A/N: Lots and lots of chapters you shall receive tonight! But try to review each one...I appreciate it! (Starts Peeta's POV)

"It...probably won't happen. I'm just trying to expect it so I don't get my hopes up for nothing." Wait. "You think...I could call or you or something? To...to just make sure he's alright? Under the guise of someone calling the bakery or something." I need to know he's okay. ~

"I think it should be okay...it's not like the Capitol taps phones or anything around here." Trust me. I'd know. I have plenty of phone experience, as well as plenty of childhood friends. We all could've gotten in trouble for something. "You really want to? I mean-obviously you want to, but...you get what I mean?" ~

"I do...I...I just have to know. I didn't even get to say any sort of goodbye. You and your mom are the only ones who know I'm alive. I wanted to leave a note, but..." Too risky. "Even you could call. I might break, or he could recognize me. Just...put it on speaker so I could hear his voice." ~

"You don't want to tell him you're okay or anything?" I walk into the living room to get the cordless phone. "What do you want me to say?" ~

"I mean...I don't know. Anything. I...I want to tell him. Maybe you could just call as you. And kinda hint I could be okay. Cause...they dug up the coffin and all, and maybe he'll get it, and you could hint that maybe I'll see him again if it's ever safe." That sounds good. ~

"Alright..." I walk back into the kitchen and sit in my seat at the table. "Don't yell at me if I'm blunt about it," I laugh, handing him the phone. "You dial...you know the number, right?" Lots of people don't even know their own numbers. It's not like they call themselves all the time. ~

"Yeah, let me just..." I start punching in the number, starting with the "12" area code. I hold my ear up to it for a second to make sure I got it right. "It's ringing!" I whisper, quickly handing him back the phone. ~

"Ooh, someone's excited," I laugh, pushing the 'speaker' button on the phone. Then, I set the phone down on the table and wait for the ringing to stop and someone to pick up. ~

On the third ring, a man some ways away picks up the phone, hands covering in flour. "Mellark Bakery, Pane Mellark speaking, how can I help you today?" ~

"Shit what do I do," I whisper under my breath. "Um..." I look to Peeta and see him nod, confirming that it's his father. "Hello...?" I half-ask. Peeta said I could call as me, but I'm not just going to outright say...hi, this is your son's most recent fuck. Okay. ~

"Yes, hello?" He says, a bit louder, thinking maybe the person on the other end couldn't hear him that well. ~

"Yeah, hi, I'm just...calling to check in on you and your family. I heard about..." I'm afraid to finish it. And I'm trying my best to be not as blunt as I normally am. ~

The man's breath catches short. "..P-Peeta." He completes the sentence shakily. "Yes, I...I suppose everyone did hear." He pauses to compose himself. ~

"Yeah..." I take a deep breath. "Sorry. You don't know who I am, do you?" ~

He was going to ask, but if it was someone merely giving condolences, he would accept them from anyone-but really, now that he thinks about it, there aren't many, if any, he can think of who would give their condolences on Peeta. "...No." He pulls the phone with its cord to the seat near the window. "...Do you mind if I ask?" ~

"It's...his boyfriend." I smile at Peeta. ~

He pauses in slight confusion. "I'm afraid I don't-" Then, he realizes. "...Cato?" ~

"That's me." Ah. I see I'm well-known. ~

"Well...well, I very much appreciate the call, young man..." His voice is shaky, just as his son's gets. "Really, I do." It's something for him to be speaking to the last person to be with and speak to his son before he died far before his time. ~

"Thanks, I'm just glad you took the time to talk," I laugh. "I'm sorry if I'm like...taking up your time or something. I just know that Peeta is close to you, so I just thought that...this was a long overdue call." Not that I had any way of calling for the past three months. ~

"It's really nothing...we're past morning rush here, so...I'm not very busy. There's usually a lot to be done, but you caught me on an off day." ~

"Kay, good." So he didn't catch my 'is' instead of 'was.' Maybe I'm too subtle. "I just want you to know that your son is loved." ~

That's when his tears start, quietly, but can be heard in his voice. "I...I'm sure that would've meant the world to him, Cato. That's all he ever wanted." ~

"It does mean the world to him, Mr. Mellark. And I'm sure, that wherever he is...I don't think it's somewhere bad." He was practically grave-robbed, according to the rest of the country, but...yeah. ~

"Does?...H-he's dead, Cato." The man chokes out in a sob. "But...you're probably right. Anywhere is better for him than here." ~

"Uh..." My heart is pounding in my chest. I can't just listen to him cry anymore...it's like listening to Peeta cry. They sound the same. "I have something to tell you, regarding where Peeta is...but you have to promise not to tell anyone. You can't." ~

His heart nearly stops. "What?" He takes a second to gather together what he just heard. "You...you know who took him?" He just wants the boy back somewhere safe. ~

"No one took...He didn't..." Ugh. "I know where he is." ~

So this is why he called. "Please," He begs. "Please tell me where he is." Rest in peace shouldn't be disturbed. "I was so sure it was some horrible joke with those boys, but..." ~

"He's here," I blurt out. ~

"What..?" He gets to his feet. ~

"He's in my kitchen...next to me. Please, you can't tell anyone. If it gets out, he could be gone for real...I shouldn't be telling you now, even...but you have to know." ~

"You...stole my son's body and have it in your kitchen?" He wants to throw up. Partially because of the thought, and partially because there's nothing he can do about it. ~

"I what-NO!" Oh god, I forgot to mention he's alive. "No, no, no, no, no! You see, he's not dead...I didn't steal him. That's...that's sick, ew, no." ~

Now he's going to pass out. "There's no way. What, that boy dug himself from underground and walked to District Two? I understand we all have our ways of grieving, Cato, but I really don't appreciate this..." ~

"No! He wasn't underground, he left months ago...you can ask me questions or something! I know things now that he didn't tell me in the Games. I'm not grieving, or insane...well, everybody's a little crazy, but still!" Now he thinks I'm a sick freak. Wonderful. ~

Well...now that Cato's given it away, we're all in or all out here, right? And I've been yearning to say something for the entire conversation. I hear him start to speak again. "Cato, I'm sorry, but-"

"Daddy?"

Silence.

"Peeta?" ~

"See!" I shoot Peeta a look for finally working up the courage to say something. "He's okay." ~

It only takes a second for me to start crying, and I realize he is, too. Like father, like son.

"How on earth..." The voice begins, unsure but excited.

"I-it's a really long story, dad, but...but I'm okay, see? I'm here, and Cato's taking care of me, and keeping me safe and hidden, a-and...and...I miss you." I cry, staring at the phone.

He just cries for a minute. "I miss you too, kiddo. I really do. I...I've been thinking you've been underground with all the miners this whole time."

"No, no..." I laugh quietly through tears. "I..I'm here, in District Two."

"And...that boy's being good to you, little Peeta?"

"Mmhmm." I look over to Cato. "He's wonderful." ~

"Thank you, shortie," I laugh, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Peeta's more wonderful," I say to the phone. "Thank you for your wonderful son." ~

"He's...in a better place." I can just see him grinning to himself. "Will...will you ever be able to come home?"

I hope so. "I...really don't know. But...I'm safe here. So I've got a lot of time to figure it out." ~

"I told him I'd try to find a way. I really want him to see you again, because he keeps saying that he misses you, and I feel bad." ~

"It...was hard, watching the Games. Because I was able to protect him as best I could his whole life. And I didn't even have a chance, there. Now I know there's someone else looking out for him...you please keep him safe. And you, kid-don't take any unnecessary risks. And...try to call your old man, sometimes."

"I will dad. I will, I will, I promise." ~

"I swear I'll keep him safe. I'd give myself up to protect him, if necessary. You don't need to be nervous. I have him." I reach to find his hand and grasp it. "I just wanted you to know he's okay...I mean, my mom knows, so...it's only right that you know too." ~

"And...she's better than Peeta's mother, I have to hope and assume?"

"Much." Any mother is. "Don't worry. Please, try not to worry." ~

"She's the best!" I laugh. "I'm going to show her the food Peeta made. She'll love it!" Okay, so I love my mom. Big deal. ~

"I believe it." I hear the bell ring in the background. Then, a muffle goes over the speaker so he isn't as loud, and he shouts. "Didn't I say you weren't welcome here? Leave." And the door slams again. He doesn't get very upset that often. "Sorry about that." He comes back to the phone and says. ~

"That's okay...who was that?" He doesn't sound like the type of person who can get that angry. Shit. Remind me never to make Peeta angry. ~

I know exactly who it was. There's only one person specifically who isn't welcome in the bakery. "No one of concern, doesn't matter." I rush out before my dad can respond. This isn't something I want to bring up now, or today, or anything. ~

So Peeta knows. And won't tell me. Ugh. "Okay then...you tell that jerk to never come back!" I laugh, trying to lighten the mood. ~

"He'd best not." My dad sighs.

"Nope." I fiddle my fingers for a moment before speaking again. "So...I'll call again soon?" ~

"Correction. I'll make sure he calls again soon," I smile proudly. ~

"Alright...I...I'll get going, then."

"I love you, dad! I promise I'll see you soon or talk to you or something." I rush out before he hangs up.

"Just...be safe, little Peeta. Be safe." And the line goes dead. ~

"Do you feel better?" I ask, clicking the red 'end' button on the phone and picking it up. "Happy?" ~

"Thank you!" I allow myself to fall onto him happily. My father knows I'm alive. I could see him again, someday. ~

"You're welcome!" I laugh, holding him stable so that he doesn't fall onto the floor in a fit of happiness. "Oh, thank god you talked! He thought I was some sick bastard, and then he thought I was delusional or something, and...damn." ~

"You've gotta be more specific with what you say to us both. We're like the same person," I smile. "We take things way too seriously." ~

"Sorry, I just...find the wrong words sometimes." Match made in heaven. "But you feel a lot better now, don't you?" I love seeing this kid happy. ~

"So much." And a little afraid, naturally, but mostly happy. "Thank you." ~

"Well duh!" I laugh. "We probably shouldn't call every day, but a couple times a week should be okay. It could be like I'm calling your old home to check on things after hearing the news. So even if someone suspects something...they won't know you were on the phone too." ~

"That's...genius." ~

"Well, don't get used to the genius ideas...I can't come up with them under pressure, as you could tell while I was on the phone before you." ~

"I'll keep it in mind. Put you under pressure more often." I laugh. ~

"No, don't! Because then I just say things that I probably shouldn't even say! Urgh." ~

"You pull it off well." ~

"Yeah, you say that now. That could potentially screw shit up along the way. I don't know," I laugh. ~

"Well...we'll see. Won't we?" ~

"Probably." I comb through his hair with my fingers. He really needs a cut soon. "I'm glad your dad likes me." ~

"He likes almost everyone," I smile. "Almost." But Cato hasn't done anything like Terra to make my dad hate him. He's only done good things. ~

"Almost? He's capable of...oh, was it that person he yelled at?" ~

"Yes sir." Bastard. Probably the only person I hate, too. ~

"Who was it?" Not like I would know them. "King jerk or something?" ~

"The very same." ~

"Ugh! Your dad should've put me on the phone!" ~

"Not worth your time." I shrug. ~

"Totally worth my time. I love yelling at jerks," I smile. ~

"He's...he's just some guy," I shake my head. "Don't worry." I whisper. I don't want to see him ever again if I can avoid it. ~

"Alright, alright, whatever you say," I roll my eyes. Pfft. Don't worry. "Oh, I'm so glad you called, though. Now you made him happy! You don't have to feel bad about not being there for your tesserae!" ~

"No...I still do." Because they won't have anything to eat. ~

"But don't you think he'd rather know that you're alive and safe? I think he's more overjoyed about that than sad about not having any tesserae. It'd matter more to him, wouldn't it?" I ask. ~

"I suppose." I sigh. "That's just less food for them." And I can't help feeling responsible. ~

"But...oh, come on, cheer up! I'm sure they'll get by..." ~

"I hope so." ~

"I know so! C'mon, I'm an optimist here. And...a bit of a realist, I guess. Everything has to get better. I can feel it, Peeta. My gut feelings are usually right!" I laugh. ~

"I trust you!" I smile a little. "I really hope you can meet him someday. My brothers, too. Not really my mom though. That's okay." ~

"Me too! I hope you can meet my...nevermind. After my mom, that's it, so..." I laugh. ~

"Maybe your dad'll grow to like me, someday. Wishful thinking, right?" ~

"Yeah...about that." Never gonna happen. "Wishful thinking, but...he doesn't even like me all that much. So, you...just no." ~

"No...?" I sigh. "I wish things like this were easier. Why can't straight people be the ones that the public thinks are weird? I don't think anyone should be discriminated against, but... It's just not right." ~

"Ah, of course. Those damn straighties shouldn't go together at all. Vaginas are gross," I joke. It's a good thought, though. What's so wrong about gay people anyway? ~

"Yes!" I laugh. "Not really, just...why does it matter if I love you, and you're a guy and I'm a guy?..." It doesn't make sense. I'm not hurting anyone else. ~

"I dunno. Because two guys can't make babies?" I laugh. "I never saw a problem with it. I don't know." ~

"Well, it's stupid. And ignorant." I lean on my hands. "We've got your mom and my dad, though." ~

"That's all we need," I smile. "Actually, I'd be content with just us." ~

"You know...so would I." I'd be happy with this for the rest of my life, he and I. ~

"I love you more than I love myself." ~

"And I feel the same way." ~

"Yeah, well, that's understandable for you...you don't really like yourself that much, do you?" I sigh. "But people always told me I'm full of myself and that the only person I could ever love is me, so..." ~

"I came in and proved otherwise. You've just gotta find the right person-how many times have I told you this?" People've really got to listen to me sometimes. I know what I'm talking about. ~

"Well...at least once," I laugh. "But you're right." ~

"I usually am." ~

"I mean, you're the right person, too." ~

"Isn't that convenient?" ~

"It's just the way it was supposed to turn out. I think we were meant for each other." ~

"You make me glad I was Reaped, you know. Even when I thought I was going to die there...It was really nice knowing I had someone who loved me for me." ~

"It was nice knowing I once had someone who actually took the time to get to know me, and still liked me after that," I laugh. "Match made in heaven." ~

"That's what love is!" ~

"Yep!" I smile. "Your dad won't tell anyone, right?" ~

"No...He knows that could hurt me. So he wouldn't dare." ~

"Not your brothers or anything? So it's just him," I confirm. ~

"He's good at secrets." ~

A/N: That's that! Now you've met Mr. Mellark! Okay! More to come! Xx