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Chapter 10.

Katniss POV

The bar is buzzing tonight, packed full of students just back from their spring break. I can feel beads of sweat running down my back as the heat in the bar is making work almost unbearable. I look over at Johanna and see she is struggling with the heat also, droplets of sweat forming on her forehead and her tight blue T is clinging to her back. Haymitch will have to do something about this I think as I eye my innocuous boss who is leaning against the bar already inebriated.

Jo and I had both gotten this job the second week of school and it was working out very well for us. Jo loved the fact she could check out the endless supply of male under-grads, picking out the hottest and making her move all under the guise of bartending. I on the other hand was glad of the extra cash and the fact I was able to make a few new friends, something I wasn't great at. Haymitch wasn't the worst boss either. The older man obviously had a drink problem but that didn't seem to affect his sharpness as there wasn't much that got past his beady eye as I learnt to my detriment.

"Hey babe!" I hear behind me as I bend to lift up a new batch of glasses. I look up and see Finn leaning over the bar.

"Hey Finn! Good break?" I ask smiling at my friend. He is looking great and gathers more than a few admiring looks from the ladies swamping the bar I notice looking around me. "Where is Annie?"

"Oh she is over there with Peeta trying to line up a pool table." He nods his head at the far side of the room and I look over meeting bright blue eyes. My tummy flips, when is that going to stop I think for the millionth time as my eyes lock with his.

"Hi" he mouths and smiles across the crowded room at me. I smile back lifting my hand in a half wave. He looks good, no more than good but I don't let myself go there. Ever since Peeta had approached me last September we have embarked on a strange new friendship. It's strange in that it is funny to spend time with him and not touch, caress or cover him in kisses but it is working and I have come to think of him as a really good friend. Admittedly one that stirs more than friendly feelings but I am good at pushing those down now.

After that day on the quad he had started showing up at our house most days with Finn. At first it made me very uncomfortable and Jo wasn't very happy either. Peeta had pulled her to the side and they had talked, about what Jo had never said but when she asked me if I was ok with him being there I had put aside any grievances and said it was fine. I just wanted everyone to get along as after six months of drama I wanted to forget about it. Peeta had become part of our family along with Finn and our two other house mates, Rue and Clove. He often supplied us with baked goods and meals that were far superior to our usual microwaveable fare. The other girls loved him for it and the Mellark charm had won everyone over.

It had taken me longer to get used to his presence. I believed him about Glimmer which had surprised me as I don't trust many people but when he had gazed into my eyes after telling me what had happened I found myself believing him, the honesty in his eyes convincing me he was speaking the truth. More often than not I found myself thinking what would have happened if I had just confronted him that night instead of running away but there was no point in rehashing the past.

It had been at our Halloween party I had finally let my guard down with him. Jo and Clove had decided our house would be perfect for a party and had proceeded to invite what seemed like half the campus. I hadn't been keen on the idea but Jo had insisted as I had managed to get out of attending any parties up until then. She had dressed me up as cat woman which was quite hilarious until I noticed how clingy and revealing the suit had been, making me uncomfortable from the beginning. Peeta and Finn had shown up early to help set up and I had seen Peeta do a double take of my outfit, a slow red flush creeping up his neck and into his cheeks. I had found myself similarly flushed when I took in his roman solider outfit which showed of every well-defined muscle of his arms and left little to the imagination. I had tried to avoid him after that, trying not to notice how he seemed to have a constant supply of girls hovering round him batting their lashes as they fawned over him. It had been sickening. I had found myself drinking more than normal and when an attractive guy from my archery club had approached me, I found myself being more friendly than I would have been usually.

He had seemed like a nice guy and introduced himself as Marvel. I laughed at his name asking if his parents were comic fans and he had laughed back, surprised I knew about comics. We had chatted then about our mutual appreciation of Avengers and archery and I lost track of how many drinks I consumed as he kept supplying me with fresh beer. My eyes kept sweeping round the den and I knew I was looking for Peeta. When I found him I noticed a tall blonde wrapped around him whispering in his ear. My body had filled with red heat and his eyes had met mine over the sea of people. Every cell in my body had come alive as he had stared at me and something flashed in his eyes as he looked at Marvel at my side. I found myself wrapping my arms around Marvel who had been chatting about an upcoming archery competition. I leaned myself into his body and pulled his head down. Right before my lips met his I looked over at Peeta again and I could see he was pissed off as he shook his head slightly at me telling me not to do it. I closed my eyes and ran my fingers through Marvels hair as I proceeded to kiss him. My head swam and I knew it was from the alcohol. Marvel seemed to be delighted at the turn of events and pressed himself against me, pushing me back against the wall of the den as he deepened the kiss. I felt nauseous then as his lips became more insistent running his tongue up the side of my neck and biting my ear. I had felt his arousal press hard against my thigh and tried to push him back. His hand had moved greedily up my body then telling me how fucking hot I was and as he reached my breast I felt a gush of air and slumped slightly against the wall just glad to be free of his clawing hands. It was only then that I noticed Finn hauling Marvel out the door and Peeta had stood in front of me, fists balled and face red. "Hi friend Peeta" I had slurred at him before I had taken a dive for the floor. Strong arms had caught me and I had felt myself being hauled up close to his chest as he maneuvered through the sea of students who were busy drinking and dancing.

As I felt myself being lowered onto a soft mattress my stomach hurled and I dove for the washroom as the beer made a reappearance. I was no good at being sick and tears streamed down my face as I continually wretched for ten minutes. Soft hands held my hair back and pressed a cold flannel to my forehead as the sickness slowly subsided and it was only as I stood to brush my teeth I realised it was Peeta. I had wanted to die from embarrassment then, mortified he had seen me at my worst as I took in the black tear stained streaks on my face and hair sticking to my head. I had urged him to go then but he wouldn't, passing me my night clothes and waiting outside until I had changed before helping me into bed. He had moved his hand over my cheek then and I found myself asking him to stay with me as my eyes drifted closed. The word "always" registered on my subconscious before I gave myself up to a dreamless slumber.

Sometime during the night I had woken again. My head had been banging and I could still hear soft laughter somewhere in the distance. As I had become more alert I realised a heavy arm curved round my waist and my back was pressed up against a warm body. Awareness had flooded though me as I turned in the bed and met Peeta's half opened sleepy eyes.

"You stayed" I whispered, unsure what to do.

"I didn't think I should leave you alone" he whispered back.

We silently stared at each other for a long time as I felt my body relax into his.

"Thanks for your help…. you know…. earlier." I mumbled keeping eye contact.

"No probs. That's what friends do." He had mumbled back watching my face carefully.

"I'm glad you are here, I mean I'm glad we are friends Peeta."

His hand had moved out and spread over my cheek then caressing me softly. "Go back to sleep Katniss, I'll keep you safe and sound."

His words had reassured me and I felt myself drift away as he pulled me closer to his chest tucking my head under his chin.

The next morning we were closer. The night spent platonically in my bed had resolved something between us and I felt myself relaxing more with him, at ease in his company again and enjoying spending time with him. If our housemates had noticed anything different they never said. I did catch them shooting each other knowing looks sometimes but I didn't want to analyse or question what they thought of the new closeness which had developed over night between me and Peeta. I didn't want to think about it too much myself, happy to have him as a friend again.

The winter had passed in a happy bubble. Peeta usually met up with me after my last class and we would walk back to my house to make dinner. The evenings were mostly spent either working where he would usually show up at some point to keep me company or sprawled in front of the TV studying. Some of our housemates would usually join us and we would stay up late watching comedies eating popcorn. It was a happy existence and when it came to Christmas break I knew I would miss everyone, but especially him.

Prim had been doing brilliant at school and had settled in great. I talked to her all the time and she was constantly going to friends' houses for sleepovers and BBQ's. LA seemed to agree with her although I knew she missed her friends in Seam. It was only the fact she had settled so well that I had felt able to come back here for school. Our new next door neighbours in Glendale had turned out to have a young daughter Leevy who became instant best friends with Prim, introducing her to everyone when she realised they would be attending the same school. My mom seemed happier too, throwing herself into a more fulfilling role at the hospital and spending her spare time with her youngest daughter. They didn't seem to need me anymore and even though that hurt a bit I was happy for them.

Gale had met me at the airport when I had returned for Christmas. He had looked good, his tan deepened and his grey eyes sparkling when he seen me. I hadn't talked to him as much since I moved back east and I realised I had missed him as he enveloped me in a hug lifting me of the ground.

We had hung out for a week before he had flown home to be with his family for Christmas and I had enjoyed every minute of it. The gold necklace of a flying bird he had given me as a gift had seemed extravagant but he had insisted I keep it when I had objected. Peeta had called and text me a few times during that week and I could see Gale frown every time my phone pinged. When he asked who it was I had felt my face burn as I explained Peeta and I had become friends again. His gaze had darkened and he turned broody and quiet. It wasn't until his last day when we were sitting on the beach that he approached the subject.

"So you and Peeta Huh?" He sat looking out at the horizon trailing his fingers in the sand.

"We're friends Gale – that's it." I answered embarrassed he brought it up.

"Mmmmh … I don't think so Catnip" he murmured, turning to look at me. "I know you too well and every time your phone goes its more than friendship I see written on your face." His eyes scanned my face trying to work out what was going on.

"He is just my friend Gale, I decided and that's it. I'm not letting him in again." I blast out without thinking.

"You're in love with him aren't you!" He jumps up looking down at me coldly. "Fuck Katniss! What about us? I am waiting on you, you know that!"

"Gale, there is no us! We decided last summer remember?" I shouted back at him jumping to my feet to face him. "Why would you even say that? I love you but I'm not in love with you. I'm not in love with anybody and I don't want to be!" I shook the sand of my clothes and stalked away.

Gale had followed me, closing the distance. "Look, I'm sorry. I know you don't want this but I can't help how I feel about you Katniss." He looked sad then, hanging his head "I feel like I am losing you to him. He has been after you for years and now, the two of you together…." He trails of and I don't know how to reassure him because as much as I love Gale I don't want to be with him like that again.

We had parted still as friends and I tried to be firm as I told him to move on and find someone else. I had returned to school sullen and depressed and put some distance between myself and Peeta. He hadn't let me wallow though, pushing me to find out what had happened. I just told him I had fought with Gale and he had let it drop, shooting me curious looks now and again but not bringing up the subject again.

"Hey honey? Ay chance of that beer?" A voice shouts out and I tear my gaze away from Peeta and bring my attention back to the crowded bar. A hour later things have started to calm down and I can finally take a break. I make my way over to the pool table where Annie and Finn are locked in a competitive pool battle while Peeta sits on a stool looking on, his blonde curls hanging over his eyes in their usual messy style.

"Hey guys, glad to be back?" I ask slipping onto the stool next to Peeta.

"Great to be back" he turns to look at me and shoots me my favourite crooked smile. My heart beat picks up pace. "How did you get on in LA?" He asks, searching my face carefully.

"Mmmmm... Ok I guess. Mom was working most the time so I just hung out with Prim at the beach." I pull my lower lip into my mouth and bite down. "I missed you guys though" I look up and see Peeta lift his gaze from my mouth. My heart stutters in my chest as we look at one another.

After a minute he clears his throat "Yeah I missed you too. I mean there is only so much of my mom I can take." He chuckles and I smile at him. I know his mom is a battle axe.

"So I finish in half an hour, any plans?"

"Yeah, we were going to just hang out here and wait for you guys and then maybe go for a pizza or something?" He asks still smiling at me.

"Sounds great, I'm starving, but I think you can count Jo out" I laugh nodding my head towards my housemate who is propped on the bar eye fucking her latest conquest.

Peeta looks over and laughs. "Poor bastard doesn't realise he has bitten of more than he can chew" I laugh too because looking at the sweet faced boy, I know Jo could have him for breakfast. "Just us four then" he smiles at me.

"Eh Peeta, is it ok if we take a rain check?" Finn breaks in, coming over and slinging his arm around my shoulders. Peeta frowns as he looks at Finns arm and Finn withdraws it slowly, smirking at him. "Annie and I wanna have a proper catch up" he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively as Annie laughs with embarrassment from the other side of the table, her face turning bright red.

"Eugh!" I say "too much information Odair!" and I push him away laughing.

"What can I say, I don't like being parted from my girl" he moves round the table and pulls Annie in for a long slow kiss. I feel my face burn with embarrassment at their public show of affection and I am super aware of Peeta shifting in his seat beside me.

"Looks like its just us then, that is ... If em...you still want to go?" He asks unsure of my response.

"Yeah sure I'd like that but you have to let me change quickly, I stink" I grimace as i pull at my sticky t-shirt.

" I think you look beautiful" he murmurs softly beside me and I look at him in shock. We don't normally stray into the personal compliments area anymore. He looks annoyed with himself. "Sorry, it just slipped out" he says not breaking my gaze.

"Eh it's ok" I mumble still glued to his eyes " I'll just go finish up and we can go."

I slip of the stool and eventually break eye contact making my way back to the bar. Something funny is going on with us tonight I think as I sneak another quick look back at him. He is still looking over at me. Suddenly my tummy is full of butterflies and I'm wondering what our pizza date will entail exactly.

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