purse my lips. "Later, okay?" I plead, feeling a little uncomfortable under his stare. Peeta lets it go and looks back at Prim, a grin beginning to form on his lips. I like his smile, I decide. Its nice, warm even. I blush as I think about it and force myself to stop thinking about anything related to Peeta's lips.

"Prim, how are you, today?" He asks politely, kneeling so that the two of them are eye level. I kind of grin at the sight, it makes Peeta look quite fatherly. The thought makes me freeze. He would make a good father... A sudden thought of Peeta marrying a woman enters my mind. I scowl at the image of Peeta and a lady at their wedding.

"You alright, Katniss?" Peeta looks at me and sees my scowl, his eyes narrowing in concern. I nod.

"I'm fine." I say shortly, the image still bothering me.

"You sure?" He asks, standing up, concern written in every line of his face.

I nod. "Yes." I say, turning away. "Lets go, shall we?"

I am pretty sure both Prim and Peeta are giving each other confused looks about my sudden change of behaviour, but I'm a little too wrapped up in my thoughts.

Why had the image of Peeta marrying someone bother me? Was it because that he would be bring a child into this world? This terrible world? Or was it because... I didn't want him too? I purse my lips, once again remembering words. I was falling for Peeta, thats what he'd said. I bite the inside of my cheek, I am not falling for Peeta Mellark, he's my friend and thats all he'll ever be. For some reason, that final thought makes me feel a little, well, disappointed maybe.

"Hey, uh, Katniss?" I turn around and see Peeta pointing at my house. Embarrassed, I realize that I've walked straight past my house.

"Sorry." I walk past a confused Peeta and walk Prim into the house. "See you later, Prim." I say looking down at her.

"Are you okay, Katniss?"

I nod, forcing a smile on my face. However, I can see that she doesn't believe my fake smile. "I'm alright. You can go over at the Hawthornes if you'd like, or bring Rory or something. I'm going to be out with Peeta for a while, okay?"

Prim nods. "Okay, Katniss. See you soon." She smiles a little.

I wave my goodbye as I walk back over to Peeta. "Lets go." I say.

Peeta nods, and the two of us set walking down the Seam and back into the town. The two of us had been taking a lot of walks around the town and the Seam, except we had to usually keep a lookout for Mrs. Everdeen when we took walks around the town. The two of us had received quite a lot of looks when the two of us walk around, me being from the Seam and Peeta being a townie.

"Whats really got you all quiet and thoughtful?" Peeta breaks the silence. "And you promised to tell me why you weren't at school the rest of the day after Gale took you someplace." I can hear his voice harden when he reaches the part about Gale. Is he jealous? I lick my lips, it would make a little bit of sense.

"Let me explain about the whole Gale situation." I blurt out. Peeta looks at me, his kind, yet cautious blue eyes on my grey ones.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, you know." He adds, as we both sit down.

I roll my eyes. "Why'd you always say that?" I ask, my lip twitching upwards a little.

Peeta smiles. "I'd hate to make you feel uncomfortable."

I grin. "What a gentleman." Peeta blushes and looks at me to continue. I take a breath to tell him. I'm going to tell him everything. I can trust him.

"We got into a fight about the whipping. First, I thought it was just not standing up for him, but then he continued on about why I didn't stand up for him." I close my eyes for a second before opening them up hesitantly. I meet Peeta's blue ones. "He said that I was falling for you and that I was beginning to care less for him and more for well... you."

"Me?" Peeta's eyes widen, I see a flicker of something in his eyes before it vanishes. I nod, careful not to show my embarrassment.

"He came up with a lot of reasons." I mutter.

"And are you?" He asks, his voice suddenly much more deep, rough, masculine even. Not my Peeta's voice. My Peeta?

I purse my lips. "Why do you ask that?" I ask, dodging the question. I feel my cheeks beginning to redden as I think about his question, yet for some reason, I don't find myself saying: No, no, no, and no! Peeta takes a breath and takes a step towards me.

"Because..." Peeta takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. "I love you."

I blink. Well, Gale's right then - is the only thought that enters my mind. "You love me?" I squeak, my voice an octave higher than normal.

Peeta nods numbly. "I knew I felt something for you when I first saw you in pigtails, but I knew for certain that I was a goner when you sang in music class. It was beautiful. I thought you were a goddess and an angel combined." He admits, blushing. He begins twiddling his fingers together, I realize how close we're standing in front of each other.

"Peeta-"

He cuts me off. "Please, let me continue." He doesn't wait to hear me speak, but jumps right into a whole speech. "When I first met you in the woods, our first meeting, I was so shocked. I was there, in the forest, with you, Katniss Everdeen. It was like... a dream come true! Except for the whole Peacekeeper thing, it totally ruined the moment." He chuckles a little at that, but I don't smile.

"Peet-"

He holds up a hand. "Then, when you agreed to see my paintings, I swear I was on cloud nine. However, when you did come over to see my paintings with Prim by your side, well, I wasn't exactly the... well, you know, the sharpest knife in the box, and when you got all angry and stuff when you saw your portrait, I was scared." He takes another deep breath. "I didn't want you to hate me, that was the last thing I would ever want. So, when you forgave me, once again, I was the happiest person in the whole world. Like, I was the coolest thing since sliced bread!" He jokes weakly. His horrible pun makes the corner of my mouth twitch upwards.

"Can-" I try to speak, but once again, Peeta interrupts me with a weak, tired smile.

"You've got no idea how happy- well not happy, more relieved- but anyways, you've got absolutely no idea how relieved I am that you didn't punch me in the face and ditch me." He gives me a lopsided smile, however it looks forced. "I would go on about how much everything you've done for me and our friendship means to me, but you need to say something. So... let it all out." He says quietly.

I pause and take his appearance in. He looks scared, only he'd know whats going on in that mind of his. I purse my lips, and when I do so, I see him flinch and I see a hint of rejection in his eyes. I scowl immediately. "Peeta," I begin, "I just want you to know-"

Peeta opens his mouth but I glare at him. "Let me talk, please." I beg. But as soon as I say that, I have no idea what else to say. The two of us just stand there in awkward silence, Peeta waiting for me to continue, and me scrambling for words to say that would sound coherent.

"Gale." I state. "He was my best friend, and he thought the him and I would end up together."

Peeta blinks.

I continue on, "I guess his logic makes sense. Gale and I share many traits." I see Peeta's face darken. "But, in the end, I don't need his fire. I don't think so. I need someone who can balance me out, who can teach me many things. How to be kind, show compassion, become honest and helpful."

I see Peeta lick his lips, and I see a spark of hope in his eyes, I feel a little guilty as I see that spark vanish as I say my next words. "I don't need a relationship, though, I don't need a romantic relationship." I swallow roughly. "I need a friend, and just a friend. A friend to teach me how to be all those things. Can you be that person?"

Peeta stares at me, his expression totally blank. I basically just rejected Peeta. Kind and sweet Peeta. Before I know it, I'm kissing him.

Kissing Peeta is different. Very different. Unlike Gale's kiss, its soft and gentle. Gale's kiss was was fierce and full of fire, yet it had stirred nothing within me. Peeta's lips are soft against mine, I feel his hand cradling my cheek, his touch is gentle on my skin. I feel a massive bonfire roaring in the pit of my stomach, slowly warming me up from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. Peeta makes a sound in the back of his throat when he deepens the kiss.

I should stop this. Its not right. It goes against everything I've ever said about love. But I can't stop. It doesn't make sense. I should pull away, but its like something's pulling me towards Peeta. Like a magnet of some sort.

I pull away and shoot up to my feet. I look at Peeta's dumbstruck expression and under other circumstances, maybe I would laugh, but right now, my emotions are in turmoil.

"I'm sorry." I mumble. I open my eyes to turn around and run back home, but the way Peeta looks at me when I open my eyes make me wish I hadn't. I feel tears brim my eyes and I blink them away rapidly as I run back home, as I run away from Peeta and everything we had.

Author's Note: Ahhh! I know, I know, Katniss running away from her kisses is extremely overused but I had too! I HAD TOO! :(

… Okay, after that little dramatic part, lets continue... Did you like the chapter? I hope you did :p Ugh, Gale's and Katniss's conversation is horrible, I know. Its disgusting to read for me -.- But, I'll just say that Katniss and Gale's relationship will be resolved, next chapter!

Next chapter is the reaping, you guys. Yes, we skip another month in the lives of these people :p

Soo... Um... Yeah... I'm pretty tired to be honest, I pulled an all nighter and I probably will just stay up the rest of the night... So yeah... See you guys soon!

Anonymous review replies:

JoelHGLover00: Haha, thanks xD I'm glad you enjoyed last chapter :) I hope you enjoyed this one as well!