Reading became a kind of therapy for me and Peeta. He would always come over and bring books to stock the shelf in my bedroom. We would sit ourselves down on the bed and read together. Peeta would hold the book, and I would lean my head on his shoulder. This method worked out, as we both read at the same pace. Occasionally, I would hold the book, just so that he wouldn't get tired. By a month, we had read all of Peeta's books. Now I could say I've read everything from the Jungle Book, to Lord of the Flies (which was quite dark), to even Hamlet.
What I didn't notice right away was how comfortable I was getting with Peeta.
First, all I would do was rest my head on his shoulder or lap. Next thing I know, his arms are wrapped around me and I'm sitting on his lap. The most confusing part of all of it is that I am ok with it. What ever happened to the reserved, tough Katniss? President Snow and his games might have had something to do with it, as he had destroyed many other things about me. And right now, the only person to blame is him, so I didn't hesitate to mentally do so.
Maybe I needed Peeta's comfort, or maybe is that he needed mine. But whatever it was, I didn't mind one bit. So after that month of reading had passed, I was perfectly fine with him kissing me on the cheek as he walked back to his house for the night. And I knew that he would be ok if I were to do the same. It's a funny effect, you know. Out of all things, reading is bringing us back together. That's something I've never thought I'd say.
The next day, as I was about to go on a morning hunt in the woods, I came across a package on my front porch. It was perfectly white and had metallic silver tape running across it. I immediately could tell it was from the Capitol. As I was inspecting the package, I heard someone's familiar footsteps crunch on the gravel sidewalk. I looked up, and sure enough, was Peeta.
"Good Morning!" I greeted.
"Morning!" He smiled and walked up my porch, but then stopped when he saw the package.
"Oh! They came," he exclaimed, a smile creeping on his face.
"What? What is it?" He pulled me inside and hauled the heavy box on the table with ease. I didn't know he still had it in him.
"What's in the box!" I couldn't hold my curiosity for much longer.
"You'll see!" He said as he slashed it open with a knife.
Inside the box was an array of books. Classics. There were also several CDs with music from centuries ago. The years on the CDs ranged from 2000, to 2085. The era of music. Along with the music, there were cases of movies. This time, they ranged from the 1900s to the 2100s. The collection of 'artifacts' excited me, maybe even a little bit too much.
"HOW? How did you find these?!" I asked, amazed.
"Special treatment from the Capitol. You know, being part of the rebellion AND surviving 2 Hunger Games really does give you some sort of fame, Katniss."
Of course it gives you fame. It depends on if you are respected. Then, people will give you free stuff.
"Wait...this didn't cost you did it?" I asked, hoping he would say no.
"Nope. Not one penny."
"Ok, good."
The sun was rising and it shone through my window and right at my eyes. The sun! I needed to get hunting!
"Oh, shoot! I have to go hunting! I'll be back at noon!" I ran through the doorway, but still managed to catch a quick hug from Peeta as I left.