Chapter 36 – Friends, Lovers and Rebels

Disclaimer: Hunger Games belongs to Suzanne Collins. This chapter contains Prim, Haymitch and Katniss POVs and is rated M.

Prim POV ––

"Are they at it again?" someone said as harsh voices was heard from behind us. "Can't those keep their shit together?" The voices got louder as both Maddy and Seamus were in the middle of another argument.

I winced as Shane rolled his eyes. Maddy said, "I told you to stay the hell away from me," She seethed in anger as she tried to get past him. Seamus grabbed her by the arm. In return she shook him off and pushed him with both hands onto his chest. He nearly stumbled back.

"Well, you should have said that before you dragged me into this," Seamus accused as he raised his hand in the air.

"I didn't ask you to follow me or volunteer to join the rebellion," she spat. She pointed her finger into his chest. He winced as her nail dug into his skin. "That was your choice. Not mine. This is your own damn fault if you're 'stuck' here."

"Of course I was going to follow you," he shouted back. "If you thought I was going to let my fiancée––"

"Ex-fiancée," she corrected him. "I broke up with you weeks before I volunteered. This was my choice not yours. You don't own me. We were done. We are done!"

"You're still upset, I know that what I did was wrong," he admitted in a sheepish manner.

"I don't care if you slept with half the girls in 4. I don't give a shit," she spat back.

"I said I was sorry," he pleaded. "How many times do I need to say it until you forgive me?"

"I forgive you, there? Now leave me the fuck alone."

"This isn't just my fault. I was pissed that you kept postponing our wedding. It's been a year and you wouldn't set a date. What was I supposed to think?"

"You were supposed to be patient," she said back. "My father had just died and you wanted to set a date? He just passed away and you wanted to set a date. What the fuck was that? I asked for time and you agreed and you retaliated by sleeping with…" She sighed. "This is my fault. I should have been honest with you from the beginning."

"Yes you should have––"

"But that didn't give you permission to sleep with 'her'."

"I know, I know," he sighed. 'Who was her?' This was better than when one of Katniss' classmate found out that her boyfriend was with another boy. It was stupid since everyone knew her classmate's boyfriend was attracted to boys but had kept it a secret from her. Katniss laughed because Gale caught him at the slagheap. She laughed so hard because Gale said his life was scarred forever after seeing them 'in flagrante delicto.' Katniss in return told him he needed to get over himself. I snickered at Katniss because she couldn't say they were having sex out right. 'In flagrante delicto'in deed.

"Things haven't been right between us since my father died and I know you forgave me but––" 'What? Forgave her for what?'

"Prim?" Shane called my name. "One of the guys wanted to know if you had any of those herbs for an upset stomach?"

"Huh?" I blustered as I strained to listen to Seamus and Maddy. I turned to Shane.

"You know it's rude to be eavesdropping into other people's conversation," he scolded me with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips.

"But I wasn't––" Both his brows lifted. It was a reprimand since he was right. But then again, it wasn't that hard to not eavesdrop since both Maddy and Seamus argued right in front of everyone. The temperature in the air grew suddenly hot. I blushed as I knew I did. I was caught. My pale skin tinted quickly as result of my half Merchant blood. Shane smiled and laughed. I liked his laugh. It was hardy and full of mirth. It helped that he was also so attractive.

It's been a week since my rescue. One week away from my family and home. I miss everyone. I miss waking up in my house in my own bed. I miss coming home from the bakery with a treat that Peeta packed for me. I miss Katniss. Though I knew I was with the rebels and felt safe a few resented my presence especially Seamus. I didn't know what I did for him to resent me.

But it didn't matter as I made a friend in Shane and Maddy. A new kinship grew between Shane and me. He mostly kept me company by helping me gather herbs and roots while we headed towards…I didn't know where we were going since the rebel leader, Eisenman kept our destination a secret. Only a handful knew where we were heading. I hoped it was District 12's Township but that was not to be.

"I'm sorry, Prim," Shane revealed. "All I can tell you is that you're not going home anytime soon. It isn't safe for you to go home anyway since all of Panem thinks you're dead." Oh, I had forgotten about that. I just hoped that Peeta knew the truth. I didn't want my 'death' to be another thing he felt guilty about.

My entertainment for the day was over as I looked behind Shane to find Maddy alone leaning against a tree watching us. She was dressed in her usual outfit, black pants, shirt and boots. Her ponytail in disarray underneath a cap and she had grime on her face. Beneath the rebel clothing was a beautiful woman. "Is Maddy staring at us?" Shane whispered to me. I nodded my head. He groaned. "Does she look mad?" I nodded again. She did look upset but it was as if she was angry with…me. I knew that look. It was the same look whenever anyone touched or spoke to Peeta too comfortably. It was a look of jealousy. 'Uh oh,' my mind spun.

"I don't mean to pry but if something is going on between you and Maddy? You're my friend but if she is going to be mad at me for being your friend––"

"No, yes, I mean no," he uttered as his face turned pink. "It doesn't matter anyway. And you are right you are my friend. She has no say."

"But something went on between you two?" I was curious, nosy. Shane hesitated to answer but I waited.

"It was a long time ago," he sighed. There was sadness and anger in his expression. "Not that I would call it a relationship to begin with." He sighed again. "We were…friends once."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," I comforted him.

"As for having a relationship, it isn't as if I have time to have one right now. Not in the middle of a rebellion against the Capitol. And who with?" He gestured around us. Tall and wide trees surrounded us. It was a good place to hide for the night.

"Why not?" I asked. "Why not have someone in your life right now especially in the middle of a war." I thought of Katniss and Peeta and their relationship. "I mean, doesn't it help to know that you are fighting for someone, someone to have a future with? That is the reason why you are fighting in the first place?"

"If you asked me that a year ago, I'd agree with you but not now," he confessed. I turned to look at Maddy her face change from anger to sadness. It made me wonder if she heard us.

"Is there anyone back home for you?" He shook his head. Of course I assumed he had someone back home, he was too sweet and handsome to be single. He would have been sought after in District 12. He was a catch.

"I thought I did, but…," he said noncommittally. "Anyway, what about you, Prim? Any boy back home missing you?" I blushed and thought about Rory. I liked him, liked him a lot but he didn't understand my need to help people like my mom. I wanted to be just like her. She's a healer. Rory often complained of the hours I spent with my Mom as I assisted her whenever anyone came to the house. Much of our time together was disrupted because of it. We had a lot of heated discussion about it. It saddened me that he wasn't supportive or understanding of my ambition. I remembered Mom had said that I needed to find myself before looking or adding someone in my life. I needed purpose. She wanted me to be independent like Katniss.

Rory didn't understand when I told him that becoming a healer was important to me. I like him, so I knew he needed time himself to discover or find his purpose as well. I wondered what he was doing back home. Does he miss me?

The next couple of days, Maddy was quiet and somber. Seamus stayed clear away from her, but it was still tense between them. Shane was kind and sweet as usual. His interaction with me bothered Maddy. I could tell. She was short with me during dinner so I kept out of her way. I was helping a rebel as he accidentally walked right into a bush that caused red rashes on his hands. It wasn't serious as I used an herb to help ease his affliction. "Just rub the leaves on your hands after each time you wash it," I instructed him.

Maddy sat a few feet away a blanket wrapped around her, as the night air was chilly. We couldn't afford to light a fire in case hovercraft roamed the area. There were a couple of men up the trees watching the sky. Shane was helping me as he grinded some roots with a rock on top of a flat stone. Visibility was low but it was enough to get the job done.

"How long do I have to do this?" the rebel asked. He was a medium height man with dark hair and brown eyes. He was a little on the pudgy side. I think he said he was from District 10.

"I'll give you a few more leaves that should last for a day or two," I said. "It should go away by then as long as you wash your hands and rub the leaves on them right away." He turned to leave. "And one more thing, don't get in contact with anyone. You'll spread it to someone else."

"Thanks, Everdeen," he said as he saluted him. I blushed. It felt good to be useful.

"You're doing great, Everdeen," Shane mimicked in jest. I blushed.

"Thank you," I returned and smiled feeling very proud of myself.

"If you're parents could see you now, I bet they would be very proud," he said. My smile grew wider as I thought of them. Then suddenly a feeling of homesickness hit me. "I wish…"

"What's wrong, Prim," he asked.

"I miss my mom and dad," I started. "I miss my sister, Katniss." I held back a sob in my throat. I didn't want him to see my cry like a baby because I was missing my family.

"It's okay, Prim," Maddy said. "All of us miss our families as well." She shifted in her seat as she continued to stare at Shane. Her expression reminded me of the look Katniss would cast whenever she was with Peeta. It was a look of regret and longing after she realized she was attracted to him but treated him badly. Shane kept his eye on the work he was doing for me. He was either ignoring Maddy or so focused on his work that he was oblivious to her stare. Then an idea struck me.

"I miss my sister the most," I sighed. "We're really close. I could tell her everything. I miss Peeta too. He was like a big brother to me."

"Peeta, Peeta Mellark," Shane repeated as he finished his work and stored the crushed herbs into cloth bag. "That's you're sister's boyfriend? How long have they been together?"

"Not very long, three months," I answered him. "Before that my sister never paid attention to Peeta." I laughed and reminisced of their 'courtship.' "Or I thought she didn't know of his existence."

"What do you mean?" Maddy asked including herself into the conversation.

"Peeta had a crush on my sister for a long time," I started. "Since he was five and she was seven." I explained the first time he saw her and the events that led to their relationship. By now, rebels both male and female gathered around us as I related the story of their tumultuous courtship. The men snickered and scoffed at Peeta while the women oohed and awed by his devotion to Katniss.

"Sounds like some made up propaganda to me," a rebel snickered. "MockingJay must be getting real desperate to use kids for the rebels to follow…as if it's real." He mocked. During my time with the rebels I learned how very important Peeta and Katniss had become to their cause. The MockingJay and the Start Crossed Lovers were now the symbols for the rebellion––a revolution born out of inspiration by two young kids from District 12.

"You think Peeta volunteered to be whipped and have it taped for all of Panem to watch," I barked in disgust. "Do you want to know the injuries and trauma he still feels from that 'made up' propaganda? The nightmares and lack of sleep he experiences every night since that day?" I took a deep breath and continued. "You think he wanted this kind of attention that made him a target with President Snow? Attention that got his brother, sister in law and a friend killed?

Peeta and my sister didn't want this kind of attention. They just wanted to be together like a normal couple. To be in love and have a future together. They didn't ask or want this."

"They sound pretty incredible and far fetched when I first heard about them," a female rebel admitted. "I mean being called the "Star-Crossed Lovers of District 12." She huffed. "I didn't believe it. Who would, considering their 'tragic' love story. Star-Crossed? Whatever."

"We're fighting for peace and freedom," a male rebel interjected. "Not for some hokey story about two young kids with some tragic love story. It's a teen romance. It's probably not even real."

Their ignorance and pessimism pissed me off. "And how old should they have to be to have a tragic love story? Because they are young doesn't mean that their love isn't real or true. You know nothing of prejudice or social divide that exists in District 12. Who has the right to say who you love? Whether your blond or dark haired, man or woman? Peeta is even younger than Katniss by two years. Are you saying they shouldn't be together because of his age?" I said in an angry tone. "So a man has to be older than the woman for it to be right?"

"Prim, calm––" Shane began. I wouldn't let him interrupt me.

"Why is it that the Capitol can do what they, when they want and with whom they want and yet we are told what to do, how to live and who to love? You don't think that the Capitol made these restrictions. That they planted the biases in the mind of 'simple' people to control us. To pit us against each other while they continue to suppress us?

What happened to free will? The right to live our lives as we see fit? I thought slavery was abolished?" I was out of breath as I struggled to fight my anger. "Peeta not only crossed but also defied a social barrier that prevented people from my district to love someone outside of his 'class.' That takes more than just courage that also takes strength in character and fortitude. He fought against his friends and his own family's bias to be with my sister. What is that if not love? That fighting for love is just as important as fighting for peace and freedom. Peeta and Katniss' relationship wasn't created as propaganda to be used to start a rebellion. They are real."

"You are right, Prim," Maddy conceded.

"Yes I am," I stamped my foot. I couldn't help it. "You all…just too old, too bitter and jaded to appreciate what my sister and Peeta are fighting for. They didn't ask for this attention. None of it." Everyone was quiet after my…rant.

"You sure have a mouth, Everdeen," a male rebel smirked. "And quite a speech. Are you sure you're not related to the MockingJay?" I snorted. "Because for a minute there you sounded like him." 'As if,' a voice spoke in my mind. 'My dad wouldn't hurt a fly let alone take a life.' My dad was a peaceful and kind man. If it wasn't for his disability he would take part in the rebellion because Dad believed in his cause. He hunted to help us survive but I couldn't see him taking a life unless it was necessary. And these were necessary time.

"What's all the ruckus here?" Eisenman appeared. Everyone turned to him as he appeared.

"Nothing, sir," Shane said as he stood up at attention like a good soldier. "We were just having a peaceful conversation. Weren't we, Prim?" My ire bated as the massive looking leader turned to me. I nodded my head. Eisenman looked at me with suspicion in his eyes.

"Well, keep it down," he ordered. Then he turned to his men and women. "I need volunteers for the third shift." I found out the second to the last shift which was about two hours before dawn was the hardest and important shift. Most people's bodies and mind tired easily at that time. It was took focus and endurance for the mind to stay alert. Shane raised his hand.

"I volunteer, sir," he said proudly and with determination.

"I volunteer as well," Maddy said. Shane turned his head to her so fast I thought he injured himself. He looked nervously at her.

"Sir, is it really necessary to have two people on that shift?" he asked then winced when Maddy sent him a dirty look.

"We need eyes in sky and around the terrain," he answered back. "You both can keep each other company incase one might fall asleep."

"I doubt I fall asleep now, sir," Shane muttered under his breath.

"What did you say, soldier?"

"Nothing, sir," he answered back his posture tall and stiff. "Nothing."

"Good, now everyone get some shut eye," he ordered. "Both of you." He gestured to Shane and Maddy. "Get some rest. The shift before you will wake you up."

Shane nodded his head. He kept his eyes forward. "Yes, sir," he muttered. "I…uh…I'll turn in now." He turned and walked to a tree and situated himself under the wide trunk.

"Night, Shane," I said.

"Night, Everdeen," he quipped back. Maddy looked at Shane one last time then also prepared for bed. She lay on the floor next to me.

"Get to sleep, Prim," she ordered. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." I tucked into my sleeping bag minutes later. It was difficult to sleep on the cold and hard ground. It also didn't help that most of the men snored. Their snores wasn't at all like Dad's. One guy was so loud, he sounded like a freight train that visited District 12 once a month. I lay on my back and stared into the dark sky filled with so many stars. I wondered if both Peeta and Katniss were staring into the same night sky as I was. The thought of them in the Capitol scared me, but at least they were together again.

Haymitch POV ––

"You know staring at the clock won't make the time move any faster," Antoine snorted. I rolled my eyes. Usually when my tributes were training I drank myself to oblivion. But under these circumstances, my charges were my friend's children. People I knew and cared for. I had thought I lost Prim but was relieved that she was safe and far from harm, away from Snow and his games. I knew Peeta, he would have sacrificed his life to make sure Prim went home. He would fight to the death and prepared his own. With Katniss as his partner, I knew he would do the same.

Time crawled each day when Peeta and Katniss were at the training facility. I didn't know what to do with myself as Effie was ensconced with Cinna and the stylists in preparation for the interviews. So I invaded…um visited Antoine and Dessie. They were my friends. People I trusted when I stayed at the Capitol during my 'visits' when I first won the games.

"How are Peeta and Katniss doing?" Dessie inquired. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Good I guess," I stated. I wasn't really sure since they kept to themselves. It was expected that they would return tired and exhausted from training all day, but I didn't anticipate their silence. I instructed and advised them the best I could. Each night we watched and talked about the previous games. I showed video after video of strategy and what to expect and look for. Each night they could hardly keep their eyes open but I forced them to watch and learn from each tribute's victory and mistakes that cost them their lives. Conversations with the both during each meal were minimum especially with Katniss. She wasn't the talkative type but not from Peeta. Their behavior bothered me.

The morning when Effie found them in bed together was amusing but not unexpected. They were two kids in love going into the arena. They knew how little time they had left together. There was no way a rescue could be attempted as they, both Peeta and Katniss were heavily guarded. Snow never said a thing but I saw or noticed there were more body guards in our residence than any other tribute's quarters. I remembered the conversation I had with Effie. She was disturbed over the 'sleeping' arrangements between Peeta and Katniss.

Flashback ––

"Haymitch, you must have word with Katniss," she started. I knew what she was referring to but feigned ignorance. 'This is not acceptable."

"What now?" I said in impatience. I was stressed and lacking sleep worrying over my tributes as I waited for a word from Jay. "Me, why? What for?"

"You are her mentor," she added. "And I do believe you know her personally," she quipped.

"Oh, what about?" I snickered. She huffed in impatience and aggravation as well. Tension was high in the living quarters as Effie made a big stink about Katniss sleeping with Peeta.

"You know well what I am taking about." Her hands were on her hips fists clenched as she hovered before me. I sat on a lounge chair with a drink in hand––carbonated water with some sort of flavoring. I missed drinking shots of whiskey or glasses of bourbon but resisted since I needed to be sober in case…

"Haymitch, your tributes should not be sleeping together," she blustered.

"Why not?" I uttered. "They are boyfriend and girlfriend. I don't see the big deal."

"It is a big deal," she argued.

"Why?"

"Why? Why?" She threw her hands in the air. "They are…children." I snorted. "It is inappropriate that a young lady to be…sharing…that a young lady should not be in the presence of a gentleman––"

"Effie, calm down," I sighed. "Give the kids a break. They are going into the arena to fight for their lives. Give them the time they have left." The thought of their possible demise…upset me. I needed to get in contact with Jay, I meant Garrett because there was no way he would allow his daughter to participate in the arena. He had to be planning something. "Listen, Effie, they know they might not…survive. Please give them what little time they have left to be together."

"And if Katniss gets pregnant? You know they have one last physical the day before the Game," she reminded me. I swallowed a ball of saliva that gathered in my throat. Pregnant? What if Katniss… "Are they even taking precautions?"

I winced. "How the hell do I know? I'm not their father." I squirmed in my seat. "It's not any of my…or your business if they are…you know?" I winced. I should be concern because there was a penalty for having a pregnant tribute. Punishment didn't just affect the mentor, the reaping escort and the girl involved but retribution was wide spread throughout the district affected. District 12 had suffered enough after the mutt dog attacks.

"Well, you need to make sure they are being careful."

"What? Why me?" I was flabbergasted by her request. "Peeta, he's responsible. I'm sure he taking care of Katniss."

"WE need to make sure," she insisted. "I will have a formal discussion with Katniss and you…Haymitch, you must speak to Peeta." 'Oh, boy.'

End of Flashback ––

A week after training, Katniss began to lose patience and was frustrated. I had asked what was wrong and her response was to throw a vase at me. Peeta, ever the patient one calmed his temperamental girlfriend as he led her to his bedroom. I was not the only victim of her ire, Katniss also took out her frustration on him as well. I almost asked if she was hormonal. That would have resulted with a bloody nose. No thanks. I could hear their muffled voice in this room. They were arguing for a few minutes. Then the room became silent. I sighed in relief.

"I wish there was more I can do," I admitted. If only…if only I had removed the tracker in Peeta's arm this wouldn't had happened, but I realized that had they rescued Peeta, Katniss would had been reaped. And Peeta would have surrendered himself to be with her. This was meant to be. They were chosen in more ways than one. The odds were stacked against them no matter what we did. They were chosen to be the symbol of hope and freedom. They were chose to fight with the MockingJay.

I had no clue of their popularity as a couple. Not until Antoine had explained what the resistance was doing. When Katniss was announced as the next tribute for District 12 to join Peeta, I didn't know what Snow had started, what he had sparked. Who knew that a baker's son and the MockingJay's daughter instigated––the awakening of a revolution that had been on hold waiting for a miracle. No one knew Jay's real identity but only a few. There was a reason for it and it was kept between Garrett and myself. It was as if fate brought all three of them together for this cause.

My focus now was to get Peeta and Katniss out of the Capitol, away from the games before it started. I had two weeks.

But now, my hopes to keep them alive are dashed. My tributes acquired more protection or guards for their 'safekeeping' as Snow ordered. He quoted, 'I wouldn't any mishaps to happened to the most 'popular' tributes in all of Panem.' Hence Peeta and Katniss were well guarded. I didn't have the heart to tell them that were under Snow's scrutiny 24 hours a day.

Whatever chance or plans I had to sneak them out of the city or rescue them were impossible. They were headed to the arena. There was nothing I could do.

"I'm leading them to their deaths," I said.

"Haymitch, you had been leading many to death before," Antoine reminded me.

"But these two, Peeta and Katniss," I started. "They are special, different." I couldn't explain to Antoine and Dessie what made them stick out from the rest. I lacked words to define or explain it. But I tried. "There is something special about them. As individuals they are plain and normal as any young adult, but together. You should see the together. They are the future of Panem. I had never inspired or cared before because something about them resonates in me."

"Why? I don't understand," Dessie asked.

"Yes, why? I mean the boy is…sweet and polite," Antoine observed. "He doesn't display and character of strength or courage. I mean, he seems weak." I shook my head.

"No, Antoine," Dessie disagreed. "You forget the whipping he received from the peacekeeper in the video. That takes strength and courage to survive that." Antoine had the decency to look ashamed for his assumption that Peeta's lack of physical strength due to his leaner stature made him appeared weak. He was far from it.

"You don't know Peeta," I said. "All you see is a young fragile boy, lean and lanky. You look at him and say, 'He won't survive a day in the arena.' Peeta is soft, kind-hearted and he wouldn't hurt a fly." I snorted because I knew the truth. "But what you see is not who is he. He'll fight to the death for the people he loves. And he has loved that girl all his life. He will die for her."

"She seems very aloof and awkward," Dessie commented. "Too skinny and weak as in her ability to survive the arena." I laughed.

"You're wrong about her too," I continued. "That girl is strong and willful. She's a fighter, a survivor just like Peeta."

"How do you think they will do in the arena?" Antoine asked.

"Oh, they'll last," I confessed. "As I said they are fighters. What will give them an advantage is their…connection, their love for each other. They are stronger together than being apart."

"Oh, so their romance is real," Dessie asked. "I just thought it was concocted for some reason. Something…that was used to sell to Panem. That Jay––"

"Their love is real," I sighed. "That is what this so tragic. They are willing to die for each other I guarantee you." Now that Katniss knew Prim was safe, I know…she would die for Peeta as well.

"So any word from Jay?" I asked. Antoine shook his head. I sighed in frustration.

"We're running out of time. Peeta and Katniss are running out of time," I corrected myself. I ran a hand through my hair. I'm surprised I still have hair left with all the stress and trauma. I wanted a drink so badly I could taste whiskey in my mouth, but in stead I drank the lemonade/mango concoction Dessie made for me. I almost reach for a bottle of bourbon as soon I entered their home but she intercepted me from helping myself with a glass. Dessie knew my demons and my habits.

"You know he has to be planning something," Antoine stated.

"He better be," I returned. I knew that Garrett was in the midst of some plans but keeping out of the loop frustrated me. I…we were in the Capitol where no secrets can be kept, eyes and ears were everywhere. I was even taking a risk visiting Antoine and Dessie as often as I had. But, I was alone all day with Effie working with Cinna and Portia and the kids at the training facility. I was lonely at the penthouse with everyone gone a better part of the day."

An Avox appeared and walked directly to Dessie and handed her a piece of paper. "Antoine, we have a visitor who wishes to see you privately," she announced.

"Bring them to my office," Antoine instructed the Avox. "Haymitch, please know that we are doing our best to help Peeta and Katniss. Just keep them safe and get them ready."

"Ready for what?"

"I cannot say anything yet, but just trust me," he pleaded. "Do not lose patience and faith. We cannot afford to be careless or reckless now…now that have the instruments and the chance to change Panem's future." Antoine was right. I had a job and that job entailed making sure Katniss and Peeta were trained for the arena. I have a feeling that the games were now part of Jay's plans. If that was the case, my tributes had to be prepared.

Hours later, I'm emotionally exhausted as I racked my brains trying to figure out how to help Peeta and Katniss escape from the Capitol. I literally had 6 days left. I picked up them up as usual. It didn't feel right for them to be escorted by peacekeepers. I feared for their safety even with their heavy security detail incase Snow had ideas.

"You two okay?" I asked as I noticed Katniss' weary behavior. Peeta walked beside her a little too farther than usual. I had advised them to not flaunt their relationship in front of the other tributes but we were alone now. After their encounter with Cato, it was good advise that I had predicted that something would happen. But this new tension between them bothered me. I wondered if the stress was getting to them. 'Fuck,' my mind screamed. 'Of course, they're stressing.' They're about to enter the arena to fight to the death. And as both of them were targets, I didn't blame them for being tired emotionally as well as physically. But I didn't or could afford to have them distracted or their relationship breaking down before the games.

"We're fine," they both said at the same time with same tone of weariness. Even though there was tension between them they were still in sync with each other. The trip was quiet as we returned to our residence. Though there was tension between them Katniss reached out to Peeta and grabbed his hand. Both were looking outside the window opposite each other. Katniss held onto his hand as well walked into the elevator. Once we were inside our resident she let him go.

"I'm going to take a shower," she announced. Peeta's throat bobbed up and down as he watched her walk away.

"Peeta," I began. "I know you both well enough to know something is wrong." Peeta turned to me his face solemn.

"Just tired, Haymitch." His shoulders drooped.

"It's more than that, Peeta," I pressed him. "You know you can talk to me. I'm not your Dad." He flinched. "But you… have been able to talk to me when you couldn't talk to him." He nodded his head.

"I just…it's nothing, Haymitch, I promise." He turned away but as he started to walk off I called him back.

"Peeta, I do need to talk to you for a few minutes," I said. My throat tightened. This was something I was ill equipped to do. Or more likely had not the right but since I am his and Katniss' mentor, it was my job to keep them safe.

"Haymitch, I'm tired and I want to take a shower and nap before dinner," he sighed. 'A nap which would probably have Katniss in bed much to Effie's dismay. I snorted.

"This won't take long."

"What about?" he asked as he sat down and bent over while cradling his head between his hands. 'Where do I begin?'

"Well, um…" I stumbled. "I need to talk to you about…you and Katniss." That got his attention as he sat straight up.

"Oh, what?" Oh, God! Now what do I say to him without embarrassing him and myself? "Well, Effie says that––"

"Sheesh, Haymitch," Peeta interjected. "If you're going to bring up Katniss sleeping with me––"

"Don't interrupt me, Peeta," I forced a breath through my mouth. "This is not easy for me, you know. It's not like I ever thought I'd have this conversation with you let alone anyone for that matter. I don't think I have to repeat what your Dad told you about the birds and the bees." Peeta narrowed his eyes then seconds later a light lit in his brilliant mind. And I continued to stumble with my words, "I mean what you and Katniss do together is no ones' business." He groaned.

"Suffice it to say that granted you don't have any privacy to…you know." Peeta closed his eyes and placed both hands on top of his ears. "You love each other and it's only natural that you can't stop those urges." He opened his eyes quick. "I mean I was a young lad myself and you just recently got together so if you both are doing it like rabbits…"

"No, no, no," he exclaimed as his cheeks grew pink the color traveled to his ears.

"And you're grown boy so I know that I don't have to worry about it. There's instructions on the packet––"

"Stop, stop."

"Peeta, there is nothing wrong with you wanting to sleep with Katniss," I continued. "What I'm trying to say is…" I stuck my hand in my pants pocket. "Oh hell, here." I walked up to him and grabbed his hand forcing a packet of condoms in his palm. The packet had at least had six condoms. He gasped in shock as he stared at the article in his hand as he couldn't believe it was there.

"It's easy to use and just make sure it's on securely before you––"

"Oh my God." He dipped his head down in embarrassment

"Those are the best the Capitol has to offer," I lectured him. "If you're wondering about the size I already knew since Venia and Portia can't stop talking about how well-endowed you are so it will fit. If you need more just tell me and I can get more." There I did it. Lecture done. I wasn't kidding when I said that his stylists were quite impressed with his girth. I thought they were teasing. They were not when I saw the size.

"Well, this is humiliating. I'd rather you scolded me about letting Katniss in my bed. Because this…this is…" Peeta was completely red from neck, face and ears.

"Hey, I'm not doing this to humiliate you, you know," I blustered. Was I too red in the face? I hoped not but I pressed further since the conversation needed to be said and done. "But I think I don't have to elaborate to what I'm trying to say."

"Well, I think these…," he gestured his hand with the packet, "sufficiently said enough. This is so embarrassing." He looked around. "Where is Effie?"

"She's still with the stylists," I answered. He sighed in relief then winced.

"Is…is Effie going to 'talk' to Katniss as well?"

"Probably."

"Oh, shit," Peeta cursed. "Katniss is not going to take that well." 'No shit.' It was a good thing that Effie would handle that.

"That's understatement," I scoffed. "You better be prepared incase Katniss maims Effie to intruding or butting into your business."

"Can you tell Effie to please not bring this up with Katniss," he began. "She's already stressed…"

"Well, that the point for the condoms," I blurted. "You both don't have to worry that she might get pregnant. This will make things better for you both, stress and worry free." 'You can go at it like rabbits,' I was about to add.

"Haymitch, please," he begged. "I…I will handle this. If Effie talks to her, it'll make things worse." I nodded my head. "Please don't make things harder for Katniss."

"Okay, Peeta," I agreed. I needed to circumvent a murder incase Katniss took Effie's concern the wrong way. Effie does mean well but her archaic methods of behavior contradicted the Capitol's morals and values––they didn't have any.

"Go take your shower and nap," I suggested. "I'll talk to Effie." Peeta sighed in relief. He pocketed the pack of condoms and headed to his room.

An hour before dinner, Effie arrived giddy from her day with Cinna and the other stylists. "Oh, Haymitch, I cannot wait for you to see Cinna and Portia's work. Our tributes will be the talk of the town." I smiled with disinterest. She noticed the frown on my face and lack of interest.

"What's wrong?" she asked startled and concern. "Are Peeta and Katniss okay? Did something happen?" I shook my head.

"No I just wanted to tell you that…" I stumbled for a moment. "I talked to Peeta about that thing you wanted me to discuss with him." Her brows furrowed then a moment of recognition or realization surfaced.

"Oh, that's excellent then," she said. "I mean, it is useless to try to them to sleep in their own room." I snorted in amusement. Nothing on this green earth was going to pry Katniss from Peeta's bed. That idea was loss cause. "But they must be careful. You did give him the packet?"

"Yes, with great humiliation and embarrassment Peeta accepted it without argument."

"So I guess I need to speak to Katniss––"

"No," I shouted that it startled Effie. "I mean, I already discussed the topic of safe sex with Peeta. There is no need to talk to Katniss. He will talk to his girlfriend. No need to embarrass Katniss as well."

"Oh," Effie said. She looked disappointed. "Are you sure it's not necessary for me to have a bit of girl talk?"

"Oh, I assure it's not necessary," I stated. "Please don't push the matter, Effie."

"This must really concern you," she said as an eyebrow furrowed. "You said 'please.' Something you don't say often unless it's really important to you." I smiled.

"It is," I confirmed. "Katniss and Peeta are very responsible kids. I trust them. And I'm also thinking about your welfare."

"My welfare," she repeated in stunned tone. "What do you mean?"

"Effie, you have to know that Katniss is very stubborn and easy to anger," I reminded her. The last time Effie tried to advise Katniss on a delicate manner which I didn't care to know about, she scowled and ran to her room. For two whole days Katniss ignored her that it drove Effie mad. How the matter was settled I didn't know as Peeta ended up being the buffer between them.

"I am quite aware of Ms. Everdeen's unlady-like and childish behavior," she huffed.

"Well, if you spoke to her about having sex with Peeta," I started. "You may find yourself with a black eye." I knew that Katniss wouldn't resort to violence but I needed to press the issue so Effie wouldn't go behind my back and talk to her.

"She wouldn't dare?" Effie gasped horrified and shock on her face. I shrugged my shoulders. "You jest?"

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

During at dinner, it was a quiet affair. Both Peeta and Katniss were solemn which was usual as both we tired. But Katniss noticed that Peeta fidgeted in his seat.

"Peeta, are you okay?" she asked him.

"I'm fine, Katniss," he said as he winced. There was definitely something wrong.

Katniss was not pleased or happy with his response as she glared at him. "Katniss, please don't make a big deal out of it."

"Okay, what the hell is going on?" I had noticed it before but Peeta favored his left shoulder.

"Tell him Peeta," Katniss said with a bit of heat in her tone. She was clearly upset with him.

"Don't make a big deal out of this, Katniss," Peeta answered back.

"Not make a big deal––"

"Okay, okay," I said. "Someone, which is you Peeta better tell me what happened today." I stared at them both. Then my eyes lingered on Peeta. He sighed.

"Did you know that they allowed a few of the sponsors at the training facility today?" he asked. My eyes grew wide in concern at first then out of anger. So did Effie.

"What?" I bellowed.

"Yes, sponsors showed up at the training center," Katniss said in an angry tone.

"That is not allowed," I mentioned. It was against the rules unless President Snow allowed it which what had happened. "So what happened? Well?" I waited for Peeta to explain because Katniss was too angry.

"Well, they showed up before lunch," he began. "At first they just looked around."

"How many?" Effie asked.

"About 6 of them," he answered.

"And all women!" Katniss added. "Two of them lingered wherever Peeta was at. They basically were following him around."

Peeta sighed as did I since I knew where this was leading. "I kept moving around, Katniss."

"And they followed you around." It made sense now why Katniss was agitated.

"The other tributes didn't like the fact that Peeta was getting all that attention," Katniss stated.

"They are not supposed to show any favoritism," I said. "Let alone permitted in the training facility."

"Well, Cato made a big stink about it," Katniss added.

"So what happened?" I asked.

"He went after Peeta again," she answered.

"Who I avoided but Katniss baited him again," he said. "So I about to tackle him again before he reached Katniss."

"Katniss? What did I tell you about keeping a low profile with Cato?" I admonished her as she ignored me.

"Well, one of the visitors approached Peeta which pissed me off because she was touching his abs, feeling him up. And that made Cato jealous even more. So he went after Peeta and pushed him, hard. Instead of coming after me. Then Peeta landed on his back hitting his head," Katniss explained. "Again."

"I wasn't hurt Katniss," he said. "And the incident was over before––"

"Only because the Peacekeepers prevented a fight from breaking out between you two," she said. "He could have seriously injured you."

"I can take care of myself," he said. "I could have handled him fine."

"Not when you got struck on the head. How many times have you been hurt and hit on the head?" she said her anger abated replaced with concern. "He's got another lump on his head now, Haymitch." She reached out and touched the back of Peeta's head.

"I'm okay, Katniss, I am." So she wasn't mad at Peeta because of the visitors but because he may have a serious injury.

"What happened after?" Effie asked.

"Cato has been suspended to train for the next two days," Peeta answered. "And Katniss scared off the visitors."

"They shouldn't have been there in the first place," I commented. "What was Snow thinking?" I let the question linger in my mind. He didn't do things without a motive. "And where was Seneca during all this?"

"Who?" Katniss asked her face infused with confusion.

"The head game keeper," Peeta answered her. It was obvious that it didn't ring a bell to Katniss as she still looked confused. "The guy with the funny beard and beady eyes."

"Oh, him?" Katniss returned. "I don't know I was too busy thinking about Peeta."

"Did you get your head checked?" I turned to Peeta who shook his head. "Peeta, you have a lump on your head. You should have at least had it checked out or mentioned it."

"That's what I've been telling him," Katniss sighed. "He's so stubborn."

"Pot, kettle, black," Peeta said as he pointed his finger between them.

"Peeta, for God's sake, you may have concussion for all you know," I said in exasperation. "People die in their sleep if you don't watch it or it's not diagnosed in time." Katniss gasped.

"Peeta?"

"Okay, okay. I'll go see a doctor," he relented. "Don't be mad at me anymore."

"I wasn't mad at you to begin with," she sighed.

"And please don't confront or antagonize Cato anymore," he stated. "You didn't have to do that to him." He snickered. "Not that he didn't deserve it."

"What did she do?" I asked. Oh, I can tell this was going to be good because mad Katniss was a sight to see when anyone hurt or looked at Peeta the wrong way.

"Uh…well," she stuttered as she looked back at her boyfriend. He had a twinkle in her eye and small smile on his face. "I…when we were leaving. He was pissing me off––calling Peeta names. So I sorta…I kneed him in the balls." Effie gasped in horror. "In front of everyone, including the sponsors who were still there."

"Katniss, how could you?" Effie exclaimed in horror. "That was so…unnecessary."

"I could and did," she retorted. I laughed so loud and hard my stomach ached––with pride. Effie was not pleased.

"Haymitch, you should be scolding her not laughing," she reprimanded me. I continued to laugh. It was what I needed as I felt tension fell from my shoulders.

"Why didn't you stop her," I asked Peeta. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I knew Katniss can take care of herself," he continued. "If Cato had made any attempt to hurt her seriously I would have intervened, but she didn't need my help." He smiled at her.

"But you made her a target, a bigger target like you," I said.

"I know what people especially the tributes in Districts 1 and 2 think of me," Peeta replied. "They thought of the same thing with Katniss."

"Why did you want to make her a target as well?" It wasn't making sense, what Peeta was trying to accomplish.

"Now people know she's not weak or can be intimidated," he said. "That she is not just my girlfriend but a formidable opponent as well. I don't care what they think of me. I can protect myself. You told us not to flaunt our relationship. You said not to show our talent. I'm okay with that strategy, but not showing my…feeling for Katniss that made us look weak as a team. It made us look like I wouldn't defend her or she defend me. Besides, defending herself and me made her look desirable. What she did to Cato was…pretty hot."

Katniss blushed red. For the first time in days, she looked relaxed and not tense. I guess a little display of aggression didn't hurt them as I thought it would. "It made both of us desirable, Peeta," she said. "Even the sponsors said the same. That Peeta must be worth defending to people like Cato."

So Peeta had been strategizing on his own as well. I had been underestimating him but I should have known better because I had seen him fight as a wrestler. He was strong and fought smart, countering his opponent's moves. He never initiates an attack always watching the opponent to make the first move. Cato was quick to anger which led to impulsive behavior. Who knew Peeta was a strategist. I was proud of both of them.

"Well, young man," Effie began. "I'm glad that you and Katniss are taking care of each other but she is right. You must have your head examined." She pulled Peeta off his seat and led him to the next room. "You will sit still while I call for a physician to look at your head." Her voice faded into the air.

"Katniss," Peeta called out to her. "You coming?"

"In a minute, I want to talk to Haymitch," she answered him. Now, I was curious. Katniss didn't like to be away from Peeta too long. Even if they were in the same room together, she gravitated towards him. She waited until they disappeared into the next room.

"So what did you want to talk to me about, sweetheart," I asked.

Katniss sighed. "I need to ask you a favor." Her usual bravado was not present. She looked like an ordinary 18 year old girl, not the fierce and independent hunter she presented herself to be at all times.

"Oh?" I blurted in surprise. Katniss was proud. She was a type of person that never asked for things for herself. So this favor must be for Peeta.

"This past week has been stressful and tense for Peeta and me," she said in soft tone. "I know what our chances are and I know that you want us to train as hard as we can to survive but…"

"But? What is the favor, Katniss?" I dropped my mentor mantle and tried to be a friend. "What is it you need?"

"We don't have much time left." Her eyes misted but she held back any tears with the back of her hand. She was still after all a girl. "I want to spend any free time I have with Peeta."

"I understand." I did. If Garrett didn't do anything soon or say anything to me, their chances were slim to none. They didn't have a chance in the arena to begin with but with Snow making them a target, their chances of survival was low now that every tribute knew that the sponsors favored them. Their visit to the training center confirmed it.

"So I was wondering for the next few days if…" she stumbled. "…if it was possible if I can arrange to…let Peeta and I have a couple of date nights instead of more videos and lesson in the evening?" 'What?' Her request was unexpected.

"Oh, I see," I said. I tried not to smile and embarrass her. This request was also for her self as well. How could I deny them of that? "What do you have in mind?"

Katniss POV ––

I gasped in shock then sighed in relief seconds later. I thought I had to put up a bit of fight with my request. If I was lucky, I would at least have five dates. Five dates to save for a lifetime before Peeta and I entered the arena. I was being realistic with our odds in the games. After this afternoon, other tributes were not pleased to discover that the sponsors were already favoring us. Showing up at the training facility and fawning over Peeta confirmed it. I hated that woman for showing any attention towards him. Then she touched him. I only saw red and reacted.

I understood the importance of sponsors but she crossed a line. My anger was not towards Peeta though I was frustrated with him for unwillingness to fight back. I didn't realize he had his reasons.

"Oh, I was thinking that a normal dinner date is a good start," I started. "I was hoping that we can at least have one or two nights with dinner just the two of us, alone. Without people around." I blushed. I was asking to be alone in the resident to have…sex with Peeta. I mean I was already 'sleeping' with him in his bed. In truth, I was planning to seduce my boyfriend. Peeta would never initiate having sex with me unless I permitted it. I just didn't know how. I wished Madge was here to help me.

"I got the dinner with the just the two of us alone part," he snorted. I scowled. This was difficult for me. If started to make–– "You got it. Whatever else you and Peeta want that I can grant just ask." I was stunned. Haymitch must have noticed. "I'm not an ogre, you know. I know what…little time you have left."

"Oh, okay. So tomorrow night I can have dinner with Peeta here alone?"

"Sure." he nodded his head. This was too easy and too good to be true. I expected a shoe to drop.

"What about Effie? Would she even permit it?" If she had a problem with me sleeping leaving us alone for the evening was out of the question.

"I'll handle Effie," he said in a smug manner. I snorted. "What? I'm agreeing to do this and if I can't convince her? You're out of luck." He had a point.

Peeta and Effie hadn't returned so we followed after them. My knees buckled at the sight on my boyfriend. His shirt was off. Mind you, I've seen him half naked wearing a pair of black boxer short, but he was injured and unconscious at the time. Ogling at injured Peeta was not a complete turn on. Effie and the stylists were right, he was still on the skinny side, but I admired his physique nonetheless. He had muscular forearms and biceps from years of kneading bread and carrying 100 lbs of flour giving him a well-built upper body that was tapered with a lean muscular waist. Though we have been 'sleeping' together we haven't explored that part of our relationship. One I hope to rectify before entering the arena.

The medic was touching the back on his head. It was a woman, of course. I tried not to balk and scowl at her. After all she was treating him. "What's the verdict?" Haymitch asked with a touch of concern in his voice.

"Other than the bruise on his head, he's fine. No concussion," she said as she ran her fingers through her hair. Then she had a nerve to place a hand on his face cupping his cheek. "He's more than fine." I growled. Haymitch quickly accessed my reaction.

"Oh, then thank you for coming to visit and taking care of Peeta," he said as he placed a hand on her elbow and assisted her to the front door.

"Thank you for coming so quickly," Effie said. "I'm sorry to have interrupted your dinner."

"Oh, please call me anytime," the medic gushed. "Bye Peeta." She waved her hand.

"Peeta, shirt." I pointed to the discarded item next to him. He knew not to argue. That night I lay my head on Peeta's chest. It was my spot. I couldn't sleep. We had been in bed for an hour so I watched his face for while his chest moving up and down as he breathed through his nose. His eyes fluttered behind his lids. Was he having a bad dream? Should I wake him? Suddenly, he moaned not a painful one but one of pleasure. Was he dreaming of me?

I smiled then blushed as I watch a tent grow from below his waistline. I shouldn't be lusting after him knowing that in a few days we were going to the arena to fight for our lives. Only one person was crowned as tribute. I wanted it to be Peeta. He had so much to offer, so much love to give. He deserved to live. His bloodline cannot die. If this was the only time and chance I have with Peeta I wasn't going to feel guilty about it.

Since arriving at the Capitol and reuniting with him, he had easily let me into his bed with open arms as it was the most natural thing to do. I felt relief and gratitude to be with him even for short time. I wasn't going to take our time for granted. That first night was the best sleep I had in weeks. It was ironic that we were bed together at the Capitol. Peeta was tense most of time. I could see it in eyes and in his posture. He didn't sleep well as he tossed and turned waking me at times, but I didn't care. In his delirious state, I would wrap my arms around him and sooth him as best I could. He woke early regardless of the lack of sleep.

At the training facility, he was tribute Peeta putting us through a rigorous workout. I knew what he was doing but I missed my Peeta, the one that held me at night when we were alone in his bed as we talked and shared kisses in the dark. Even though he was exhausted and stressed, he put up a front with everyone, but I knew he was as scared as I was. It's quiet moments like this that I looked forward to at each end of the day.

Curious, I slowly pulled the sheet from his waistline. He wore a pair of sleeping pants and a T-shirt as he was warm to touch even though the air was cool from the air conditioner. He was impressive as his cock strained with the material of his pants. 'Oh dear God, help me,' my mind sputtered as patch of wetness soaked my panties. Panting through my mouth, I was tempted to reach out and touch him when he turned towards me. "Katniss," he whispered in his sleep. I gasped as his length was pressed between the cleft of my legs.

"Shit," I muttered to myself as a strange and tingly feeling burst between my legs radiating down to my toes and up my spine. It surprised me as I rolled my eyes enjoying the sensation. Did I just––? It was different from any sensation I have ever felt in my life. Different from the time when Peeta played with my breast with his tongue, it was overwhelming. The next thing I knew I woke in bed, alone. I pressed my hand to Peeta's side of the bed. It was cool so I knew he had been up for at last an hour. The clock read 5:45am––baker's hours.

So I got out of bed, dressed and headed to kitchen. I knew my boyfriend. Where else would he be? The suite was quiet and cold. I reached the kitchen to find Peeta kneading dough with his hands with purpose and concentration. He wore an apron over a simple white T-shirt and dark cotton pants. There was a smudge of flour on his cheeks and nose his hair in disarray as if he got out of bed and didn't bother to comb his hair. I loved it.

"Peeta?" I called out to him. He raised his head and smiled––the kind of smile reserved for me that sent a tingle down my spine.

"Good morning, love," he said. I loved it whenever he said my name but his nicknames made me blush from cheeks to ears and down to my chest.

"How long have you been up?" I asked as I took notice of the bread and cheese buns displayed on the table.

"A couple of hours," he answered. A bell tinkled alerting Peeta of his task. He turned and removed a sheet of rolls from the oven. They smelled divine. "I couldn't sleep so…"

"You could have woken me up to help you," I said as I walked over to him and held him from behind wrapping my arms around his waist as I clasped my fingers together on top of his lean stomach. I leaned my head on his back.

"You look peaceful. I didn't want to disturb you," he returned. "You looked happy." I blushed when I recalled the source of my 'happy' look on my face. He was accurate in his observation because last night I did sleep well. It was good thing I was behind him because my face felt flushed and the fluttering feeling in my stomach returned.

"What smells divine in here?" Effie announced herself. Startled, I pulled away from Peeta. "Oh, Peeta those look and smell delicious." She walked over to a sheet of cheese buns. "What are these?" She took a sniff.

"Those are my specialty, Cheese Buns," he stated with great pride. "If you give me another twenty minutes breakfast will be ready."

"What happened to my cook?" Effie asked. I was afraid that she was going to scold Peeta for taking over the kitchen. She appeared at ease and not upset.

"Oh, I hope you don't mind but I dismissed him morning," he answered. "I…didn't mean to step on anyone's toes but…" He became pensive his eyes downcast on the ground in front of him. Ready for Effie to scold him. "I'm going stir crazy and my hands was itching to do some work." I hadn't realized how stifled he felt being away from the bakery. He was missed working with his hands as I missed hunting in the forest.

"No harm done," she returned. "I'm sure he appreciate the morning off once in a while but next time tell me or let me know your plans before hand." Peeta smiled and nodded his head.

Breakfast was served much to Haymitch's delight. "I didn't realized how much I missed these," he said with a mouthful of Cheese Buns. On his plate was mound of eggs, bacon, ham and Cheese Buns.

"Haymitch, don't talk with your mouthful," Effie chided him as she tore a piece with a knife and fork and delicately placed it into her mouth. "It's rude and disgusting."

"Yes, mom," he baited her. Effie huffed back in annoyance.

An hour later, we were back at the training facility. Cato was absent due to his suspension. I sighed in relief as did Peeta. All day I couldn't help but stare at him, his face, body and…I couldn't help as my eyes wandered below his belly button as I tried not to imagine what his bulge felt like. I shook my head so many times I'm surprised I haven't strained my neck from the repetition. "Are you okay?" Peeta asked once we were seated for lunch. I nodded my head and grabbed his hand in assurance.

"Never better, " I answered back with a squeeze on his hand. "I'm perfect."

"Yes, you are," Peeta returned his eyes soft and yielding as his blue orbs mesmerized me. For a few seconds I had forgotten everyone around us. I was tempted to lean over and kiss him when I remembered where we were. He tilted his head and looked beyond my shoulder. "You have a fan." He gestured his head to a point behind me.

I turned around to see the little girl from District 11 seated a table away from us eating her lunch. "She's been watching you all morning," he informed me.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm surprised you haven't noticed," Peeta said. "She's been watching you for days now." I smiled and waved at her. She returned my gesture in kind. Then my thoughts became somber as I once again was faced with reality.

"How do we do this, Peeta?" I asked him in a low tone. "How do I fight to kill someone like her?" I gestured to the girl from 11. "She's small and fragile, a girl like her wouldn't last a day at the arena," I predicted. She reminded me that Prim was once in my place. Thank God she was rescued and in good hands. The light in Peeta's eyes dimmed.

"I don't know," he admitted. "I'm barely getting over the one we…" He reminded me of the encounter in the forest. The two peacekeepers we killed in order to stay alive. I had pushed the memory in the back of my head and concentrated on my relationship and feelings for Peeta. But late at night, sometimes an image flashed in my head of that fateful day. "You'll be okay, Katniss."

After lunch, Peeta put us through a rigorous exercise of running, climbing and weights. Something I said instigated his need to train us harder, to push us harder than before. I was tired by the time Haymitch arrived.

In the hovercar, I lay my head on Peeta's shoulder. "I didn't meant to push you too hard today."

"You did, but I understood why?" I said. Once we were inside the underground parking, Peeta and I excited the car.

"I'm not going to be around for dinner," Haymitch announced. "Neither will Effie."

"What?" Peeta said in alarm. "What's going on?"

"Katniss? You explain to Peeta what's going on," he returned as he closed the car door. He opened the window and stuck his head out. "I made plans to have dinner with Antoine and Dessie this evening. You kids are on your own." He gestured to Peeta. "I need to speak with you for a moment. They talked for a second or two. I noticed that Peeta's cheeks grew pink while Haymitch spoke to him. I heard Haymitch said something about a 'packet' which made Peeta blush harder. Then they were done. Haymitch waved and winked at me then the car sped off.

"What was that about?" I asked.

"Nothing, Katniss," he answered. His face was still pink and he avoided my eyes. "He said to have a great time. That's all." I knew there was more to it but didn't press the matter.

Suddenly, I felt nervous and anxious. Should I have asked if Peeta wanted this––to spend time alone?

"Katniss?" My boyfriend looked worried. I didn't mean to cause him any confusion or worry. "What's going on?"

"I asked Haymitch…" I started as I stumbled for words to say. This was not going well. I cleared my throat. I had been looking forward to this all day. Peeta is my boyfriend, the man I love. I shouldn't feel embarrassed or anxious to spend time with him, alone. It wasn't as if we had never been alone before. Those times flashed in my mind. I loved every moment we had spent.

But I was nervous because I was––trying to seduce him as any girl in love with her boyfriend. I wanted to have sex with him. Was it reasonable and not too much to ask? We could be dead in the next couple of weeks. I gathered my courage and pushed my nervousness and anxiety aside.

"I asked Haymitch if we could spend the last few days alone here at the suite…to have…for a dinner just for the two of us." I held my breath for a second.

Peeta's face lit up and his eyes twinkled with glee. Then next thing I knew his body crushed mine pressing my breasts onto his hard chest as he twirled us around in a circle. "Katniss, Katniss," he repeated over and over. When my feet finally landed on the ground, we were both out of breath and dizzy. "How did you manage to convince Haymitch and Effie to do this?"

"It didn't take much," I said. "Haymitch agreed right away."

"And Effie?" I shrugged my shoulders.

"Haymitch said he'd talked to her so she agreed."

"This is…" he was stunned. I never thought that he would be speechless. "I can't believe that Haymitch would leave us alone for the evening."

"I told him that I wanted time alone with you," I explained.

"Well, you did it." He hugged me again and twirled us into circle. His joy and happiness was infectious. "So what's the plan?" My mind swirled with images of what I wanted to do, but didn't know how to voice it. "Wait, I know." I sighed relief as he took over. "Let's take a shower first." My brows lifted in shock as he headed for this room. 'Let's take a shower first,' his words echoed in my head as images of wet and naked Peeta, with his hands all over me doing––

"Get the grime and the day off our skin." He removed his shirt as I followed him into the corridor. I was in a daze and so turned on. Geez, I stared at the muscles on his back. I gulped. "I want to make dinner for us." 'Huh?'

"I've dreamt of this, cooking dinner for the two of us," he said as he turned around. There was a patch of light blond hair on his chest. Not a lot but enough to make him appear manly and sexy.

"Peeta, I arranged to have dinner catered this evening," I informed him. I had our night planned out. Dinner, maybe dancing and then…He looked disappointed.

"Oh," he said. "Okay."

"You don't like my idea?"

"No, I do, but thought…" His voice trailed off. "Okay, just let me take a shower. What time is dinner by the way?" He looked so sad and disappointed. I didn't want him to feel like that all night.

"Wait, I know I planned this but… if you want to make dinner for us I can cancel the order. It's supposed to arrive at 7," I informed him.

"No, you arranged to have quiet night with just the two of us––," he started but I interrupted him.

"Yes, that true but I wouldn't mind you making dinner for us," I stated. It was thoughtful of him and sexy. I wanted us to do what he wanted first––take a shower together.

"Really, you don't mind cancelling," he said his eyes lit again. I nodded. "You won't regret, I promise." He turned and headed to his room and like a puppy I followed him. God, this is it. As I entered his room, he disappeared into his bathroom and closed the door. Damn, he was a tease. What was I thinking that he would want to have sex with me in the shower as our first time? He meant to take a shower alone. Frustration bubbled in my belly.

I took several cleansing breaths to calm my rattled nerves. 'He was trying to kill me.'

An hour later we're in the kitchen preparing our dinner. It was fun with just the two of us. At first Peeta wanted to make our dinner alone stating that he wanted me to relax and not do a single thing. I wouldn't let him.

"But Katniss," he whined like a little boy. "I wanted to surprise you with my cooking." I kissed him quickly.

"That's sweet but it's not going to happen," I said. "When I said I wanted to spend time with you and if it meant preparing our dinner, I don't mind. I just want to be around you."

"Well, I want to be around you too," he blushed.

'He was trying to kill me.' I worked beside him as I cut vegetables for the lamb stew. I suggested the meal and Peeta agreed as we both wanted comfort food that reminded us of home. Along with the stew he was making more Cheese Bread. I tried not to stare at him but it was futile to resist. Every time he passed me my nervous were rattled. I watched his every move, his hands and fingers as he kneaded bread, the way the muscle on forearms and biceps bunched together. I wondered how he'd react if I jumped right now and let him have his way with me on the kitchen counter. Would he strip me of my clothes and run his tongue down to my––

"Katniss?" His voice interrupted my fantasy.

"Huh?" I croaked my throat and mouth felt dry.

"When you're done cutting the vegetable would you mind starting the salad?" he said. "And I know you don't like cherry tomatoes but you can put some aside for me." He popped one in to his mouth. My eyes were glued to his lips. I cannot believe how obsessed I am to wanting to have sex with Peeta. I never wanted or felt like this before. But it's with Peeta. 'He was trying to kill me.'

With dinner prepped, we needed for the stew to cook for at least an hour. "I'm going to make us dessert," Peeta announced. Dessert? Like a Peeta dessert him on the bed while I pepper him with kisses all over his body. My mouth watered at the thought. 'Stop,' my lusty mind screamed at me. "I'm going to create something different for this occasion." I pouted.

Why isn't he affected like I am? Wanting him so much I wanted to crumble to the floor? I trembled at the sight of him. Didn't he want me? My insecurity surfaced. 'Don't go there.' Of course, he wants you. He loves you. I just had to be patient for we had all night.

I quickly excused myself and headed to my bedroom. On my bed was simple black dress nothing fancy. Effie was kind enough to get it for me once she learned from Haymitch of my plans. With the dress, she also got me a pair of silver two-inch heels and a necklace. I needed a few moments to collect myself while Peeta made dessert. I lingered in my room to put my mind and body at ease. Forty-five minutes hour later, I exited my room and went to surprise Peeta.

His mouth hung opened once he saw me. "Katniss," he said my name with awe and adoration. "You look beautiful." He looked stunned.

"Thank you," I returned.

"Oh, I need to change," he said as he passed me. "I'm under dressed." He pointed to his shirt and pants. There were smatters of flour and grease on his shirt. I pouted as he disappeared once again into his bedroom. I sighed. I decided to set the table while I waited for him to change. He did most of the work so it was the least I could do.

Minutes later, he reappeared. He wore a pair of dark blue pants with matching jacket and shirt that matched the color of his eyes. It was a suit I've never seen before. He looked dashing and handsome. Dinner was served. The lamb stew smelled delicious. I was so nervous I hardly tasted it but did my best to eat. I didn't want to faint from hunger when I finally got Peeta to bed. He tucked into his meal like a man starved. For dessert Peeta made chocolate cheesecake sprinkled with bits of raspberry and with a dollop of vanilla icing. I couldn't pass it up since he worked hard to make it for me.

I moaned when I took a bite. Dessert was creamy, smooth and decadent. I couldn't help but moan in appreciation. Peeta's eyes grew wide at my reaction as he fidgeted in his seat. We quietly ate our dessert our eyes lingering at each other. Once I was done, Peeta stood up and extended his hand. He looked so handsome that he took my breath away.

"Dance with me," he said his voice raspy. I nodded my head. He led us to the main room, the living room which had an open space to dance in. Peeta went to a panel and played with screen looking at menu. After a couple of minutes, soft music filtered into the room. With his hand on small of back and the other extended, we swayed to the music. When the next song started, I lay my head on his shoulder needing to feel him. His arm on my back wrapped around my waist inching closer to him. I wanted to feel like this forever, in love and happy.

An hour passed or did it? The only thing knew was that I was alone with Peeta in the penthouse suite. No Effie or Haymitch. "Katniss?"

"Hmm," I hummed on his chest. I was too comfortable to speak.

"Thank you for doing this," he said. I lifted my head to look into his eyes. They were soft and yielding. "I know that I've been pushing you hard and you haven't complained one bit. You're been the best girlfriend ever."

"How many did you have?" I teased him. He panicked. "I'm kidding, Peeta. I know I'm you're first girlfriend."

"You're my only girlfriend," he said as he kissed my forehead. "The only one I ever wanted."

"And you're the only boyfriend I never knew I wanted," I admitted. "I didn't want one ever." His face shut done. Shit, I ruined the moment.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be here. Prim wouldn't have been reaped. You've would have been––"

"Lonely, miserable and alone not knowing what it felt like to be loved," I finished for him. I also wanted to say jaded and bitter but stopped myself. He needed to stop berating and blaming himself. I just didn't know how to convince him. I pulled his hand and led him to a couch. "Sit." Once he sat down I situated myself on his lap so he couldn't run or avoid me.

"You listen to me. I'm only going to say this once. I admit that I never wanted a boyfriend––"

"But what about Gale––?"

"Gale? What about him? We were friends and hunting partners for years. And during that time I had never, never looked at him than more than a friend. He never fit in my plans. Mom expected me to marry him but that was her plans not mine. I didn't want to fall in love. I was too scared to and I admit that. But you…" I cupped his face with both hands. "You Peeta, you changed me for the better. I didn't expect to feel like this…feeling butterflies in my stomach whenever you're near me. Wanting you to kiss and touch me all the time. I never wanted it because I never felt I was ever going to find someone to make me feel like this."

"But––"

"I'm not done," I interjected. "With everything we endured and experienced, I have never regretted it. Never. I would rather have known these feelings you've instilled in me than not experience them at all. You know why? Because it's you. It would have only been you." I let him mull that over for a minute. "So no more telling me that you messed up my life because you didn't. You taught me real courage, strength and most of all––love." He smiled—a shy smile that made him so endearing and adorable.

"I love you, Katniss." I gasped. We haven't said those words often but only in the dark of night as held me in arms.

"I love you, too so much," My throat felt clogged with emotions––joy, relief and longing. We held each for a few minutes.

"I'm so tired," he admitted. I looked at him, really looked at him. There were slight circles underneath his eyes, his complexion pale and face gaunt. My boy was exhausted and I wanted to remedy that with some TLC.

"Come on, let's go to bed," I directed. I held his hand and led him to my room this time. His room was identical as mine ––same bed, pillows and cover. He was so tired that he didn't argue with me. He immediately sat on the bed and removed his shoes.

"I'll be back in a second," I said as he removed his jacket and proceeded to unbutton his shirt. I walked into the bathroom and did my business. Heaven help me incase my bladder interrupted us as I was so nervous. I washed my hands and looked into the mirror.

The girl in front me, she looked like me but at the same time she wasn't. She was different inside. She was no longer the angry and petulant person that grew from the Seam and hated the world. This girl who looked back at me was Katniss Everdeen, the MockingJay's daughter and Peeta Mellark's girlfriend. I smiled since I liked that one better. I took three cleansing breath before I existed the bathroom. I started to remove my clothes but thought better of it because I wanted Peeta to undress me. So he can discover the matching panty and bra set that Effie bought for me. I almost balked and not wore it but thought of my boyfriend who was making our dinner. I wanted to reward him for his efforts and the thought of him undressing me thrilled me to distraction.

The room was dimly lit. On the chair were Peeta's clothes, his jacket, pants and shirt neatly folded. I smirked at my boyfriend––the neat freak. On the bed lay Peeta half naked only wearing a pair of black boxer shorts. "Peeta?" He didn't answer me.

I slowly walked to the bed. There on the bed was my poor and tired boyfriend who lay fast asleep. He was so tired that he didn't even take his socks off. I sighed in frustration. This was not how I imagined the night would end. As quietly as I could I removed my dress and bra. I picked up his dress shirt and slipped it on. To say I was disappointed was an understatement, but I would rather let him sleep because he desperately needed it and my libido could wait. There was always tomorrow.

"I love you Peeta Mellark," I said as I kissed his lip gently as not to wake. I lay my head on his chest. This time I didn't stay awake like I did the night before. I closed my eyes and listened to Peeta's breath as it lulled me to sleep.

AN: Thank you for reading this chapter. Many thanks to those who alerted, favored and wrote reviews. I can't tell you how much they mean to me. I look forward to your reactions and comments. My personal thanks to DramionEverlarklover26, pistonsfans75, LACR, Cassie Sharpie, jroseley, 32sheshe, Nai1987, pumpkinking5, mar071, J, and guests.

Any blatant errors or mistakes found are my own. All of you have been very patient and wonderful. Thanks again for taking his journey with me. Have a great week.