A/N: Thank you again for people's continuing support. A few people have asked about seeing some of the story in Peeta's POV. I hadn't planned on it. I think it's better for the continuity of the story if I stick with Katniss's POV. I will however make some of Peeta's thoughts about the whole scenario clearer as the story goes on. I hope this will be enough to satisfy people. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

Wednesday

On Wednesday morning Peeta tries to get up quieter than he did the previous day but his loud footfall still wakes me up earlier than I would like. After drifting for a few moments I decide I might as well make the most of the morning and get up and go for a run. I grab a pair of leggings, oversized t-shirt and my running shoes and make my way outside.

Being this early in the morning the air is still cool and perfect to run in. Without even thinking I head straight for the woods. The birds are just waking up and their early morning song welcomes me as I approach. As soon as I enter the woods I love, I immediately begin to relax. However just as I am about to set off a male voice calls after me.

"Catnip! Wait up!" Gale calls.

I stop and groan. After our last couple of conversations I just want to stay away from Gale Hawthorne. I don't want another argument. I think about ignoring him and to just run on but know his long legs will catch up with me easily. He is nothing but determined.

He catches up with me breathing slightly heavily after his brief burst to reach me. I look at him annoyed.

"What do you want?" I demand.

Gale hears my tone and puts his hands up in defence.

"Don't bite my head off just yet. I just wanted to come and apologise to you and Peeta about how I have been treating you both. I've been a jerk," he replies.

I eye him suspiciously. I try to work out what game he is playing.

"You were," I reply.

"I know and I am sorry. Peeta is a really nice guy. I've always liked him. I guess your relationship took me a bit by surprise. I just always assumed you saw him as a big brother."

I look down a little guilty. Even though I don't particularly like Gale at this moment in time, it still doesn't make lying any easier.

"Things change," I reply keeping my eyes on the ground.

"Well I'm glad. I can tell you are really happy and I'm pleased for you. We were such good friends before and it's a shame that we have lost that. If I stop being a jerk, do you think maybe we could be friends again?" he asks.

I study him carefully. He looks genuinely hopeful that we can be friends again. I don't know if that is possible. He has yet to acknowledge the fact that it is his fault we are not friends any more. I don't think he understands the amount of hurt he caused me. I think I will always associate pain with him.

On the other hand he does seem genuinely sorry for his behaviour this week. We still have 4 days left of this wedding and as bridesmaid and best man we can't avoid each other. I can at least meet him half way and be civil towards him this week.

I shrug my shoulders indifferently and reply, "Sure. Why not?"

Gale grins and instantly relaxes his shoulders.

"Great. I take it you are going for a run. Mind if I join you?" he asks.

I tell him that's fine and he challenges me to a race. Due to my shorter legs he gives me a slight head start. I sprint off into the woods knowing he will be chasing me soon. I race down the bumpy path, placing my feet carefully so I don't go over on my ankle. I have the advantage of knowing these paths well and know exactly which patches to watch out for.

A few moments later I hear Gale's footsteps pounding behind me. He is gaining on me. Gale may be tall but I have always had a lot of straight line speed and this helps neutralise his advantage. I know the race will be close and I can see the finishing point just up ahead; a fallen old log. I put my head down and pump my arms faster as I narrow in on the finish line.

I feel like a kid again where I'm running just because it's fun and not under some pretence to keep fit. As I feel Gale barrelling towards me I give it one last push and reach the log before Gale crashes into it and tumbles over landing on his backside in a pile of prickly bushes. He sits up a bit dazed and I can't help but laugh at how ridiculous he looks.

"I win!" I declare triumphantly after I have finally managed to stop laughing.

Gale picks himself up and dusts himself down.

"I forgot how stubborn you are. You never give up," he replies with a grin. "And wipe that grin off your face. I could have been seriously hurt!"

I just laugh at him again. After staring at me sternly for a few moments his lips begin to twitch upwards and he joins me in my laughter.

"Okay, okay. I guess it must have looked funny to anyone else looking at it," he concedes.

I nod my head and continue to laugh.

"I haven't run like that in years!" I declare.

"Me neither. It's pretty freeing," Gale replies.

I nod my head in agreement.

"You'll be chasing after your twins soon," I point out.

"I guess," Gale replies, some of his laughter disappearing.

I frown. I find his response a little surprising. He seemed so excited about the twins whenever he has talked about them before. Now he looks a little scared.

With the atmosphere becoming a bit awkward I move to change the subject. I suggest that we start our proper run. Gale looks relieved at my suggestion and immediately falls into pace beside me.

We jog along at a brisk pace and Gale actually starts asking me about my new job. I tell him about my plans and the new project we are setting up to encourage teenagers to use the parks more. He seems genuinely interested in what I am doing.

Along the way we come across a patch of wild strawberries and we make a game of throwing and catching them in our mouths. Gale gets me back for laughing at him earlier as he hits me in the eye with a particularly juicy one.

The whole run ends up being rather enjoyable. For once Gale is not trying to put me down and it is almost back to how it used to be between us. We used to come to the woods all the time without a care in the world and spend all day laughing and being silly. The whole situation feels so familiar. It's like putting on an old pair of comfy shoes.

We finally return to the house laughing about the time we challenged a bear for some honey. Prim is sitting on the veranda reading a book and looks up at us as we approach. She sees the camaraderie we are sharing and immediately knits her eyebrows together into a frown. I immediately stop when I see this. I shouldn't been seen laughing with an ex. I am supposed to have a boyfriend.

Gale says goodbye completely oblivious and I chastise myself for being so stupid. I have nothing to gain from getting close to Gale again. He's married and only has the potential to hurt me. I am only setting myself up for more heartache. It doesn't matter that it feels familiar and good.

Prim watches Gale leave and slams her book shut.

"Does Peeta know that you are hanging out with Gale?" she asks accusingly.

"He doesn't control who I spend time with," I reply a little too harshly, mainly because I know she is right. I shouldn't be spending time with Gale.

"I don't think he would be happy if he had seen the pair of you just then," Prim continues. "Peeta is such a good guy. Don't mess things up and break his heart."

The thought of breaking Peeta's heart seems ridiculous to me. I don't think I have the ability to break anyone's heart. It does surprise me how protective Prim is being over Peeta. I'm her sister. Shouldn't she be worried about me getting my heart broken? I suppose it just highlights Peeta's charm. He makes even my own family like him more than me.

"We trust each other completely," I reply.

As I say this the image of Peeta with his ex-girlfriend laughing and joking enters my brain. For some reason the image doesn't sit right with me and I feel something akin to jealously.

Prim gives me a look that says she hopes we do and picks up her book and leaves.

My earlier joy from running has soured now. I hate getting into confrontations with Prim, particularly when I know she is right. I was stupid with Gale today.

Strangely my thoughts turn to Peeta and his sparkly blue eyes and kind smile. Suddenly I know he is the person I need to see to cheer myself up. I stalk my way through the house to look for any signs of him. I don't have to look very far before I find him, unsurprisingly, in the kitchen pulling a batch of cheese buns out the oven.

He is wearing a tight white t-shirt and as he reaches for the buns I admire the way the muscles move in his back. He really does have an appealing physique. He turns around and catches me staring. I look away quickly as he places the buns down and gives me a smug grin.

"Enjoying the view?" he asks smugly.

I fight the blush that threatens to rise in my cheeks. This is Peeta. He is like a brother to me. I shouldn't be staring at him like that. I try to compose myself and act indifferent.

"Well yes I was enjoying the sight of your buns. Please tell me they are my cheese buns?" I reply.

Peeta chuckles.

"If that was your attempt of innuendo, it was rubbish. But yes these are cheese buns. I did promise you some if you didn't kill Glimmer yesterday. This is your reward," he confirms making a big show of presenting them to me.

I grin happily and immediately reach for one but Peeta slaps my hand out the way.

"Patience. You have to wait for them to cool," he says. "I don't know how you stay so skinny. You have no self-control."

I scowl but plop down on the high stool to wait for them to cool. Peeta asks me about my morning and I tell him I went for a run. I don't mention Gale. For some reason Gale and Peeta don't co-exist well together in my mind. Peeta retells me some crazy dream he had last night that involved aliens and baking. I forget about Gale and wait impatiently for my cheese buns.

After what seems like the longest 15 minutes of my life, Peeta deems the cheese buns fit for my consumption. I take two and gorge on them before he can stop me. Peeta looks at me with a bemused look on his face. He shakes his head before tucking into his own cheese bun.

Our conversation turns to the mixed doubles couple tennis tournament which is on the itinerary for today. Glimmer played tennis in high school and throughout college and therefore took the wedding as an opportunity to remind everybody how good she is at it. Before I dragged Peeta into this hoopla I had been excused from participating as I didn't have a partner. I had been looking forward to a more relaxing day, watching from the sidelines and making the most of the courtside buffet, but I have no such option now. Glimmer expects me and Peeta to compete and after unintentionally upstaging her at the cocktail reception she is determined to beat us. She is very strong willed and I hate to think what we will see if she loses.

"So tactics for today?" Peeta asks.

"Hit the ball back," I reply.

Peeta grins. Both he and I are athletic and don't do too badly at tennis but to try and out play Glimmer is a waste of time.

"Sounds good," he replies picking up another cheese bun. "I don't think tennis champions stuff themselves with cheese buns before a big tournament though."

I smile in agreement with him before taking a bun he has offered me. If we are going to get beat, we might as well enjoy ourselves beforehand.

Shortly after we both get changed and ready for the tennis. Peeta has decided to wear a ridiculous bright pink bandana and has styled his hair so that it sticks out of it at odd angles. He sees my amused expression and smiles.

"Don't you like my bandana? I'm keeping up with Glimmer's pink theme. Might get us an extra point!" he says sarcastically.

I shake my head at him.

"Maybe it will distract our opponents," I reply with a grin.

"We've got that covered with your short shorts," Peeta says nudging me with his elbow.

I self consciously tug down the bottom of my shorts. I haven't really played tennis since high school and had to dig out my old shorts from back then. I think they must be my shortest item of clothing I own. Peeta sees my embarrassment and pulls me to him.

"Don't worry. You've got great legs," he whispers in my ear.

A shiver goes up my spine as his breath hits that spot behind my ear.

"Come on," he says to me, picking up my hand and tugging me in the direction of the tennis courts. "Effie will probably disqualify us if we are late."

"Is that such a bad thing?" I grumble as I let Peeta pull me along.

When we arrive at the 2 freshly cut, pristine, grass tennis courts, Glimmer is already putting Cato through some complicated stretches. She eyes Peeta and me as we arrive. I just ignore her and go to stand next to my mom and dad. Dad got really into tennis after he married Mom and is eager to show that age doesn't matter.

"Ready to show them Dad?" I ask.

He grins back at me.

"You bet. Though unfortunately we have Cato and Glimmer up first," he replies.

"Good luck with that," I snort.

Dad then goes into a big spiel about Glimmer's tennis weaknesses and how to exploit them. I let him ramble on pretending to care about his plight. I feel sorry for Mom. She clearly couldn't care less.

As we are now in public, Peeta tucks me into his side and rubs soothing circles on my back. I am amazed at how comfortable I am having him touch me. Instead of finding it annoying, like I did with Gale, I actually find it comforting. This has a lot to do with Peeta. He just has one of those personalities that just calms and soothes you. Gale was always so fiery. It was difficult for him to have that effect on me.

Effie makes sure the tournament starts on time. There are 16 couples competing today. It is a simple knock out competition with a team having to win 3 matches to get to the final. I see the draw and realise that we can only meet Glimmer in the final. With any luck we will be knocked out before then. In that case we won't have to face her wrath.

Glimmer of course sets off the tournament against my parents. Peeta grabs a seat and pulls me onto his lap. I give him a confused look.

"Trust me. This looks convincing," he explains placing a kiss on my temple.

I shrug my shoulders and try to ignore how comfortable I am sitting in his arms.

From the outset Glimmer makes her intent clear. She shows no mercy. She hammers balls across the court and at times actually looks like she is aiming for my parents. Cato is good too but Glimmer dominates the court, chasing after every ball and then pummelling it down the line. Even with my dad's tactics he stands no chance against her. His older joints make it difficult for him to reach the ball in time. Cato and Glimmer win convincingly 6-2, 6-1. Glimmer squeals in delight and jumps on Cato to give him a kiss in celebration.

Dad stalks off the court breathing heavily but looking determined. He plonks down next to us.

"You two have to beat her. She's powerful but not that accurate. I believe you can take her down," he states determinedly.

Peeta and I share a look. I don't really care about beating Glimmer but I would do anything for my dad. Peeta and I nod our heads in agreement and Dad leans forward to give us instructions for our first match.

Luckily for us our first match is against Uncle Haymitch and Aunt Effie. Uncle Haymitch used to be a good tennis player in his day even representing the state but years of inaction and alcohol has made him slow and less mobile. Every now and again he hits a good shot that beats us but playing them is relatively easy.

The best part of the match is watching him play with Aunt Effie. Whenever Haymitch misses a shot he utters a string of curses. Effie, who hates bad manners, does not appreciate this and berates him every time he goes off. It all comes to a head when Haymitch puts an easy smash into the net and screams swear words that even I have never heard of. This is the last straw for Effie and they end up having a full blown argument on the middle of the court. Needless to say Peeta and I watch the whole thing unfold amused and go on to win 6-3, 6-3.

When we win Peeta high fives me and pulls me in by the waist for a short kiss.

"Anything Glimmer can do…" he states.

I can only nod my head lamely at a loss of what to say.

Dad slaps Peeta on the shoulder when we walk over.

"Absolutely brilliant!" he declares. "Peeta, great serve. Katniss I want you to go forward more. You are a good volleyer."

Peeta and I nod our heads as Dad coaches us through the next match. I have to say, that although I don't care about winning, it is nice to spend time with my dad. It's been too long since we last hung out like this. Things have just been so busy at work. I miss spending time with him. I savour any moment I get to be with him.

With my dad's help we win our next 2 matches comfortably. Together Peeta and I make a pretty good team. Our strengths and weaknesses complement each other. I even end up enjoying myself. Peeta may be good but he doesn't take it too seriously. We end up laughing between most of the points. This is in contrast to Glimmer who scolds Cato every time they lose a point. Peeta and I don't care and make jokes about our bad shots. It's only a game.

Glimmer and Cato also win their matches easily. Glimmer gets more brutal as the games go on. In their last match she actually hammers a ball straight at Cashmere's head. This causes Cashmere to fall backwards and hit the ground with a bump. Everyone except Glimmer rushes to check if she is okay. Glimmer just accuses Cashmere of being over dramatic.

Eventually Cashmere gets up and is escorted off the tennis court clutching a bag of ice to her head. Unsurprising she and her boyfriend, Brutus, forfeit the game and Glimmer and Cato meet Peeta and I in the final.

Dad huddles Peeta and I round before we take to the courts to face Glimmer.

"Try to take her out to the corners. She's not accurate on the run," my dad couches us. "Don't be afraid to hit it hard at them. They will."

Peeta and I both nod our heads and Dad makes us do this silly hand raising gesture before we go on.

I stand across the net from Glimmer and stare her down. Now that I am in the final, my competitive edge kicks in and I want to beat her.

Cato gets ready to serve and Peeta crouches into position, ready for the ball. Cato pulls his arm back and throws the ball high into the air. He smashes the ball down onto the central service line. Peeta lurches to reach it but his racket only meets with air as the ball flies past. They win the point.

Not a great start. We are going to have to win this the hard way.

Cato hammers down more fast serves that we struggle to return. The ones we do manage to, Glimmer in on in an instant and swots them away easily. The first game is lost quickly.

The match is played at a frantic pace. Glimmer and Cato have a lot more power than anyone else we have played today and we struggle to keep up. They win the first set 6-4. I see my dad hang his head in his hands as yet another ball goes past us.

We manage to get in the lead in the second set only to surrender it a game later. Twice Glimmer sends a ball zooming my way and I have to duck to avoid getting hit. She doesn't even pretend that it was an accident. She just stares at me challengingly from across the net.

Before we know it Peeta and I are facing match point. Cato hammers down another big serve and I only just manage to get it back. Glimmer picks up my return and sends it down the line and past an outstretched Peeta. Glimmer drops her racket in celebration and jumps in the air in delight. Cato comes up to her and she jumps on him, wrapping her legs around his waist and kisses him deeply.

Peeta gives me a "what can we do?" look and comes over to embrace me. I return the embrace happily and inhale the sweet smell of cinnamon he still has from baking this morning. I find in the end I don't care about losing. I did want to beat her in that last match but on hindsight I don't think I could handle what she would have done if she had lost. I had a really good time playing with Peeta so I focus on that instead.

Peeta and I walk hand in hand back to my parents. Dad looks more devastated about our loss than we do.

"Commiserations," Mom says sympathetically.

Peeta smiles gratefully at her.

"It's okay," he replies. "I have the only prize I want anyway."

He then places a kiss on my temple and I realise he means me. I blush at the compliment.

"Where do you come up with this stuff?" I ask looking up at him.

"I guess I watch more romantic comedies than you do," he jokes.

My parents chuckle at his words and we try to cheer my dad up about us losing.

The crowd begin to disperse so Peeta and I begin to wonder back leisurely. We chat amiably as we relive some of the more interesting moments of the tennis. Peeta is an animated story teller and uses lots of hand gestures and facial expressions. I find myself clutching my sides to stop them from hurting after laughing so much. I can't remember a time I have laughed so hard.

I am in absolute agony as he does an impression of Uncle Haymitch and Aunt Effie bickering today. He nails Effie's high pitched tones and Haymitch's gruff grumbles.

"Haymitch, it is indespicable to use that sort of language," he declares in Effie's pompous tone.

"For Christ sake woman! It's in a man's DNA to swear!" he then says impersonating Haymitch.

I'm in danger of needing to stop so I can sit down. I am finding it difficult to breathe through all my laughter. Peeta seems to enjoy seeing my amusement and continues to ramble on as we walk back. I never stop laughing the entire way there.

We eventually reach the house where homemade lemonade is waiting for us. I try to calm myself down as we get closer to people again. Peeta decides to head up for a shower and excuses himself.

"Won't be long," he says bending down to give me a kiss that was longer than I was expecting.

As he pulls away I catch Madge staring at me from across the room. After speaking to her yesterday I know she finds the whole situation weird and found the kiss at the cocktail reception really uncomfortable. Peeta and I are the two people, aside from Thom, she is closest too and it must be difficult to see us act this way. It's made even harder by the fact she knows it is not real. She's even admitted she is surprised at how convincing we have been. She has to keep a secret she doesn't agree with.

The look she gives me suggests she is confused about what Peeta and I are doing. It's like she can't figure out if it is real or not. I decide to ignore the look. She must know it is not real.