Hey everybody, its Mari again. I am very happy to know that you are all interested in this series. I have already had some follows and favorites which makes me very grateful. Thanks so much for being loyal readers. Get ready to be roped in to these next few chapters! ENJOY the latest chapter of The District Chronicles
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO ANY OF THE HUNGER GAMES CHARACTERS OR STORYLINES
Suspicions (Peeta's POV)
I was so happy that Katniss had let me in her room, because I had been standing outside for ten minutes. I was thinking about what to say to her for those minutes. We had been to hell and back together, but I still felt as though we couldn't connect. I notice that she is still haunted by the games, but I wish that she would feel safe around me. The 74th annual Hunger Games did put a scar on my life, but I fear that Katniss' wound may never heal. She is still attached to that poor little district 11 girl who died in her arms. What would I have done if Katniss had passed away in my presence? At least she was with me now. Alive
Katniss had fallen asleep in my arms and I could tell that she was relaxed for once in her life. No nightmares distorted her mind and no images of dead tributes made her squirm. She was at peace... finally. I rubbed her back and tried to settle myself down, but my legs still throbbed. One from bearing most of my weight and the other because it was not a real leg at all.
It was hard to drift away into the world of dreams when your life is already full of too many scares to count.
While Katniss was snoring quietly and sweetly, as usual, I kept her warm within my grasp. Normally, I would fall asleep along with her and hold to her chest until she shoved me away, but at the moment I could not keep my mind off the thought of what it will be like to return home. I knew that many people, including my own parents, believed that I would not come home alive. In my brian I viewed the images of their smiling faces as they realized how I proved them wrong. I am coming home, but not alone. I am returning with the girl that I had hopelessly been in love with since before I can remember. And more than anything, I know that this girl loves me back. My love in no longer one sided.
Katniss shifted in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes. For a split second I felt her body jolt; the Hunger Games reaction and realization of capture. Soon she relaxed though, remembering her location and that she was trapped in my arms and not a net.
I didn't know how long she was asleep, but we had definitely missed lunch and would be eating a late dinner. The sun was setting over the train tracks of district 5.
"Rise and shine sleepy head," I said softly as I unfurled my grip on Katniss.
"What time is it Peeta? Did we miss lunch?"
"I don't know and yes. It looks to be around 6:45 though. The sun is already setting."
"God, I'm hungry!"
"Those two weeks of Capitol life changed you! Before you were little miss 'don't worry, I'll eat tomorrow' and now you can't go more than five hours without stuffing your pretty little face."
"Peeta, please respect my need for food. In case you had forgotten, I also just spent a few weeks on this TV show called the HUNGER Games. They sent us fireballs, tracker-jackers, and a small supply of critter to eat. I also met this handsome guy in a cave and we made out a few times. It was kind of a big deal."
"He sounds like a charmer! Wow, I wonder how much that cave cost him. 'Waiter, a rock for two please'. It's so hard to get good service these days."
"Speaking of service, do you want to just eat dinner in here tonight? We could have one of the avox girls bring in something tasty and watch some real TV."
"Effie would be disappointed. She always wants to see us at meals and to skip two in a row would be rude."
"To hell with her! I want some real quality time with the handsome cave guy and that rock for two sounds nice."
I looked up, tired of arguing with Katniss. While gazing at the metal ceiling, I noticed a small camera moving. The lens was pointed towards us and its focus was in the same direction.
"Katniss. Do you see that up there?"
"Where?"
This was so weird. Why would there be cameras on this train. I pointed near the small devices and tried to keep still.
"I knew something was up," murmured Katniss, "when you came in the room earlier, I heard some sort of lock click. That was right before you burst in. What do you think is happening Peeta?"
"I don't know, but it's definitely something. We need to watch our backs Katniss. Maybe we should go eat with Haymitch and Effie after all."
We made our way to the door, but when Katniss' hand touched the handle, her eyes grew wider and she started to panic. I knew right away that we were locked in.
We yelled for help, but as far as we could tell, the other two passengers on this train had already gone to dinner. For now, we could see no way of getting out.